Samantha Cortese Biography: KTLA Anchor, Digital Innovator & Emmy-Nominated Journalist, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth

Samantha Cortese is an Emmy-nominated journalist, anchor, and digital innovator at KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles, best known for creating and hosting KTLA’s groundbreaking digital newscast 5 Live and anchoring the station’s 4 p.m. broadcast.

“News is about connection—meeting people where they are, whether on TV, online, or in the community.” — Samantha Cortese

Samantha Cortese has become one of Los Angeles’ most dynamic journalists. With a career spanning traditional broadcasting and digital-first innovation, she has redefined how local news engages audiences. From her early work in Palm Springs to her leadership at KTLA, Cortese blends professionalism, creativity, and relatability, making her a trusted voice in Southern California media.

Timeline Overview

Year	Milestone
1990	Born in Palm Desert, California
2011	Graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism
2011	Began career at KESQ-TV and KPSP-TV in Palm Springs
2014	Became morning anchor at KGUN-TV in Tucson, Arizona
2017	Joined KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles
2017	Created and launched KTLA’s digital-only newscast 5 Live
2021	Transitioned to anchor KTLA’s 4 p.m. newscast
Present	Continues anchoring KTLA 4 p.m. and hosting KTLA+ streaming programs

Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Samantha Cortese
Date of Birth	1990
Age	35 (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Palm Desert, California, USA
Height	Approx. 5 ft 6 in
Education	Chapman University – BA in Broadcast Journalism; also studied at California State University, Fullerton
Profession	Anchor, Reporter, Digital Host
Employer	KTLA 5 News (Los Angeles)
Marital Status	Married (husband’s name not publicly disclosed)
Children	Not publicly known
Net Worth	Estimated $1–2 million
Salary	Estimated $85,000–$150,000 annually

Early Life & Education

Samantha Cortese was born in Palm Desert, California, in 1990. Growing up in Southern California, she developed a passion for storytelling and broadcasting.

She attended Chapman University, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Journalism. While at Chapman, she co-founded and anchored Chapman News, Orange County’s only local student-run newscast. She also studied at California State University, Fullerton, focusing on broadcast journalism and media studies.

Her education provided both technical training and hands-on experience, preparing her for a career in television and digital media.

Samantha Cortese Photo - WikiiTrends — **Samantha Cortese Photo – WikiiTrends**

Career Background

Cortese began her career at KESQ-TV and KPSP-TV in Palm Springs, working as a reporter and anchor while still attending Chapman University. She later became the morning anchor at KGUN-TV in Tucson, Arizona, where she gained experience covering breaking news and community stories.

In 2017, she joined KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles, one of the nation’s most influential local stations. She was hired to create, host, and launch 5 Live, KTLA’s digital-only newscast streaming on KTLA+. The program ran successfully for four years, pioneering a new model of interactive, digital-first local news.

Following the success of 5 Live, KTLA launched a new 4 p.m. newscast, which Cortese now anchors. She also co-hosts KTLA’s streaming program Do It Live! and contributes to KTLA’s investigative podcast California Crime.

Her career reflects a unique blend of traditional anchoring and digital innovation, making her one of the most versatile journalists in Los Angeles.

Achievements

Emmy-nominated journalist for excellence in broadcasting
Creator and host of KTLA’s 5 Live, a groundbreaking digital newscast
Anchor of KTLA’s 4 p.m. newscast
Co-host of KTLA+ streaming program Do It Live!
Contributor to KTLA’s investigative podcast California Crime
Recognized for blending traditional journalism with digital-first innovation

Personal Life

Samantha Cortese is married, though she keeps her personal life private. She values family and community while balancing the demands of a high-profile career.

Salary & Net Worth

Salary: Estimated $85,000–$150,000 annually
Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million, reflecting her career in broadcast journalism and digital media

Legacy

Samantha Cortese’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge traditional broadcasting with digital innovation. By creating 5 Live, she demonstrated how local news can thrive in the streaming era, engaging younger audiences while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Her Emmy-nominated work and leadership at KTLA highlight her role as a pioneer in modern local news. As she continues to anchor and host programs, Cortese stands as a role model for aspiring journalists, showing that adaptability, creativity, and authenticity are key to success in today’s media landscape.