How Old Is Jackie Bange? Everything About Her Life

How old is Jackie Bange? As of 2025, the seasoned news anchor and reporter for WGN-TV in Chicago is 64 years old, having marked her birthday on September 8. Born in 1961, Jackie Bange continues to captivate audiences with her weekend editions of WGN News at Nine, delivering hard news and in-depth reporting on everything from local elections to global crises. 

This year, she celebrated with a reflective segment on WGN Morning News from January traditions, sharing stories from her family tradition of television that began with her father as a news anchor in Miami and Lancaster. 

Jackie Bange‘s enduring presence at WGN—where she has been named co-anchor since October 1995—highlights her award-winning status, including the Peter Lisagor Award for investigative work. In 2025, amid Chicago’s mayoral race coverage, how old is Jackie Bange underscores her timeless relevance, blending decades of experience with fresh perspectives on local news. 

Jackie Bange Bio/Wiki

Her journey, from Florida State University to WGN-TV in Chicago, reflects a career built on resilience, as seen in her 2005 Hurricane Katrina special that won the Illinois Associated Press best hard news feature. Married with three children, Jackie balances the spotlight with quiet joys, proving age amplifies wisdom in television news.

Jackie Bange’s Early Influences: A Family Tradition of Television

How old is Jackie Bange when her passion ignited? At a young age in Miami, Jackie was captivated by her father‘s broadcasts as a news anchor, turning family dinners into debriefs on the day’s headlines. Her mother, a weather girl in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, added flair with vivid storm descriptions, embedding television news as a household norm.

Growing up amid these influences, Jackie penned mock scripts and staged living-room newscasts, her siblings as captive audiences. This family tradition of television fostered her knack for storytelling, evident even in school plays where she’d narrate weather skits.

By her teens, Jackie volunteered at local stations, shadowing reporters during elections. In 2025, at 64, she honors this legacy in a WGN retrospective, linking her roots to her enduring weekend anchor role.

Undergraduate Degree: Florida State University Foundations

Jackie Bange‘s academic foundation was laid at Florida State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in management information systems around the mid-1980s. At how old is Jackie Bange in her early 20s, she balanced tech courses with extracurricular journalism clubs, analyzing media trends in a pre-digital era.

FSU’s program emphasized data-driven decision-making, skills that later sharpened her investigative segments. She interned at campus radio, voicing policy roundups that honed her delivery.

This phase, blending business acumen with broadcast curiosity, prepared her for television news. In 2025, Jackie mentors FSU alumni, crediting her degree for her analytical edge in hard news.

• Key Takeaways: Systems analysis applied to news flow; Early public speaking gigs.
• Influence: Shaped her efficient on-air multitasking.

Post-Baccalaureate Degree: University of Florida Pivot

Jackie received her post-baccalaureate degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida in the late 1980s, a strategic shift at how old is Jackie Bange around 25. This program immersed her in production studios, where she scripted and edited mock newscasts, mastering the rhythm of live broadcasts.

UF’s hands-on curriculum included field reporting on Florida’s hurricanes, building her crisis composure. She graduated with distinction, her thesis exploring ethical dilemmas in local news ethics.

This education bridged her tech background to media, launching her into professional roles. By 2025, Jackie returns to UF as a guest lecturer, inspiring students with tales from her WGN tenure.

Began Her Career: WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach

Began her career at WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida, in the early 1990s, Jackie Bange at how old is Jackie Bange in her late 20s served as noon anchor and reporter. This CBS affiliate role demanded versatility, from midday updates to evening field pieces on coastal erosion.

Her segments on community drives won local nods, showcasing her ability to connect with South Florida’s diverse viewers. Jackie covered her first major trial—a high-profile corruption case—earning praise for balanced probing.

This entry point, amid Florida’s humid press rooms, built her resilience. In 2025, Jackie reflects on WPEC as her boot camp for in-depth reporting.

Jackie Bange as General Assignment Reporter: WMAQ-TV Era

In 1990, at how old is Jackie Bange 29, she joined WMAQ-TV in Chicago as general assignment reporter and weekend anchor for the NBC owned-and-operated station. This leap to the Windy City meant tackling urban beats, from gang violence to city hall scandals.

As weekend anchor, Jackie helmed primetime slots, her poise shining in live election nights. She broke a story on public transit fraud, her follow-ups leading to reforms.

Chicago’s intensity sharpened her edge, preparing her for WGN. By 2025, Jackie‘s WMAQ archives are staples in her mentorship talks.

Jackie Joined the WGN-TV News Team: August 1993 Milestone

Jackie joined the WGN-TV news team in August 1993 as a general assignment reporter, at how old is Jackie Bange 32. This homecoming to Chicago’s independent powerhouse allowed deeper dives into neighborhood narratives, from cultural festivals to crime waves.

Her early reports on school funding gaps resonated, blending data with resident voices. Jackie‘s adaptability shone in multimedia shifts, pioneering early web segments.

This entry cemented her WGN loyalty. In 2025, marking 32 years, Jackie hosts a retrospective on local news evolution.

Co-Anchor of the WGN Morning News: January to October 1995

Named co-anchor of the WGN morning news from January to October 1995, Jackie Bange at how old is Jackie Bange 34 woke Chicago with engaging wake-up segments. This high-energy slot demanded quick pivots from traffic to breaking alerts, her chemistry with co-hosts boosting ratings.

Jackie profiled emerging tech startups, foreshadowing her management information systems savvy. Viewer letters praised her relatable style amid morning rushes.

This tenure honed her multitasking. By 2025, clips from this era inspire her weekend anchor prep.

Weekend Anchor for WGN News at Nine: Since October 1995

Since October 1995, at how old is Jackie Bange 34, she has been weekend anchor for WGN News at Nine, a primetime mainstay blending hard news with features. Jackie‘s sign-off, “Stay safe, Chicago,” has become iconic, her reports on ethics reforms earning trust.

In 2025, she covers mayoral races with veteran insight, her longevity a rarity in television news. This role defines her legacy, blending gravitas with warmth.

Award-Winning Journalist: Regional Emmy and Peter Lisagor Honors

Jackie Bange is an award-winning journalist, her mantle boasting a Regional Emmy in 1999 for best hard news feature on skydivers chasing the world record for the largest formation. At how old is Jackie Bange 38, this series showcased her thrill-seeking spirit, interviewing divers mid-prep.

The Peter Lisagor Award in 2009 lauded her aid to a widow seeking justice for her husband who was killed by a drunk driver, her probe leading to convictions. Jackie also won Illinois Associated Press kudos for Katrina coverage.

In 2025, these accolades fuel her mentorship, proving impact endures.

Coverage of Local Stories: Skydiving Series and Beyond

Jackie excels in coverage of local stories, her 1999 skydiving series—profiling two local pilots and their crew attempting the record for the largest skydive—capturing Chicago’s adventurous underbelly. At 38, she strapped into a plane for aerial shots, her narrative earning the Emmy.

Her 2005 Katrina special, “Into the Darkness,” recreated rescues with night-vision, highlighting pilots who were first to arrive in New Orleans to rescue hundreds of stranded residents. This Illinois Associated Press award winner amplified survivor voices.

By 2025, Jackie‘s local focus includes gang intervention programs, her stories spurring policy changes.

Jackie Bange’s International Reporting: Paris and Africa Dispatches

Jackie Bange’s globe-trotting includes Paris fashion weeks and African wildlife conservations, at how old is Jackie Bange in her 40s and 50s. Her 2000s Paris piece on cultural exchanges blended runway glamour with diplomatic ties, airing on WGN.

In Africa, she embedded with conservationists combating poaching, her reports raising funds for anti-traf\ficking. These ventures expanded her worldview, enriching Chicago viewers.

In 2025, Jackie plans a return to Paris for Olympic tie-ins, her international lens sharpening local news parallels.

How Old is Jackie Bange Physical Appearance Height Weight

At how old is Jackie Bange 64, her athletic frame—honed by triathlons and skydives—exudes vitality, standing at 5 feet 7 inches with a 130-pound build that commands the desk. Blonde waves and blue eyes frame her expressive face, a staple since her WPEC-TV days.

Here’s a table of Jackie Bange‘s physical stats, mirroring her enduring screen presence.

These traits, maintained through athletic training, enhance her authoritative yet warm delivery.

Jackie Bange’s Athletic Pursuits: Skydiving and Triathlons

Jackie‘s thrill-seeking side shines in skydives and the 2009 Chicago Triathlon Olympic distance, at how old is Jackie Bange 48. Her Emmy-winning series tied personal jumps to diver profiles, embodying her motto: “Adventure informs empathy.”

Regular athletic training includes trail runs and yoga, sustaining her for long shoots. In 2025, she skydives for a charity jump, raising funds for brain cancer research.

This vitality fuels her reporting, proving age enhances boldness.

Community Involvement: Mentoring and Philanthropy

Jackie is involved in Elmhurst College’s mentor program, guiding journalism students since the 2000s. At how old is Jackie Bange in her 50s, she facilitated internships, her sessions dissecting ethical dilemmas from her Peter Lisagor Award case.

She serves on the Michael Matters board, aiding brain cancer fighters, inspired by a friend‘s battle. Jackie also fundraises for A Safe Place, supporting domestic violence survivors.

In 2025, her efforts culminate in a WGN telethon, blending work with giving back.

• Key Roles: Mentor coordinator; Board treasurer.
• Impact: Placed 50+ students in newsrooms.

Jackie Bange on Social Media: Engaging Chicago

Social media lets Jackie connect beyond broadcasts, her Facebook sharing WGN teases and family milestones. At 64, posts on skydiving anniversaries garner thousands of shares, her wit shining in comment threads.

In 2025, she live-tweets election nights, boosting engagement. Her platforms humanize her, from Katrina retrospectives to triathlon tips.

Below, a table of her profiles as of September 2025.

These spaces, with 24,000+ on Facebook, extend her influence.

Legacy in Chicago Journalism: Reflections at 64

How old is Jackie Bange turning 64? A milestone of mentorship, she reflects on 30+ years at WGN-TV, from morning news co-anchor to weekend anchor. Her Peter Lisagor Award case, aiding a widow’s justice, exemplifies her impact.

In 2025, Jackie launches a podcast on Chicago’s untold stories, her voice timeless. This phase celebrates influence over accolades.

Fun Facts about How Old is Jackie Bange

1. At how old is Jackie Bange 28, she skydived for her Emmy series, holding the world record jump in freefall—adrenaline that still fuels her reports.
2. Born under Virgo, Jackie‘s precision sign matches her scripting, a trait from shadowing her father at 10.
3. During 2005 Katrina at 44, Jackie donned night-vision for recreations, her actress chops turning peril into Emmy gold.
4. How old is Jackie Bange when she triathleted? 48 in 2009, crossing Chicago’s finish line to cheers from her three children.
5. Her Facebook debut at 50 went viral with a skydive blooper, proving age adds humor to her feed.
6. At 64 in 2025, Jackie recreates her first WPEC-TV script for a mentorship video, bridging decades.
7. Jackie‘s mother taught her weather flair at 12, a lesson echoed in her noon anchor days.

Frequently Asked Questions about How Old is Jackie Bange

How old is Jackie Bange in 2025?

64 years old, born September 8, 1961, in Miami.

What is Jackie Bange’s height?

5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), with a fit build from triathlons.

Is Jackie Bange married?

Yes, married with three children; husband George Strickland.

What awards has Jackie Bange won?

Peter Lisagor Award (2009); Regional Emmy (1999); Illinois AP best hard news feature (2005).

Where did Jackie Bange go to school?

Florida State University (undergraduate in management information systems); University of Florida (post-baccalaureate degree in telecommunications).

What is Jackie Bange’s net worth?

Estimated $1-5 million, from WGN-TV salary ($81,000 average).

Does Jackie Bange have social media?

Yes, Facebook (24,586+ followers); Active on Instagram and Twitter.

Conclusion on How Old is Jackie Bange

In closing, how old is Jackie Bange at 64 in 2025 celebrates a career etched in Chicago’s skyline, from WPEC-TV debuts to WGN News at Nine mastery. Her 5 feet 7 inches poise, 24,000+ Facebook engagement, and three children‘s quiet cheers weave resilience into every broadcast. 

Award-winning through Peter Lisagor and Emmys, Jackie‘s hard news—from Katrina recreations to skydive epics—honors her family tradition. Married to George, her personal life mirrors professional depth: Enduring, unflashy. As weekend anchor, Jackie‘s legacy? Timeless trust, proving age crafts the sharpest stories.