Kaity Tong Biography: Age, Husband, Career, and More | WPIX

Kaity Tong Biography: WPIX News Anchor’s Career, Life, and Achievements

Kaity Tong is a renowned Chinese-born American broadcast journalist with a long and successful career in New York City television news. She has been a fixture on WPIX News since 1992, anchoring the station’s weekend newscasts and, at times, weeknight broadcasts.

Early Life and Career

Born in China, Tong moved to the United States at a young age.Kaity’s passion for journalism was evident early on, and she pursued a degree in English literature at Bryn Mawr College. She later obtained her Master’s degree in Asian Studies at Stanford University, where she initially intended to become an academic before turning to journalism.

Notable Roles

• WABC-TV: Tong gained significant recognition during her time at WABC-TV, where she co-anchored the evening newscasts. Her tenure was marked by her professional demeanor and ability to deliver breaking news with authority.
• WPIX: In 1992, Tong joined WPIX as the station’s top female anchor. She has remained with the station for many years, anchoring the weekend newscasts and occasionally filling in on weekdays

In addition to her professional achievements, Kaity is actively involved in various charitable organizations and community activities. She has received several awards for her contributions to journalism and her community service.

Age

Kaity Tong was born on July 23, 1947, which makes her 77 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Leo. She is of Asian (Chinese) ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings

Kaity Tong was born in Qingdao, China to George Tong, who worked as an airline executive, and Anita Tong, a prominent English literature professor.Kaity moved to the United States with her family when she was four years old. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where she developed an early interest in journalism.

Her family lineage is distinguished, with her great-uncle being the famous Chinese poet Xu Zhimo. There is limited public information available about her siblings, if any.

Husband

Kaity Tong has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Robert Long, a fellow news anchor, and they have a son named Philip Long. They divorced in 2009. Later, she married Patrick Callahan, a professional photographer, but they have since divorced as well. Currently, Kaity Tong is not married.

Height, Weight

Kaity Tong stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). Her weight is around 60 kg (132 lbs).

Career and Background

Kaity Tong has had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism spanning several decades. She began her career at KPIX-TV in San Francisco in 1976, initially hired as a writer but quickly promoted to a reporter. In 1979, she moved to KCRA-TV in Sacramento, where she co-anchored the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

In 1981, Kaity joined WABC-TV in New York City, where she co-anchored the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. She became a well-known figure in New York, working alongside notable anchors like Tom Snyder and Ernie Anastos. In 1992, she joined WPIX-TV, where she has been a mainstay ever since, anchoring various newscasts, including the 10 p.m. news.

Throughout her career, Kaity has been recognized for her contributions to journalism, earning several awards and accolades. She is known for her professionalism, dedication, and ability to connect with viewers.

Kaity Tong has had a remarkable career with many memorable moments. Here are a few highlights:

Memorable Moments

1. Early Career Breakthrough: Kaity Tong began her television career as a reporter for KPIX-TV in San Francisco in 1976. Her first on-air story was about the new carts transporting people around the airport.
2. WABC-TV Milestone: In 1981, she joined WABC-TV in New York City. Within two years, she became co-anchor of the station’s 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.
3. 9/11 Coverage: Kaity Tong was part of the team that covered the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Her coverage earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Event Coverage.
4. Governor’s Award: In 2018, she received the prestigious Governor’s Award from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, recognizing her significant contributions to the industry.
5. Long Tenure at WPIX: Since joining WPIX-TV in 1992, she has become a beloved figure in New York journalism, anchoring the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on weekends.

Kaity Tong has received several Emmy Awards throughout her career, with some of the most notable being for her coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Emmy Award-Winning Coverage

1. “9/11 America Remembers” (2003): Kaity Tong was part of the team that covered the tragic events of 9/11. This coverage earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Event Coverage. The broadcast provided comprehensive and sensitive reporting on the aftermath of the attacks, highlighting the resilience and unity of New Yorkers during a time of crisis.
2. “WB11 News at 10: 9/11 Day of Tribute” (2004): Another Emmy Award came for Outstanding Single Newscast over 35 Minutes for this special broadcast. The program was a tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11, offering in-depth stories and reflections on the impact of the attacks three years later.

These awards underscore Kaity Tong’s ability to handle significant and sensitive news events with professionalism and empathy. Her work during these challenging times has left a lasting impact on her audience and the field of journalism.

Net Worth and Salary

Kaity Tong has an estimated net worth of $4.5 million, accumulated from her decades-long career in broadcast journalism. Her annual salary is reportedly around $750,000, reflecting her experience and status in the industry.

Is Kaity Tong Married?

Kaity Tong was previously married to Robert Long and later to Patrick Callahan. As of now, there is no public information indicating that she is currently married.

How Old Is Kaity Tong?

Kaity Tong is 77 years old. She was born on July 23, 1947.

Where Is Kaity Tong or Is She Still Working at WPIX?

Kaity Tong is still actively working at WPIX, where she continues to work as a news anchor for WPIX-TV, where she anchors the 10 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts. Recently, she took a brief hiatus due to a health issue but plans to return to the air soon. Her dedication to journalism and her long tenure at WPIX have made her an iconic presence in New York media.