“Broadcasting is about service—helping people navigate their day while shining a light on community needs.” — Kye Martin
Kye Martin is a seasoned American journalist and traffic reporter, best known as the Morning Traffic Anchor at NBC 5 Chicago. Born October 6, 1979, in Seattle, Washington, she has built a career admired for her clear reporting, community advocacy, and dedication to maternal and infant health. Her work combines the immediacy of live traffic coverage with a deep commitment to public service, making her one of Chicago’s most trusted media voices.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kye Martin |
| Birthdate | October 6, 1979 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (European descent) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Age | 46 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in (1.67 m) |
| Education | Washington State University, B.A. in Communications |
| Profession | Journalist, Traffic Reporter |
| Employer | NBC 5 Chicago |
| Spouse | Brandon Martin (married 2008) |
| Children | Twin sons, Bodie and Tanner |
| Awards | Recognition for community advocacy and journalism |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Salary | Approx. $60,000–$100,000 annually |
Early Life & Education
Kye Martin was born in Seattle, Washington, and raised in a supportive family environment. Her mother, Robin, is a health coach and former Rotary Club president, instilling in Kye a sense of service and community engagement from an early age. She pursued journalism at the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication, Washington State University, graduating with honors in 2001. Her education emphasized both technical broadcasting skills and the ethical responsibilities of journalism, laying the foundation for her career.
Career Background
Martin began her career in California, working as a reporter and anchor at KTXL-TV Sacramento and KMPH-TV Fresno, where she covered local news, politics, and community issues. She also anchored for Pappas Telecasting Companies in Visalia, honing her skills in live reporting and newsroom leadership.
She later worked with Nokia Media, providing traffic reports for WGN-TV and CLTV, which introduced her to the specialized field of traffic journalism. In July 2012, she joined NBC 5 Chicago as the morning traffic reporter, where she quickly became a familiar face to commuters across the city. In addition to traffic coverage, she contributes to the 11 a.m. newscast as a general assignment reporter, covering breaking news, community stories, and public service initiatives.

Achievements
- Morning Traffic Anchor at NBC 5 Chicago
- General Assignment Reporter for NBC 5’s 11 a.m. newscast
- Advocate for maternal and infant health through the March of Dimes, serving on its Chicago Board of Directors
- Honored for her journalism and community service, particularly her advocacy for premature infant care
- Recognized for balancing live traffic reporting with broader community storytelling
Personal Life & Family
Kye married Brandon Martin on September 4, 2008. They have twin sons, Bodie and Tanner, born prematurely in 2011. Tanner’s NICU experience deeply influenced Kye’s advocacy for premature infant health, leading her to work closely with the March of Dimes. She is passionate about raising awareness of maternal health challenges and supporting families with similar experiences.
Outside of journalism, Kye enjoys yoga, outdoor activities, and family time, often sharing glimpses of her life as a working mother balancing career and community service.
Legacy
Kye Martin’s legacy lies in her dedication to journalism, her trusted role in Chicago broadcasting, and her advocacy for maternal and infant health. She is admired for her ability to combine professional excellence with personal resilience, using her platform to inform, inspire, and support her community.
Kye Martin — FAQ (Journalist / Media Personality)
Who is Kye Martin? She is an American journalist and morning traffic reporter at NBC 5 Chicago.
When was she born? October 6, 1979, in Seattle, Washington.
What is her nationality? American.
What is her ethnicity? White (European descent).
What is her religion? Christian.
Where did she study? Washington State University, Edward R. Murrow School of Communication.
Is she married? Yes, to Brandon Martin.
Does she have children? Yes, twin sons Bodie and Tanner.
What is she known for? Her traffic reporting at NBC 5 Chicago and her advocacy for maternal and infant health.
What is her net worth and salary? Net worth estimated at $1–2 million; salary approx. $65,000–$100,000 annually.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Born October 6 in Seattle, Washington |
| 2001 | Graduated with honors from Washington State University, Edward R. Murrow School of Communication |
| 2004–2006 | Anchor for Pappas Telecasting Companies in Visalia, California |
| 2006–2010 | Reporter/Anchor at KMPH-TV Fresno and KTXL-TV Sacramento |
| 2008 | Married Brandon Martin |
| 2011 | Gave birth to twin sons, Bodie and Tanner (premature) |
| 2012 | Joined NBC 5 Chicago as Morning Traffic Reporter |
| Present | Morning Traffic Anchor and General Assignment Reporter at NBC 5 Chicago; March of Dimes Board Member |
Colleagues & Collaborators
- NBC 5 Chicago News Team – Co-anchors and newsroom colleagues
- March of Dimes Chicago Board – Collaborators in maternal and infant health advocacy
Why Kye Martin Is in the News
Kye Martin is often in the news for her role as NBC 5’s morning traffic anchor, her community advocacy, and her leadership in maternal and infant health initiatives.
What Caused the Search Surge for Kye Martin?
The search surge for Kye Martin was caused by her visibility on NBC 5 Chicago, her advocacy for premature infant health, and her growing influence as both a journalist and community leader.









