WRAL News Anchor Ken Smith: Biography and Career

Ken Smith is a well-known anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV and FOX50 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has been a staple in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill television market for many years, providing viewers with the latest news and information.

Early Life and Education

• Birthplace: Born on the Island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and grew up on the Island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Education: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, in 1986.

Career

• WRAL-TV: Joined WRAL-TV in December 1998 and serves as a morning anchor and general assignment reporter. He anchors the morning news at 7, 8, and 9 AM for the NBC/FOX Duopoly.

• Previous Roles: Worked as an anchor and reporter for WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, Alabama (August 1995 – November 1998), KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon (August 1993 – July 1995), and other stations in Savannah, Georgia, and Columbus, Georgia.

• Awards: Received multiple awards, including the 2008 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Best Weekend Newscast, the 2009 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Spot News, and the 2012 Mid-South Regional Emmy for Breaking News. He was also nominated for a National Emmy in 2012.

Personal Interests

• Hobbies: Enjoys reading suspense novels, history, and biography books, as well as travel and food magazines. He is a fan of old films like “Casablanca” and “The Godfather,” and enjoys jazz and calypso music.

• Activities: Likes hiking, playing tennis, and considers himself a foodie.

Ken Smith’s dedication to journalism and his passion for storytelling have made him a respected figure in the news industry.

Age

Ken Smith is likely in his late 50s. Born on August 14, he falls under the zodiac sign of Leo. Ken’s heritage is mixed, with roots in both the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands, contributing to his diverse background. He holds American nationality.

Upbringing, Parents, and Siblings

Ken Smith was born on the Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and grew up on the Island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

His parents played a significant role in shaping his career aspirations; he saw a television for the first time when he was six years old, and the first thing he watched was a newscast.

This early experience inspired him to pursue a career in journalism.

Ken has three siblings: a sister named Sez, and two brothers, Mitchell B. Smith and another brother whose name is not publicly known.

His family has remained close-knit, with his parents, aunts, and uncles still residing in St. Thomas.

Wife

Ken Smith is married to Amanda Bitler-Smith. They got married on July 29, 2017.

Ken and Amanda are proud parents of three children: an older son named Jamard, and twin daughters named Leah Marie and Louisa Marion, who were born on November 30, 2022.

They also have a son named Franklin Kensley, born in July 2021.

Ken enjoys spending time with his family and often shares his experiences of fatherhood.

He has expressed how much joy his children bring to his life and how he appreciates the opportunity to be a father to both sons and daughters.

Height

Ken Smith stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).

Career and Background

Ken Smith has had a distinguished career in journalism, currently serving as a reporter and anchor at WRAL-TV.

He joined WRAL-TV in 1998 and has covered significant stories both locally and nationally. His dedication to reporting and anchoring has earned him recognition as a trusted journalist in the region.

Early Career

• WSFA 12 News: Ken served as an anchor and reporter at WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, Alabama, from August 1995 to November 1998.

• KGW-TV: Prior to that, he worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon, from August 1993 to July 1995.

• WAV-TV and WRBL-TV: He also worked at WAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia, and WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia.

WRAL-TV

• December 1998 – Present: Ken joined WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has been a morning anchor and general assignment reporter.

Here are some key highlights:

• Morning News Anchor: Ken anchors the morning news at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 9 a.m. for the NBC/FOX Duopoly.

• General Assignment Reporter: He covers enterprise and general assignment stories, often bringing in-depth and meaningful stories to the viewers.

• Live Center Duties: Ken handles Live Center duties at 8 a.m., providing real-time updates and engaging with viewers.
• Evening News Reporter:He reports three days a week for the evening news, contributing to the station’s comprehensive news coverage.

Notable Assignments

Ken Smith has covered numerous notable stories throughout his career at WRAL-TV. Here are some highlights:

• Hurricane Irene and April Tornado of 2011: Ken reported on these devastating events, witnessing firsthand the resilience and fortitude of his community.

• Military Assignments: He had the opportunity to fly with Fort Bragg troops to northern Afghanistan in 2011 and to Iraq in 2003 and 2004. He shared the stories of troops awaiting deployment in Kuwait and stationed in Mosul, Iraq.

• First Night Raleigh: Ken has hosted WRAL’s First Night Raleigh coverage for many years, including hosting with comedian Sheryl Underwood in one memorable year.

• N.C. State Fair: He has covered the N.C. State Fair for nearly his entire time at WRAL-TV, often sharing his love for the fair and introducing new food items.

Net Worth and Salary

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Ken Smith is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million, attributed to his successful career in broadcast journalism.

His annual salary at WRAL-TV is believed to be competitive within the industry.

Ken Smith’s main sources of income include:

• Salary from WRAL-TV: As a morning anchor and general assignment reporter, Ken earns an annual salary.

• Awards and Recognitions: Over the years, Ken has received several awards, including Emmys and Associated Press Awards, which contribute to his overall income.

• Public Speaking and Appearances: Ken occasionally participates in public speaking engagements and events, which can also provide additional income.

• Writing and Publishing: While not a primary source, Ken has written articles and possibly contributed to publications, adding to his earnings.

These sources collectively contribute to his estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million.

Is Ken Smith Married?

Yes, Ken Smith is married. He is married to Amanda Bitler-Smith. They got married on July 29, 2017.

Ken and Amanda are proud parents of three children: an older son named Jamard, and twin daughters named Leah Marie and Louisa Marion, who were born on November 30, 2022.

How Old Is Ken Smith?

Ken Smith was born on August 18, and while his exact birth year is not publicly available, it is estimated that he is around 50 years old.

Where Is Ken Smith Working?

Ken Smith is currently working at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves as a morning news anchor and general assignment reporter. Here are his key roles:

• Morning News Anchor: Ken anchors the 7 a.m., 8 a.m., and 9 a.m. newscasts.

• General Assignment Reporter: He covers enterprise and general assignment stories.

• Live Center Duties: Ken handles Live Center duties at 8 a.m.

• Evening News Reporter: He reports three days a week for the evening news.

Ken has been with WRAL-TV since December 1998 and has become a familiar and trusted face in the Raleigh area.

Ken Smith is active on social media. He has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. He often interacts with his followers and shares updates about his work and personal life.