Kevin O’Neill Biography: WGRZ Reporter & Buffalo Meteorologist
Kevin O’Neill is a seasoned American broadcast meteorologist and journalist, currently serving as a reporter and fill-in meteorologist at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York.
He has been a part of the WGRZ team since 2006, delivering live reports and weather forecasts to Western New Yorkers.
You can see him doing morning live shots Wednesday through Friday and delivering weekend morning forecasts.
Born and raised in Buffalo, O’Neill has become a familiar face to Western New York viewers, blending his passion for storytelling with his expertise in weather forecasting.
Before joining WGRZ-TV, Kevin worked at four different radio stations and another television station in Buffalo.
He started his broadcasting career as a DJ for Kiss 98.5, then moved to Star 102.5, and later to Channel 4 (WIVB-TV), where he was known as the “Why Guy” during his 12 years there.
He pursued his passion for weather by completing a three-year study program with Mississippi State University and earned his certificate as a broadcast meteorologist.
As a reporter for WGRZ, he often features local businesses, attractions, and events in the Western New York community.
Age:
Kevin O’Neill is 57 years old, born on April 5, 1968, in Buffalo, New York which makes his Zodiac sign Aries. He is of American nationality
Parents and Siblings:
Kevin O’Neill was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He attended Ithaca College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from its renowned communications school.
His journey into broadcasting began as a DJ for Kiss 98.5, later moving to Star 102.5 and Channel 4, where he gained the nickname “Why Guy.”
Unfortunately, there isn’t much publicly available information about his parents or siblings.
Wife:
Kevin O’Neill is married to Jennifer, whom he humorously describes as “a saint of a woman.” Together, they have three daughters.
Kevin often jokes about his life being a long-term experiment in sleep deprivation, likely due to balancing his career and family life
Height, Weight:
Kevin O’Neill is estimated to be around 5’8″ to 6’0″ tall and weighs between 160 to 200 lbs.
Career and Background:
Kevin’s career in broadcasting began with roles at four radio stations and another television station before joining WGRZ-TV in 2006.
At WGRZ, he engages viewers with morning live shots from Wednesday through Friday and delivers weather forecasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
In 2013, he earned a broadcast meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University, enhancing his credentials as a meteorologist.
Early Career: Radio Beginnings
Kevin O’Neill launched his broadcasting career in radio shortly after graduating from Ithaca College.
Additionally, his debut was as a disc jockey (DJ) in Utica, New York. This role proved instrumental in refining his on-air charisma and communication skills.
By the early 1990s, Kevin returned to his hometown of Buffalo, New York, where he contributed to several notable radio stations:
- WKSE-FM (Kiss 98.5): Kevin joined this prominent Top 40 station in Buffalo as an on-air personality. During his time at WKSE-FM, he built a loyal local audience, excelling in connecting with listeners through a mix of music and engaging talk segments.
- WHTT-FM (Oldies 104): At this station, Kevin transitioned to presenting nostalgic content, showcasing his versatility in appealing to varying listener demographics.
- WYRK-FM (106.5 WYRK): Kevin broadened his radio portfolio by working at this popular country music station, connecting with Buffalo’s vibrant country music community.
- WBEN-AM (NewsRadio 930): Kevin shifted towards serious journalism by contributing to WBEN-AM, a news-talk station. This experience strengthened his ability to deliver news and information, paving the way for his eventual transition into television journalism.
Kevin O’Neill’s Notable Coverage as a Reporter and Meteorologist:
- “The Why Guy” at WIVB-TV (1990s–2005): As a roving reporter, O’Neill became famous for quirky, humorous segments exploring Western New York’s oddities, like “Why don’t doughnuts have holes?”—a 15-year run of creative storytelling.
- Morning Live Shots at WGRZ-TV (2006–Present): His Wednesday-to-Friday reports highlight Buffalo’s people and places, including standout pieces on the Niagara County Fair (2023) and Canalside’s hidden gems.
- “What’s the Deal?” (2017): A WGRZ street segment asking locals about summer festivals, showcasing his engaging, on-the-ground style.
- Bills Mafia Feature (2024): O’Neill covered the global Bills fanbase, tapping into Buffalo’s sports passion with a mix of pride and humor.
- Storm Team 2 Weather (2015–Present): As a weekend meteorologist, he delivers “handmade” forecasts, blending reliability with his local flair, especially vital for Western New York’s wild weather.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Media Praise: The Buffalo News called him a “success story” in 2015 for his reporter-to-meteorologist transition at WGRZ.
- Local Fame: Known as “Mr. Live Shot,” he’s beloved for his WIVB “Why Guy” era and WGRZ work.
- Meteorology Credential: Earned a respected certification from Mississippi State University (2015).
Kevin O’Neill works alongside a talented team at WGRZ-TV, Buffalo’s NBC affiliate. Some of his notable colleagues include:
- Melissa Holmes: A morning anchor known for her engaging storytelling and professionalism.
- Pete Gallivan: A co-anchor and reporter with a deep connection to the Buffalo community.
- Maria Genero: A meteorologist who provides weather updates with expertise and charm.
- Heather Ly: A reporter and anchor who covers a wide range of stories with dedication.
This team collaborates to deliver high-quality news and weather coverage to Western New York.
Net Worth and Salary:
Kevin O’Neill’s net worth is estimated at $100,000 to $1 million, reflecting his decades in Buffalo media, including WGRZ-TV since 2006 and earlier roles at WIVB-TV and radio stations like WKSE-FM.
His salary as a WGRZ reporter and fill-in meteorologist likely ranges from $24,292 to $80,000 annually, with some suggesting up to $125,000 given his experience, though exact figures aren’t public.
These estimates, based on industry norms and online sources, indicate a solid but modest financial standing for the veteran broadcaster.
Is Kevin O’Neill married?
Yes, Kevin O’Neill is married to Jennifer, and they have three daughters. He often jokes about balancing family life with his busy career.
How old is Kevin O’Neill?
Kevin O’Neill is approximately 56 years old as of 2025, having been born in 1968.
Where is Kevin O’Neill working?
Kevin O’Neill is currently working at WGRZ-TV, Buffalo’s NBC affiliate.
He serves as a morning reporter, delivering live shots three days a week, and as a fill-in meteorologist, providing weekend weather forecasts.
His dual roles showcase his versatility and dedication to engaging the Western New York community.
Kevin O’Neill is active on social media platforms. On Twitter, he uses the handle @KevinBuffalo.
Additionally, he describes himself as a Feature Reporter, Broadcast Meteorologist at WGRZ, a recovering Buffalo sports fan, and an autism dad.
These social media profiles offer a glimpse into Kevin O’Neill’s professional endeavors and personal interests.
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