Chris Tanaka: An Emmy and Associated Press Award-Winning Journalist
Chris Tanaka is an Emmy and Associated Press award-winning journalist who currently co-anchors WBZ News Mornings with Paula Ebben on CBS News Boston. He joined WBZ-TV in August 2022.
Before arriving in Boston, Tanaka worked as the primary evening news anchor at WOIO (Cleveland 19 News) in Cleveland, Ohio, from August 2016 to August 2022.
Prior to that, he was a news anchor and reporter at Hawaii News Now from June 2011 to July 2016, where he was promoted from Sports Director.
His career also includes a stint at KDVR – FOX31 Denver, where he held various roles in the sports department from November 2003 to May 2011, eventually becoming Sports Director.
Tanaka grew up in Derry, New Hampshire, and is a graduate of Boston College, where he earned a BA degree in Communication and Media Studies (1993-1997). He also holds an MBA from Regis University (2008-2011).
Throughout his career, Tanaka has covered both news and sports in various locations across the United States, including Montana, Colorado, Hawaii, and California.
Despite his experiences in these diverse places, he expressed excitement about returning to his New England roots to work in Boston.
Chris is described as having a passion for running, golfing, and surfing, even though he admits his skill in these areas might not match his enthusiasm.
Age:
Chris Tanaka was born on August 28, 1975, making him 49 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Virgo. He is of American nationality, but details about his ethnicity are not publicly available
Parents and Siblings:
Chris Tanaka was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and spent his early childhood in Amman, Jordan, until age seven. He is half-Japanese and an American citizen.
His family then moved to Derry, New Hampshire, where he was raised. Specific details about his parents’ names or occupations are not publicly available.
Similarly, there is no documented information regarding siblings. Tanaka has kept much of his personal family background private, focusing publicly on his career and immediate family with his wife and sons.
Wife:
Chris Tanaka is married to Jenny Tanaka, who studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Together, they have two sons. His oldest son started 6th grade in 2024, while his youngest son, Connor, began 4th grade the same year.
Connor celebrates his birthday on September 5th, and Chris has shared moments of these milestones on his Instagram.
Height, Weight:
Height: Approximately 6 feet (183 cm)
Weight: Estimated around 180 lbs (82 kg)
Career and Background:
Chris Tanaka has built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism. Prior to joining WBZ-TV, he worked at various stations across the country, including in Cleveland and Miami.
Throughout his career, he has covered major national stories and received an Emmy Award for his excellence in journalism.
At WBZ-TV, he co-anchors the evening newscasts and continues to bring depth and reliability to his reporting.
- WBZ-TV (Boston, Massachusetts): Chris joined WBZ-TV in August 2022, where he co-anchors WBZ News Mornings alongside Paula Ebben. At WBZ-TV, he has been instrumental in delivering morning news with a focus on impactful storytelling and community engagement.
- WOIO-TV (Cleveland, Ohio): From August 2016 to August 2022, Chris served as the primary evening anchor. During his tenure, he covered significant local and national stories, earning recognition for his journalistic excellence.
- Hawaii News Now (Honolulu, Hawaii): Chris worked here from June 2011 to August 2016. He initially joined as a Sports Director, showcasing his expertise in sports journalism. In June 2013, he transitioned to news anchoring and reporting, where he continued to excel in delivering comprehensive news coverage.
- KDVR-FOX31 (Denver, Colorado): Between November 2003 and May 2011, Chris held roles as a Sports Producer/Reporter and later as Sports Director. His time at KDVR-FOX31 highlighted his versatility and ability to adapt to different aspects of journalism..
Hawaii – Chris Tanaka’s Journey
Chris Tanaka, the Emmy and Associated Press award-winning journalist, has an interesting career journey. Here are some key points about his time in Hawaii:
Hawaii News Now:
Chris Tanaka served as an anchor for Hawaii News Now. During his five years in Honolulu, he covered both news and sports, significantly contributing to the local media landscape.
Roots and Reconnection:
Despite Hawaii’s idyllic weather and aloha-shirt-clad news anchors, Tanaka made a significant move. He left the tropical paradise to return to his father’s roots in Cleveland, Ohio.
His father, originally from Lakewood, had a profound connection to the area. For Chris, it was both a personal and professional decision, symbolizing a return to his family’s origins and a continuation of his journalism career.
Chris Tanaka has covered a wide range of stories throughout his career, showcasing his versatility as a journalist. Some of his notable coverage includes:
- Local and National News: Chris has reported on significant events across the United States, including impactful community stories and major national developments. His work often highlights the human element behind the headlines.
- Sports Journalism: During his time as a Sports Director and reporter, Chris covered various sports events, bringing insightful analysis and engaging storytelling to his audience.
- Community Initiatives: At WBZ-TV, Chris has focused on community-driven stories, such as local events, government announcements, and cultural highlights in the Boston area.
- Special Features: Chris has also worked on unique stories, such as the transformation of a Boston brewery into a jazz club and the discovery of historical landmarks in the city.
Awards and Recognitions
Chris Tanaka has been honored for his journalism with the following:
- Emmy Award: Won in June 2019 for his work as an anchor and reporter.
- Associated Press Award: Won in April 2015, specifically for a sports series covering Marcus Mariota’s final week as a student-athlete at the University of Oregon.
- Emmy Nominations: In one year, while at WOIO Cleveland 19 News, three of his reports were nominated for Emmy Awards, including a special report titled “The Next 400: Digging into the Tangled Roots of Black Hair.”
Notable Colleagues of Chris Tanaka at WBZ-TV:
- Paula Ebben: Co-anchor of WBZ News Mornings alongside Chris Tanaka.
- Lisa Hughes: Anchor for WBZ-TV’s evening newscasts.
- David Wade: Co-anchor for WBZ-TV’s evening news programs.
- Eric Fisher: Chief Meteorologist, providing weather updates and forecasts.
- Steve Burton: Sports Director, covering sports news and events.
- Tiffany Chan: Reporter, focusing on investigative and breaking news stories.
- Breana Pitts: Traffic Reporter, delivering updates on road conditions and commuting information.
Net Worth and Salary:
While Chris Tanaka’s net worth isn’t publicly available, estimates place it between $1 million and $5 million.
Is Chris Tanaka Married?
Yes, Chris Tanaka is married to Jenny Tanaka. They have two sons and live in the Boston area.
How Old Is Chris Tanaka?
Chris Tanaka was born on August 28, 1975, which makes him 49 years old as of 2025.
What Is Chris Tanaka’s Education?
Chris Tanaka has an impressive educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Boston College in 1997.
Later, he pursued further studies and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Regis University, graduating with honors in 2011.
Where Is Chris Tanaka?
Chris Tanaka is currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, where he works as a co-anchor for WBZ News Mornings at WBZ-TV.
He joined the station in August 2022, bringing his extensive experience in journalism to the Boston community.
His role involves delivering morning news alongside Paula Ebben, focusing on impactful storytelling and community engagement.
In summary, Chris Tanaka’s journey—from covering sports in Denver to anchoring news in Boston—reflects his versatility and dedication to the field of journalism. His New England homecoming adds a personal touch to his professional achievements.
Chris Tanaka is active on social media, particularly on Instagram. He manages the account @christanakawbz, where he shares content related to his professional work and personal interests.
Notably, he features his “Walking Boston” project, in which he explores and narrates stories from various streets in Boston.
His posts often include behind-the-scenes glimpses from WBZ-TV, community events, and segments from the WBZ News Mornings team.
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