
Kirstin O’Connor: KXLY News Anchor Biography & Career | Spokane News
Kirstin O’Connor is an American journalist currently working as an evening news anchor for KXLY-TV’s 4 News Now, alongside Aaron Luna and Kris Crocker.
She joined KXLY in August 2022. Before that, she was a morning news anchor at WKMG in Orlando, Florida, where she worked for over five years.
Kirstin graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2013.
She began her career as a freelance assignment desk editor while attending college in San Diego.
After college, she worked as a reporter and anchor for KDRV in Medford, Oregon, covering significant events like wildfires and the Umpqua Community College shooting in 2015.
In November 2015, Kirstin moved to Orlando to work for WKMG, where she reported on major events, including the Pulse nightclub shooting.
Her role eventually transitioned to a permanent anchor position, and she developed a weekly medical franchise.
Kirstin believes in the future of digital journalism and has a strong presence in the industry, having worked in top markets across the United States.
Age:
Parents and Siblings:
Kirstin O’Connor was born and raised in the United States. She has managed to keep much of her personal life private, so detailed information about her upbringing and parents is not widely available.
However, it is known that her mother celebrates her birthday every October 16th, as Kirstin shared a sweet birthday surprise for her mom on Instagram.
Kirstin has a younger sister who graduated from the University of California, Irvine in June 2022.
Kirstin expressed her pride and admiration for her sister in an Instagram post, congratulating her on her achievement.
Husband:
Kirstin O’Connor is married to her husband, and they tied the knot in 2018. Their wedding ceremony took place in St. Augustine, Florida.
The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Gwyneth Hope, in February 2021. Recently, they also welcomed a baby boy named Noah Joseph.
Height:
Kirstin O’Connor stands confidently at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall.
With an estimated weight of around 130 pounds (59 kilograms), she maintains a balanced and healthy physique.
Her measurements are estimated to be about 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 centimeters).
Career and Background:
Kirstin began her career at NBC San Diego as a News Writer and Assignment Desk Editor.
She then worked at KDRV-TV NewsWatch12 in Medford, Oregon, as a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer.
In 2015, she joined WKMG in Orlando, Florida, as a Morning News Anchor.
In August 2022, she transitioned to KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington, where she currently serves as an evening news anchor.
KXLY-TV (Spokane, Washington)
Kirstin O’Connor currently serves as an evening news anchor for KXLY-TV’s 4 News Now.
She joined the station in August 2022 and quickly became a key part of the news team, anchoring alongside Aaron Luna and Kris Crocker.
In her role, she delivers the evening news to the Spokane community, providing comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international events.
Kirstin’s strong storytelling and investigative journalism skills have made her a trusted and respected figure in Spokane.
WKMG (Orlando, Florida)
Before joining KXLY-TV, Kirstin worked at WKMG in Orlando, Florida, from November 2015 to July 2022.
During her tenure, she initially served as a reporter and later transitioned to a morning news anchor position.
Kirstin covered major events, including the devastating Pulse nightclub shooting, which had a profound impact on the community.
She developed a weekly medical franchise, where she reported on various health-related topics, offering valuable information to viewers.
Her dedication to impactful journalism earned her recognition and respect in the industry.
KDRV (Medford, Oregon)
Kirstin’s journalism career began at KDRV in Medford, Oregon, where she worked from September 2013 to October 2015.
As a reporter and anchor, she covered significant events such as wildfires and the Umpqua Community College shooting in 2015.
Her on-the-ground reporting and ability to provide accurate and timely information helped keep the community informed during critical moments.
Kirstin’s experience at KDRV laid the foundation for her future success in larger markets.
NBC San Diego (San Diego, California)
While attending the University of California, San Diego, Kirstin gained valuable experience at NBC San Diego.
She worked as a freelance assignment desk editor and intern, honing her skills in digital journalism and storytelling.
This early experience allowed her to understand the intricacies of newsroom operations and the importance of accurate and timely news reporting.
Her time at NBC San Diego helped shape her career and prepared her for future roles in the industry.
Throughout her career, Kirstin O’Connor has demonstrated a commitment to delivering impactful news stories and engaging with the communities she serves.
Her journey from intern to evening news anchor is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and passion for journalism.
Kirstin O’Connor has covered several notable events throughout her journalism career, showcasing her dedication to impactful storytelling and investigative reporting.
Here are some highlights:
- Pulse Nightclub Shooting: Covered the tragic event in Orlando, Florida, providing crucial information and interviews with survivors and community leaders.
- Umpqua Community College Shooting: Reported on the 2015 shooting in Oregon, offering on-the-ground coverage and interviews with witnesses and law enforcement.
- Wildfires in Oregon: Provided critical information during numerous wildfires, keeping residents informed about evacuation orders and fire containment efforts.
- Sugar Pine Mine Standoff: Exclusively covered the armed standoff between the Bureau of Land Management and local members of the Josephine County Oath Keepers.
- Medical Franchise at WKMG: Developed and reported on a weekly medical franchise, delivering valuable health-related information to viewers.
Awards and Recognitions
Kirstin O’Connor has received several awards and recognitions throughout her journalism career, highlighting her dedication and excellence in the field. Here are some notable accolades:
- Emmy Award: Kirstin and her team received an Emmy Award for their coverage of the teacher strike in Medford, Oregon, in 2014.
- Recognition for Pulse Nightclub Shooting Coverage: Kirstin’s impactful reporting on the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, earned her recognition for her dedication to delivering crucial information during a time of crisis.
Kirstin O’Connor works alongside several talented colleagues at KXLY-TV’s 4 News Now. Here are some of her notable colleagues:
- Aaron Luna: Aaron is an evening news anchor at KXLY-TV, co-anchoring with Kirstin. He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the news team.
- Kris Crocker: Kris is the chief meteorologist at KXLY-TV. She provides weather updates and forecasts, ensuring the community stays informed about weather conditions.
- Mark Peterson: Mark is a well-known figure at KXLY-TV, often involved in community projects and special segments. He is part of the Extreme Team, which renovates local facilities and helps the community.
Here are some of her notable former colleagues:
- Matt Austin: An anchor and reporter at WKMG News 6, known for his work on the evening news.
- Lisa Bell: A news anchor at WKMG News 6, co-anchoring the evening newscasts.
- Julie Broughton: A meteorologist at WKMG News 6, providing weather updates and forecasts.
- Ginger Gadsden: An anchor and reporter at WKMG News 6, known for her engaging storytelling and reporting.
These colleagues, along with Kirstin, formed a dedicated team at WKMG News 6, delivering news and information to the Orlando community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Kirstin O’Connor has built a successful career in journalism, and her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $1.5 million. Her annual salary is estimated to be between $30,000 and $90,000.
Is Kirstin O’Connor Married?
Yes, Kirstin O’Connor is married to Connor Giampietri. They have two children together.
How Old Is Kirstin O’Connor?
Kirstin O’Connor was born on March 2, 1991, making her 34 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Kirstin O’Connor Working?
Kirstin O’Connor is currently working as an evening news anchor for KXLY-TV’s 4 News Now in Spokane, Washington.
She joined the station in August 2022 and anchors the evening news alongside Aaron Luna and Kris Crocker.
In her role, she delivers comprehensive news coverage, providing the Spokane community with local, national, and international news updates.
Kirstin O’Connor is active on social media. You can follow her on:
- Instagram: @kirstinoconnor
- Facebook: @KirstinOConnorNews
- X (formerly Twitter): @KirstinOConnor_
On these platforms, she shares updates about her professional work as a news anchor and insights into her personal life.
On these platforms, she shares updates about her professional work as a news anchor and insights into her personal life.
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