Chris Tanaka: Emmy-Winning Journalist and WBZ-TV Co-Anchor

Chris Tanaka: An Emmy and Associated Press Award-Winning Journalist

Chris Tanaka, an accomplished journalist, currently co-anchors the 5:30 PM newscast on WBZ-TV alongside Paula Ebben. He also leads the 8 PM news on TV38. Tanaka joined WBZ in 2022 after an impressive tenure in Cleveland, Ohio.

Throughout his career, Chris has covered both news and sports across various states, including Montana, Colorado, Hawaii, and California. Despite his extensive travels, he remains excited to return to his New England roots.

Notable for reporting on community events, human interest stories, and local initiatives in the Massachusetts area—particularly Boston—Chris Tanaka brings a unique perspective to his work. His recent participation in the 2024 Boston Marathon, where he finished with a time of 4 hours, 44 minutes, and 53 seconds, exemplifies his commitment to both journalism and personal challenges.

Background and Personal Details:

• Age and Nationality: Born in Taipei, Taiwan, in May 1970, Chris Tanaka is approximately 53 years old. He holds American nationality and is half-Japanese.
• Family Roots: Chris lived in Amman, Jordan, until the age of seven. His father’s Lakewood roots connect him profoundly to New England.
• Marital Status: Chris Tanaka is married and has two sons. While details about his wife remain undisclosed, the family resides in Lakewood, close to where his father grew up.
• Physical Attributes: Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighing 285 pounds (129 kilograms), Chris Tanaka is a formidable presence.

Career Highlights:

Chris Tanaka is currently an anchor and reporter at WBZ-TV, starting in 2022. In addition to his work in journalism, Chris is the Vice President of Product Management at Thermo King, showcasing his versatility as a professional.

Chris began his career as a sports reporter and news anchor at KDVR-FOX31 in Denver in November 2003. He then rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the sports director until he left in May 2011. He then moved to Hawaii News Now in June 2011, where he served as the sports director for two years before transitioning into news broadcastin

Chris Tanaka’s career spans over two decades in journalism:

1. WBZ | CBS Boston (Aug 2022 – Present): Co-anchors the 5:30 PM and 8 PM newscasts.
2. WOIO (Aug 2016 – Aug 2022): Primary Evening Anchor in Cleveland, Ohio.
3. Hawaii News Now (Jun 2011 – Jul 2016): Initially hired as Sports Director, later promoted to News Anchor/Reporter.
4. KDVR – FOX31 Denver (Nov 2003 – May 2011): Started as a Sports Producer/Reporter and eventually became Sports Director.

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.

Net Worth and Salary:

While Chris Tanaka’s net worth isn’t publicly available, estimates place it between $1 million and $5 million. His annual salary ranges from $50,000 to $150,000.

Is Chris Tanaka Married?

Yes, Chris Tanaka is married and has two sons. Unfortunately, his wife’s name remains undisclosed. The family resides in Lakewood with their two sons.

How Old Is Chris Tanaka?

Chris Tanaka is approximately 53 years old, having been born in May 1970.

Where Is Chris Tanaka?

Chris Tanaka is currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, working with WBZ | CBS Boston. He co-anchors the 5:30 PM newscast on WBZ-TV with Paula Ebben and the 8 PM news on TV38. He joined WBZ in 2022 after working in Cleveland, Ohio. You can follow him on Twitter for more updates.

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.