Ross Palombo Bio, Age, Husband, Net Worth | KCBS/KCAL Role

Award-Winning Investigative Reporter Ross Palombo
Award-Winning Investigative Reporter Ross Palombo

Ross Palombo Biography: Award-Winning Anchor, Reporter & Political Correspondent

Ross Palombo is indeed an accomplished journalist and senior reporter at KCBS/KCAL. He has a remarkable career, having covered major stories such as the Trump administration, the January 6th Capitol attack, and the COVID-19 crisis.

His investigative work has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and Murrow Awards. Palombo has also been a White House correspondent and has a history of impactful reporting on political and social issues.

Age:

Ross Palombo was born on March 3, 1969, making him 54 years old as of 2023. His zodiac sign is Pisces, known for its creativity and empathy. He is of American nationality.

Husband:

Ross Palombo is openly gay and is in a relationship with his partner, Frank Giallorenzo.

While Ross is often seen wearing a wedding ring, he has not publicly confirmed whether Frank is his legally married spouse.

The couple frequently attends pride parades and shares moments together on social media.

Height, Weight:

Ross Palombo stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and is estimated to weigh around 160-180 lbs (73-82 kg), based on his build and appearance.

Career and Background:

Ross Palombo is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with extensive experience in anchoring, investigative reporting, and political correspondence.

He returned to KCAL News after covering significant stories across the country over the past decade.

Most recently, he was a member of the White House press corps covering the Trump administration while serving as a Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief.

During his tenure there, Palombo covered every aspect of Donald Trump’s two historic impeachments, reporting from both inside the White House and at each of the Senate trials.

I. Introduction: Ross Palombo – A Distinguished Career in Broadcast Journalism

Ross Palombo stands as a highly accomplished figure in broadcast journalism, currently serving as a Senior Reporter for KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles.

His career is marked by numerous accolades, in-depth investigative reporting, and comprehensive coverage of political events.

After a decade dedicated to covering some of the nation’s most significant stories, Palombo returned to KCBS/KCAL, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained from various roles across the country.

II. Accolades and Recognition: A Testament to Journalistic Excellence

Table: Ross Palombo’s Emmy Awards

Year (if available)Awarding BodyCategorySpecific Work/CoverageLocation/Station
2018National Academy of Television Arts & SciencesCoverage of the Political Response to the Stoneman Douglass MassacreCoverage of the political response to the Stoneman Douglass MassacreKCAL News
2014Suncoast Emmy AwardsBest Investigative ReportBest Investigative ReportLocal 10 News (Miami)
2014Suncoast Emmy AwardsJournalistic EnterpriseJournalistic EnterpriseLocal 10 News (Miami)
2014Suncoast Emmy AwardsPoliticsPoliticsLocal 10 News (Miami)
2014Suncoast Emmy AwardsSpecialty AssignmentSpecialty AssignmentLocal 10 News (Miami)
2014Suncoast Emmy AwardsSpot NewsSpot NewsLocal 10 News (Miami)
N/ANational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Miami)InvestigationsInvestigations (9 total)Miami, Florida
N/ANational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Miami)Local Politics and Government ReportingExtensive reporting of local politics and government (part of the 9 total)Miami, Florida
N/ANational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Miami)Breaking News ReportingBreaking News Reporting (part of the 9 total)Miami, Florida
N/ANational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Miami)Crime and Punishment CoverageCoverage of crime and punishment (part of the 9 total)Miami, Florida
N/ANational Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (San Francisco)Various CategoriesThree Emmy AwardsKTVU (San Francisco)

III. The Impact of Investigative Reporting: Uncovering Truth and Driving Change

Ross Palombo has conducted impactful investigative reports for KCBS/KCAL, addressing critical issues in Los Angeles.

Notable investigations include exposing the poor maintenance of fire hydrants, which led to repair efforts from Mayor Karen Bass, and uncovering fire hazards from homeless encampments in Hollywood Hills.

He also revealed attendance inaccuracies in LAUSD, prompting concerns over district funding, and exposed Starbucks’ recycling failures, leading to a commitment to replace plastic cups with compostable alternatives.

His two-year investigation into police gun purchases resulted in policy changes, while his reports on rising violent crime on the LA Metro and car thefts prompted public concern.

Palombo’s investigations often drive significant policy and corporate changes, underscoring his dedication to transparency, public safety, and accountability in Los Angeles.

Table: Examples of Ross Palombo’s Investigative Reports for KCBS/KCAL and Their Impact

Title of InvestigationDate (if available)Brief Description of FindingsMentioned Impact/Outcome
Fire Hydrant Maintenance IssuesFeb 12, 2025Hundreds of fire hydrants across Los Angeles in need of repair.Mayor Bass acknowledged the issue and initiated repairs.
Homeless Encampment Fires in Hollywood HillsMar 6, 2025Connection found between the county’s homeless population and a growing number of fire-related incidents.Raised concerns among Hollywood Hills residents.
LAUSD Attendance Fraud AllegationsDec 17, 2024Potential fraud in LAUSD attendance records, with students possibly marked present when absent.Raised questions about district funding and accountability.
Starbucks’ Plastic Cup Waste4 months agoStarbucks’ plastic cold cups often end up in landfills despite recycling claims.Starbucks announced plans to replace plastic cups with compostable ones in select stores.
Police Gun Sales and PurchasesOct 22, 2024Millions of taxpayer dollars used to buy guns from dealers with a history of violating gun laws.Los Angeles County changed its gun-buying policy to prevent agencies from buying guns from dealers with a history of breaking the law.
Violent Crime on MetroN/AViolent crime across the Metro system increased by nearly 33%.Followed a Metro board member expressing fear about riding alone, prompting the new board chair to assess safety.

Migrant Bus Crisis

1 year agoMigrants arriving in Los Angeles on buses chartered from Texas.Highlighted the role of community groups in assisting the migrants.
Car Thefts in Los Angeles1 year agoLos Angeles had the highest number of car thefts among major cities with a low arrest rate.Provided data on car thefts and recoveries in Los Angeles.
Allegations of Fraud at an LAUSD SchoolN/ATeacher suspected students marked present when absent, potentially costing taxpayers millions.Raised concerns about potential widespread attendance fraud within LAUSD.
Measles Risk at Southern California SchoolsN/AHeightened risk of measles outbreaks at 350 Southern California schools with low vaccination rates.Highlighted the vulnerability of schools to outbreaks due to low vaccination rates.
Unreported Stabbing at an LAUSD School1 year agoStabbing at an LAUSD school went unreported for hours.Raised concerns about school safety and how incidents are handled.
Attack on a Student in Front of an LAUSD Teacher3 years agoBrutal attack on a student in front of her teacher raised questions about the teacher’s actions.Enraged family sought answers from LAUSD.
Metro Bus SafetyN/AQuestions raised about Metro bus safety following a fatal accident involving actor Michael Landon’s grandson.Highlighted deaths and injuries related to Metro bus accidents and initial reluctance to release video footage.

California Wage Theft

N/AEstimated $50 billion wrongfully withheld from California workers annually.Revealed the extent of wage theft in California and significant losses for workers.
Federal Court Order on School Policing Policy1 year agoFederal court ordered Moreno Valley school district to change its policing policy after a controversial arrest of a disabled student.Indicated potential nationwide changes in school policing policies.
Jail Healthcare Crisis (at KTVU)N/AUncovered a crisis involving dead and injured inmates in jail healthcare.Led to better healthcare and huge settlements.
Major Financial Scandal in Public Transportation (at KTVU)N/ARevealed a significant financial scandal within public transportation.Resulted in new public pay policies and rules.
Statewide Traffic Problem (at KTVU)N/AInvestigated a traffic problem across California threatening public safety.Brought about a major change in California road construction.

IV. Political Landscape Coverage: Insights and Analysis

Ross Palombo has extensively covered both national and local political events, providing in-depth analysis.

He served as a member of the White House press corps during the Trump administration, covering both impeachments, the January 6th attack, the Russia Investigation, and the COVID-19 crisis.

He also reported on the 2020 election and Biden’s inauguration.

Before Washington, Palombo was a Political Analyst at KTVU, covering the 2016 presidential race. He’s also actively involved in local political coverage, including moderating forums and reporting on campaign finance.

His Emmy-winning coverage of the Stoneman Douglass Massacre reflects his ability to report on the intersection of tragedy and political action, cementing his role as a crucial political journalist.

V. Senior Reporter and Anchor Role at KCBS/KCAL: Leadership and Presence

As Senior Reporter at KCBS/KCAL, Ross Palombo delivers in-depth investigative reports, breaking news coverage, and expert analysis.

His role ensures viewers receive crucial context on complex stories. He also serves as an anchor, guiding audiences through major news events.

Previously, Palombo co-anchored KTVU’s Mornings on 2 and anchored CBS News’ national broadcasts, including Up to the Minute and The CBS Morning News.

He made history by anchoring the first national LGBTQ+ newscast for CBS News. His dual role as a reporter and anchor highlights his expertise in investigative journalism and his strong on-air presence.

VI. A Journey Through Journalism: Tracing the Career Path

Ross Palombo began his journalism career after earning a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, the nation’s oldest journalism school.

He gained experience at WHBQ, KNXV, KRON, WKLG, and KENS before joining CBS News in New York, where he anchored Up to the Minute and The CBS Morning News.

He made history by hosting the first national LGBTQ+ newscast for CBS and reported for MoneyWatch.

His investigative work at WPLG Miami earned nine Emmy Awards, and at KTVU San Francisco, he won two Murrow Awards and three more Emmys while serving as Political Analyst, Chief Investigative Reporter, and Anchor.

Palombo later became Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, covering the Trump administration. He now serves as Senior Reporter at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, continuing his commitment to investigative journalism.

VII. Perspectives on Journalism and Key Stories: Insights from Ross Palombo

Ross Palombo’s work reflects his commitment to accountability and impactful journalism. In his discussion with Jim Axelrod on Crime Without Punishment, he highlighted the role of investigative reporting in exposing systemic failures.

His coverage of the LA County Sheriff’s race and time in the White House press corps demonstrate his dedication to political and investigative journalism.

Palombo’s focus on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, police misconduct, and government transparency underscores his belief in ethical journalism that serves the public interest.

VIII. Stories that Garnered Public Attention and Critical Acclaim

Throughout his distinguished career, Ross Palombo has been involved in numerous stories and series that have captured public attention and earned critical acclaim.

  • Covered major national events, including Trump’s impeachments and the January 6th attack.

  • Investigated LAUSD attendance fraud, impacting taxpayers and local education.

  • Exposed fire hydrant maintenance issues in Los Angeles, highlighting public safety concerns.

  • Won an Emmy for reporting on the political response to the Stoneman Douglas Massacre.

  • Anchored the first national LGBTQ+ newscast, a milestone in inclusive journalism.

  • Led investigations that influenced policy changes, including police gun purchases and Starbucks’ plastic cup phase-out.

  • Focuses on government accountability, public safety, and social justice.

  • Recognized with Emmy and Murrow Awards for high-impact investigative work.

Ross Palombo’s colleagues at KCAL/CBS Los Angeles:

Net Worth and Salary:

Information regarding Ross Palombo’s exact net worth is not available in the provided research material.

Based on general salary ranges for news anchors and investigative reporters in Los Angeles, we can provide some estimates for his salary:

  • News Anchor Salary in Los Angeles: The average annual salary for a TV News Anchor in Los Angeles ranges from approximately $51,804 to $96,168. Different sources provide slightly varying ranges, with some suggesting an average around $90,328 or $69,322.
  • Investigative Reporter Salary in California: The average hourly pay for an Investigative Journalist in California is around $22.82, which could translate to an annual salary in the range of $47,460. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience and the media organization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates an average annual wage for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area of around $139,650.

Given Ross Palombo’s senior role at KCBS/KCAL, his extensive experience, and his dual roles as both a Senior Reporter (implying investigative work) and an Anchor, it’s reasonable to estimate his annual salary could be in the range of $90,000 to $150,000 or potentially higher.

However, without specific information about his contract or compensation, these figures remain estimates based on general industry data for the Los Angeles market.

Is Ross Palombo Married?

Ross Palombo is openly gay and in a relationship with his partner, Frank Giallorenzo. While Ross often wears a wedding ring, he has not publicly confirmed whether they are legally married.

How Old Is Ross Palombo?

Ross Palombo was born on March 3, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois. As of 2025, he is 56 years old.

Where Is Ross Palombo Working?

Ross Palombo is currently a senior reporter and anchor at KCAL/CBS Los Angeles. He specializes in investigative journalism and political reporting, covering major national stories such as the Trump administration, the January 6th Capitol attack, and the COVID-19 crisis. His work has earned him multiple Emmy and Murrow Awards.

Ross Palombo is active on social media, particularly on Instagram. He shares updates related to his career, personal life, and fitness.

While his social media presence isn’t extensive across all platforms, he does use it to engage with his audience and share insights into his work.

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