Tony Kovaleski: Award-Winning Investigative Reporter at KMGH-TV Denver
Tony Kovaleski is a distinguished American investigative journalist. He is currently the Chief Investigative Reporter at KMGH-TV (Denver7) in Denver, Colorado.
Born in Michigan and raised in San Jose, California, he graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in broadcast journalism.
While at the university, he served as the sports director for the campus radio station KSJS in 1981 and 1982.
Early in his career, Kovaleski worked as a reporter for several television stations, including KIEM-TV in Eureka, California; KTVN in Reno, Nevada; KNXV and KTVK in Phoenix, Arizona; and KPRC-TV in Houston, Texas.
He first joined KMGH in Denver as an investigative reporter in June 2001. From 2012 to 2015, he served as the chief investigative reporter at KNTV in San Jose, California, before returning to KMGH in November 2015 as an investigative reporter.
In addition to his work at KMGH, the station’s owner, The E.W. Scripps Company, also appointed Kovaleski as an investigative reporting trainer for journalists at other Scripps stations.
Throughout his career, Tony Kovaleski has received numerous national and local awards, including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award in 2010, the National Emmy Award for Investigative Reporting in 2011, the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting, the Sigma Delta Chi Award, and the National Headliner Award.
His Emmy Awards total over 25, recognizing his work in writing, investigative reporting, live reporting, and journalistic enterprise.
The Colorado Broadcasters Association named him the state’s “Best Specialty Reporter” in 2004 and 2006, and in 1997, the Texas Associated Press recognized him as “Reporter of the Year.”
In December 2011, 5280 Magazine in Denver acknowledged Kovaleski and his colleagues as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Colorado, with their investigative team ranking 27th.
Kovaleski is also a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and serves as a faculty member at the National Center for Courts and Media at the University of Nevada’s Reynolds School of Journalism.
He is also active in community initiatives, volunteering with the Special Olympics, Better Business Bureau, and programs like “Coats for Colorado.”
Age:
Tony Kovaleski was born on December 21, 1959, making him 65 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. Additionally, he is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Upbringing, Parents:
Tony Kovaleski, born Anthony Carl Kovaleski in Iron River, Michigan, spent his early childhood in this small, rural Upper Peninsula town known for its tight-knit community and Polish-American heritage.
His family relocated to San Jose, California, where he was raised during his formative years. San Jose, a burgeoning hub in the 1960s and 1970s, provided a contrast to Iron River, exposing Kovaleski to a more diverse, urban setting that likely influenced his interest in storytelling and journalism.
Kovaleski has reflected on his childhood, noting an “insatiable curiosity” about how things worked, which he credits as a precursor to his investigative journalism career.
This curiosity manifested early, suggesting a supportive environment that encouraged inquiry.
His upbringing in San Jose included attending San Jose State University, where he earned a degree in broadcast journalism and served as sports director for the campus radio station KSJS in 1981 and 1982, indicating a stable educational foundation.
Parents
Tony Kovaleski was born to Adeline “Addi” Kovaleski and Tony Sr. Kovaleski.
Addi, who passed away on December 4, 2023, was a vibrant figure who worked at Denny’s for 18 years until retiring in 2021 at age 92.
After moving from San Jose to Green Valley, Arizona, in 1997, she became a beloved community member, known for her warmth and involvement in local social scenes, including karaoke nights and the American Legion.
Tony described her as someone who “could have been elected mayor of Green Valley” due to her extensive connections and genuine care for others.
Addi’s relocation to Green Valley was initially reluctant, but she embraced the community, suggesting resilience and adaptability that may have influenced Tony’s own tenacity.
Tony Sr. passed away in 2000, and little public information details his life or profession.
Wife:
Tony Kovaleski is married, though he has kept his wife’s name and details private.
Together, they have three daughters—Jennifer, Brianna, and Brooke—each carving distinct professional paths while maintaining close family ties.
Jennifer Kovaleski, born August 5 in Reno, Nevada, followed her father’s footsteps as an investigative reporter, working alongside him at KMGH-TV (Denver7) until 2023, when she joined ABC15 in Phoenix; she is married to Doug Nisenson.
Brianna Kovaleski, a nurse, contributes to public service through healthcare and is married to Max Lewandowski.
Brooke Kovaleski, a Management Trainee at Enterprise, pursues a business career and is married to Frank Dylan Kritz.
Together, the sisters, their husbands, and their parents form a tight-knit family, often engaging in community service with organizations like the Special Olympics and “Coats for Colorado,” reflecting Tony’s values of impact and advocacy.
Height, Weight:
Tony Kovaleski’s estimated height is between 5’10” and 6’0″ (178–183 cm), and his weight is likely around 160–180 pounds (73–82 kg).
Career and Background:
Tony Kovaleski graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
He began his career at KIEM-TV in Eureka, California, and worked at several stations including KTVN (Reno, NV), KNXV and KTVK (Phoenix, AZ), and KPRC-TV (Houston, TX). In 2001, he joined KMGH-TV in Denver as an investigative reporter.
His notable work includes the documentary “33 Minutes to 34 Right,” which led to significant changes in Denver’s emergency response procedures.
In 2011, he moved to KNTV in San Jose, California, before returning to KMGH-TV in 2015.
KIEM-TV (Eureka, California)
Tony Kovaleski began his journalism career at KIEM-TV in the early 1980s, where he worked as a reporter.
This role provided him with foundational experience in broadcast journalism, covering local stories and developing his investigative skills.
KTVN (Reno, Nevada)
At KTVN, Kovaleski continued to refine his reporting abilities. His work here involved covering regional news and investigative pieces, further establishing his reputation as a dedicated journalist.
KNXV and KTVK (Phoenix, Arizona)
In Phoenix, Late 1980s–early 1990s, Kovaleski worked at both KNXV and KTVK.
These roles allowed him to delve deeper into investigative journalism, tackling significant issues and holding powerful entities accountable.
His reporting here showcased his ability to uncover systemic flaws and drive impactful changes.
KPRC-TV (Houston, Texas)
At KPRC-TV in the early 1990s, Kovaleski’s investigative reporting gained further recognition.
He covered major stories and exposed critical issues, solidifying his reputation as a tenacious journalist committed to uncovering the truth.
KNTV (San Jose, California)
From 2012 to 2015, Kovaleski served as the Chief Investigative Reporter at KNTV. His reporting led to significant changes, such as improved fare enforcement measures for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.
His work here demonstrated his ability to drive policy changes through investigative journalism.
KMGH-TV (Denver, Colorado) – June 2001–2011; November 2015–present
Kovaleski joined KMGH-TV in 2001 as an investigative reporter. During his tenure, he produced award-winning investigations, including the documentary “33 Minutes to 34 Right,” which highlighted flaws in emergency ambulance response times at Denver International Airport.
This documentary led to significant changes in emergency response procedures and earned him prestigious awards such as the Edward R. Murrow Award and the duPont-Columbia Award.
After leaving the station in 2011, he returned in 2015 as the Chief Investigative Reporter, continuing to deliver impactful stories.
His investigations during this period included:
- 2008–2009 Ambulance Response Investigation: His documentary 33 Minutes to 34 Right exposed a 33-minute delay in ambulance response to a 2008 Continental Airlines crash at DIA, leading to a permanent ambulance station and policy changes. The report won the duPont-Columbia Award, Sigma Delta Chi, Edward R. Murrow, and National Headliner Awards.
- 2010 Pinnacol Assurance Exposé: Revealed board members’ lavish trips, resulting in board restructuring and new travel regulations.
- Najibullah Zazi Documentary: Produced The Colorado Terrorist, detailing FBI efforts in a major post-9/11 terrorism case.
- Other Investigations: Exposed Denver’s 911 system failures, the death of Emily Rice in jail due to missing surveillance footage, and the hunt for Darrent Williams’ killer.
Kovaleski left in 2011 for KNTV but returned in November 2015 as Chief Investigative Reporter and Scripps’ corporate investigative trainer.
Since returning, he has exposed issues like data manipulation in Colorado’s water testing, mismanagement at Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health (leading to its closure), and suspicious ballots in Denver, sparking further investigations.
He also reported on a Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent’s use of a racial slur, highlighting preferential treatment allegations.
His work at KMGH earned him a 2011 National Emmy Award for Investigative Reporting and recognition as one of Colorado’s 50 Most Powerful People in 2011 by 5280 Magazine alongside colleagues John Ferrugia and Theresa Marchetta, the only journalists on the list.
Tony Kovaleski’s colleagues at KMGH-TV (Denver7):
- Jaclyn Allen – Consumer Investigator: Focuses on consumer-related investigations, uncovering scams and holding businesses accountable.
- Shannon Ogden – Anchor: Works closely with the team to present investigative findings.
- Joe Vaccarelli – Investigative Reporter: Works on uncovering systemic issues and reporting on impactful stories.
- Natalie Chuck – Investigative Reporter: Covers in-depth stories on critical issues affecting the Colorado community.
- Colette Bordelon – Investigative Reporter: Digs into stories that highlight injustices and bring about change.
- Lisa Hidalgo – Meteorologist: Occasionally supports investigations related to environmental issues.
- Jeff Todd – Investigative Reporter: Specializes in uncovering data-driven stories and holding institutions accountable.
Net Worth and Salary:
Is Tony Kovaleski Married?
Yes, Tony Kovaleski is married, but his wife’s details remain private. Together, they have three daughters: Jennifer (a reporter at Denver7), Brianna (a nurse), and Brooke. The family shares a close bond.
How Old Is Tony Kovaleski?
Tony Kovaleski was born on December 21, 1959, making 65 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Tony Kovaleski Working?
Tony Kovaleski is currently working at KMGH-TV (Denver7) in Denver, Colorado, where he serves as the Chief Investigative Reporter.
In this role, he leads the Denver7 Investigates team, focusing on uncovering systemic issues, holding institutions accountable, and driving meaningful change through impactful journalism.
Tony Kovaleski is active on social media. He maintains a presence on several platforms, sharing insights into his investigative work and engaging with the public.
X (formerly Twitter): @TonyKovaleski
Tony frequently posts updates on his investigative reports and interacts with his audience.Instagram: @tonykovaleskidenver7
His Instagram features behind-the-scenes glimpses of his reporting and personal moments. Facebook: Tony Kovaleski
His Facebook page includes videos and stories related to his investigative journalism.
These platforms provide a comprehensive view of Tony Kovaleski’s work and offer avenues for public engagement.
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