John Pastorek Biography: Award-Winning Reporter and Anchor at WBRZ-TV
John Pastorek is a veteran journalist and anchor at WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He has been with the station for nearly five decades, holding various titles such as reporter, anchor, and Director of News.
Over his career, he has received more than 100 local, state, and national journalism awards.
Pastorek is known for his excellence in documentaries, features, and special medical reporting.
He has won numerous Associated Press awards and awards from the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society and the Louisiana State Medical Society.
One of his notable achievements includes winning an Emmy for a documentary on hot air balloons.
He was born in Baton Rouge and attended Broadmoor High School.
He later earned his degree in journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Pastorek is also a music lover who enjoys playing the piano and guitar in his spare time.
Age:
John Pastorek is 70 years old, born on April 30, 1954, making him an Aries. He is of white ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
John Pastorek was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Broadmoor High School there.
He later went on to study journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism.
His parents were John Joseph “Jack” Pastorek and Rita Rose Marie “Ganie” Bossier-Pastorek.
His mother, Rita, passed away in December 2024.
John has a brother named Joe Pastorek and a sister named Alba Marie “Rietzi” Pastorek.
Wife:
John Pastorek is married to Jackie O’Beirne-Pastorek. The couple resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
They enjoy spending time together and share a love for music, with John playing the piano and guitar in his spare time.
Height, Weight:
John Pastorek stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 meters) and weighs around 150-170 pounds (68-77 kg).
His stature is in line with his presence both on and off the screen, underscoring his impressive journalistic career.
Career and Background:
John Pastorek’s career has been deeply rooted in journalism, primarily at WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He joined the station in July 1977 and has since held various roles, including reporter, anchor, and Director of News.
His journey at WBRZ-TV has spanned nearly five decades, showcasing his dedication and passion for the field.
Throughout his career, Pastorek has been involved in a wide range of reporting, from local news to international assignments.
He has traveled around the world, producing special reports and documentaries.
One of his significant assignments was covering Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm with a Baton Rouge-based Army Reserve unit, making him the only reporter from Louisiana chosen for this task.
John Pastorek has covered a wide range of impactful stories throughout his career at WBRZ-TV. Some of his notable coverage includes:
- Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: Pastorek was the only reporter from Louisiana chosen to cover this military operation with a Baton Rouge-based Army Reserve unit. His reporting provided viewers with a unique perspective on the conflict.
- Medical Reporting: Pastorek has produced numerous special reports and documentaries on medical topics, including his award-winning medical series “Reduce Your Risk.” His work in this area has been recognized by the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society and the Louisiana State Medical Society.
- The Holocaust Remembered: Pastorek’s special series on the Holocaust earned him the Erich Sternberg Humanitarian Award. This series highlighted the stories of survivors and the importance of remembering this tragic part of history.
- Sunday Journal: In this segment, Pastorek has covered various inspiring stories, such as the journey of Ann-Raleigh Murthy, an eight-year-old with Spina Bifida who helps other children and their families. He has also featured stories from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and interviews with Louisiana’s Teacher of the Year.
- Community Service: Pastorek has been recognized for his community service, including being named one of Baton Rouge’s outstanding “Volunteer Activists” in 2004. His dedication to giving back to the community is evident in his work.
Awards and Recognitions
John Pastorek has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his illustrious career, highlighting his dedication and excellence in journalism:
- Emmy Award: For a documentary on hot air balloons.
- Associated Press Awards: For documentaries, features, and special medical reporting.
- Louisiana State Medical Society Awards: For his medical series “Reduce Your Risk.”
- Erich Sternberg Humanitarian Award: For his special series “The Holocaust Remembered.”
- Outstanding Young Men of America: Named in 1983.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: From the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in 2009.
- Louisiana State Medical Society’s 2010 Award for Excellence in Medical Journalism: For his medical series “Reduce Your Risk.”
- Honorary Member of the 321st MMC: For his courage, support, and service to the unit.
- Who’s Who Among American College Students: Listed as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1983.
- Volunteer Activist: Named one of Baton Rouge’s outstanding “Volunteer Activists” in 2004.
John Pastorek’s colleagues at WBRZ-TV:
- Marisa Nuzzo: Weekday morning meteorologist and reporter.
- Taylor Rubach: News reporter and anchor.
- Kristy Davis: Reporter and anchor.
- Brittany Weiss: Anchor and reporter.
- Joshua Eachus: Chief meteorologist.
- Ashley Frugé: Traffic anchor and reporter.
- Tristen Land: Multimedia journalist.
These are just a few of the talented individuals working at WBRZ-TV.
Net Worth and Salary:
John Pastorek has built a substantial career over the past several decades, which has significantly contributed to his net worth. His estimated net worth is between $1 million to $5 million.
This estimation considers his long tenure at WBRZ-TV, his various roles within the station, and his numerous awards and recognitions.
In terms of salary, John Pastorek’s earnings as a veteran journalist and anchor at WBRZ-TV are estimated to range from $49,371 to $81,179 annually.
This salary range is typical for experienced anchors in Baton Rouge, and it reflects his extensive experience and contributions to the field of journalism.
John’s career has not only provided him with financial stability but also solidified his reputation as a respected journalist.
His dedication to his craft, coupled with his ability to deliver impactful stories, has made him a valuable asset to WBRZ-TV and the wider journalism community.
Is John Pastorek Married?
Yes, John Pastorek is married. His wife is Jackie O’Beirne-Pastorek. The couple resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and they share a love for music, outdoor activities, and spending time together.
How Old Is John Pastorek?
John Pastorek is 69 years old. He was born on April 30, 1954.
Where Is John Pastorek Working?
John Pastorek is currently working at WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He has held various roles throughout his career at the station, including:
- Reporter: Covering local news stories and events.
- Anchor: Delivering news updates on air.
- Director of News: Overseeing the news department and managing news operations.
His extensive experience and dedication to journalism have made him a respected figure in the industry.
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