Pat Harvey: Legendary Los Angeles News Anchor – Biography & Career Highlights
Pat Harvey is a distinguished American broadcast journalist renowned for her extensive career in television news.
She currently anchors the KCAL News broadcasts at 5 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm. Harvey commenced her tenure with KCAL9 in 1989 and, in 2010, expanded her role to co-anchor for KCAL’s sister station, KCBS.
Known for her impactful storytelling, she has covered major events like South Africa’s first all-race elections, the AIDS epidemic in Eastern Africa and Russia, and the civil war in El Salvador.
Born on November 13, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, Pat Harvey began her journalism career at WNEM-TV in Saginaw, Michigan, before moving on to CNN and WGN-TV in Chicago.
She has received numerous accolades, including the LA Area Emmy’s Governor’s Award and induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.
Age:
Pat Harvey was born on November 13, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, and is 69 years old. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. Additionally, she is African American and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Pat Harvey was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, a city known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant media landscape, which likely influenced her early interest in journalism.
Growing up in Detroit, Harvey was immersed in an environment that valued hard work and resilience—traits that would later define her career.
She has occasionally shared glimpses of her family background, reflecting fondly on the influence of her parents.
For instance, in an April 2020 social media post, she honored her late mother on what would have been her 100th birthday, suggesting a deep familial bond and respect for her mother’s legacy.
Her mother, a teacher, and her father held traditional views on career paths for women, initially expressing skepticism when Harvey announced her ambition to become a broadcast journalist.
She once recounted her father’s reaction, noting he remarked that she didn’t resemble Walter Cronkite, a prominent figure in journalism at the time, highlighting their initial uncertainty about her chosen path.
Despite this, their support—or at least their eventual acceptance—allowed her to pursue her dreams.
Details about her parents’ names, professions beyond her mother’s teaching role, or their personal lives remain undisclosed in public records.
Similarly, information about siblings is sparse. However, in 2016, Harvey posted a photo on National Siblings Day featuring a sister and a brother, indicating she is not an only child.
She has not elaborated further on their identities or roles in her life, maintaining a consistent boundary around her family’s privacy.
Husband:
Pat Harvey is married to Ken Lombard, a prominent figure in the real estate and business sectors.
He serves as the President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing Corporation, a company focused on real estate development and community services.
Ken is known for his expertise in urban development and corporate responsibility, often speaking on these topics.
Together, Pat and Ken have a daughter named Michelle Byrd. While details about Michelle’s life are kept private, the family is known to share a close bond and resides in Los Angeles.
Pat has always maintained a balance between her professional achievements and her personal life, keeping her family life relatively low-profile.
Height:
Pat Harvey stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 150 lbs (68 kg).
While exact body measurements are not publicly available, an estimated figure would be 36-28-38 inches (Bust-Waist-Hips) based on her height and build.
Career and Background:
Harvey began her journalism career in Saginaw, Michigan, at WNEM-TV, serving as a general assignment reporter before advancing to producer and anchor for the station’s 6 pm and 11 pm newscasts.
In 1981, she joined CNN Headline News as an anchor during the network’s inception and later co-anchored CNN’s “Daybreak” program.
Her tenure at CNN included notable interviews, such as with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos following the country’s historic democratic elections.
In 1989, Harvey transitioned to KCAL9 in Los Angeles, becoming one of the original anchors of the nation’s first nightly three-hour newscast.
Her investigative reporting has led to significant societal impacts, including legislative changes concerning cytology labs following her exposé on faulty pap smear tests.
Harvey’s international reporting includes coverage of the civil war in El Salvador, the AIDS epidemic in East Africa and Russia, and South Africa’s first all-race elections.
Throughout her career, Harvey has received numerous accolades, including a national Emmy, multiple Golden Mike Awards, and the LA Area Governor’s Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2015.
In 2012, she was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.
WNEM-TV (Saginaw, Michigan):
Pat Harvey’s journey into journalism began at WNEM-TV, an NBC affiliate in Saginaw, Michigan. Here, she developed her foundational skills as a news anchor and reporter.
This early experience in a smaller market allowed her to refine her craft and establish the discipline and work ethic that would later define her career. It was a stepping stone that propelled her to national prominence.
CNN Headline News:
In 1982, Pat became one of the original anchors when CNN launched its groundbreaking CNN Headline News channel. During her tenure, she also anchored CNN’s morning news program until 1985.
At CNN, she gained national attention for her professionalism and ability to handle live breaking news, solidifying her reputation as a trusted journalist in the early years of 24-hour news broadcasting.
WGN-TV (Chicago, Illinois):
Pat’s next major step was at WGN-TV, a superstation in Chicago. Here, she engaged in investigative journalism that not only showcased her talent but also had a significant societal impact.
Her investigation into faulty pap smear tests exposed critical healthcare issues, leading to legislative changes aimed at improving women’s health.
This outstanding work earned her the prestigious Peter Lisagor Award for excellence in journalism.
KCAL9 (Los Angeles, California):
In 1989, Pat joined KCAL9 in Los Angeles, where she became the longest-running prime-time news anchor.
Her work at KCAL included covering major historical events, such as the O.J. Simpson trial, South Africa’s first all-race elections, and the AIDS epidemic in East Africa and Russia.
These assignments reflected her dedication to covering stories of global and societal significance, often with a focus on giving a voice to underrepresented communities.
CBS2 (Los Angeles, California):
In 2010, Pat began co-anchoring for KCAL9’s sister station, CBS2. Her transition to CBS2 allowed her to reach even wider audiences in Los Angeles.
She continued to cover impactful stories, maintaining her reputation for journalistic excellence and her deep connection with the community.
Her work at CBS2 further cemented her legacy as one of Los Angeles’ most prominent and respected news anchors.
Pat Harvey’s notable reports at CBS2/KCAL9 showcase her journalistic prowess over 35 years. Highlights include:
- O.J. Simpson Trial (1995): First to interview Johnny Cochran post-verdict, capturing a historic LA moment.
- Las Vegas Shooting (2017): Anchored field coverage of the mass shooting that killed 58.
- Borderline Shooting (2018): Reported from Thousand Oaks after 12 died in a local tragedy.
- Wildfires: Covered SoCal blazes like the Franklin and Mountain Fires, interviewing officials and victims.
- International: Reported on El Salvador’s civil war, AIDS in Africa/Russia, South Africa’s 1994 elections, and Pope Benedict XVI’s installation.
- Magic Johnson HIV Series (1991): A five-part series breaking stigmas around HIV.
- Homeless Painter: Followed an LA artist’s rise to Parisian galleries.
- Faulty Pap Smears (WGN-TV): Exposed a lab, prompting its closure and new Illinois laws.
Awards and Recognitions
Pat Harvey’s exceptional contributions to journalism have earned her numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including:
- LA Area Emmy’s Governor’s Award: Recognized for her outstanding contributions to television journalism, this is one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.
- NABJ Hall of Fame Induction: The National Association of Black Journalists honored her legacy by inducting her into their Hall of Fame, highlighting her influence and leadership.
- Peter Lisagor Award for Investigative Reporting: This award was given for her groundbreaking investigation into faulty pap smear tests, showcasing her dedication to impactful journalism.
- Golden Mike Awards: Pat has received several Golden Mike Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism, reflecting her high standards of reporting.
- Other Recognitions: She’s also received accolades from community organizations and institutions for her mentorship, advocacy, and commitment to uplifting diverse voices through her work.
Pat Harvey has worked alongside many talented journalists throughout her impressive career. During her time at CBS2 and KCAL9 in Los Angeles, she has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including:
- Kalyna Astrinos – An Emmy-winning journalist and anchor.
- Juan Fernandez – Co-anchor and reporter with years of experience.
- Amy Johnson – Reporter known for her community-focused storytelling.
- Jamie Yuccas – Versatile journalist and correspondent.
- Suzie Suh – Anchor known for her work on KCAL News.
- Chris Holmstrom – Co-anchor and talented reporter.
- Rudabeh Shahbazi – Anchor and journalist with a strong background in storytelling.
These colleagues, among others, form a team that delivers trusted and impactful news coverage to the Los Angeles community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Pat Harvey’s net worth is estimated at $1 million to $10 million as of 2025, reflecting her 35-year career as a CBS2/KCAL9 anchor.
Her salary, though undisclosed, is likely between $123,000 and $250,500 annually, based on industry norms for top LA anchors.
A 1998 report pegged her at $1 million yearly, suggesting a higher current figure. Her wealth comes from anchoring, speaking, and media roles.
Is Pat Harvey Married?
Yes, Pat Harvey is married to real estate developer Ken Lombard. Together, they have a blended family comprising three adult children and two grandchildren.
How Old Is Pat Harvey?
Pat Harvey is 69 years old as of 2025, having been born on November 13, 1955.
Is Pat Harvey related to Steve Harvey?
No, Pat Harvey is not related to Steve Harvey. Despite sharing the same last name and both being prominent figures in media, they come from different families and backgrounds.
It’s purely coincidental that they share a surname and have achieved success in their respective fields.
How Old Is Pat Harvey Daughter?
Where Is Pat Harvey Working?
Pat Harvey currently anchors the KCAL News broadcasts at 5 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm, and 11 pm. She joined KCAL9 in 1989 and, in 2010, began co-anchoring for KCAL’s sister station, KCBS.
She has held various significant roles throughout her career, including:
- Anchor at CNN Headline News: One of the original anchors when the network launched in 1982.
- Investigative Reporter at WGN-TV: Known for her impactful reporting that led to legislative changes.
- Prime-Time Anchor at KCAL9: Joining in 1989, she became the longest-running prime-time news anchor in Los Angeles.
- Co-Anchor at CBS2: Starting in 2010, she expanded her reach to a broader audience in Los Angeles.
Pat Harvey is active on multiple social media platforms:
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Instagram: @patharveynews
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Facebook: Pat Harvey
- Twitter (X): @Patharveynews
On these platforms, she shares updates about her professional endeavors and personal interests.
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