“Journalism is about connecting with people—sharing stories that matter and building trust every day.” — Tanja Babich
Tanja Babich is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and morning news anchor at ABC 7 Chicago, one of the nation’s top-rated local stations. Known for her professionalism, warmth, and ability to handle breaking news with clarity, she has become a trusted voice for Chicago viewers.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980 | Born in Toronto, Canada |
| 2002 | Earned B.A. in Government from Cornell University |
| 2007 | Completed Master’s in Broadcast Journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism |
| 2007–2014 | Reporter and anchor at NewsChannel 9 WSYR, Syracuse, New York |
| 2014 | Joined ABC 7 Chicago as general assignment reporter |
| 2016 | Promoted to morning news anchor at ABC 7 Chicago |
| Present | Anchor of ABC 7 Chicago Morning News and Eyewitness News |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanja Babich |
| Age | 45 (born 1980) |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in |
| Weight | ~58 kg (approx.) |
| Education | B.A. Government – Cornell University; M.S. Broadcast Journalism – Northwestern University |
| Family | Married to Paul Durbin; three daughters |
| Career | Morning news anchor at ABC 7 Chicago |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Salary | Estimated $90,000–$120,000 annually |
Early Life & Education
Tanja Babich was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1980 to immigrant parents of Serbian and Chilean descent. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Government at Cornell University. Motivated by her passion for storytelling and public service, she later enrolled at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she earned her master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Career Background
Babich launched her career at NewsChannel 9 WSYR in Syracuse, New York, working as a reporter and anchor. She covered politics, community issues, and breaking news, quickly building a reputation for accuracy and empathy.
In 2014, she joined ABC 7 Chicago as a general assignment reporter. Within two years, she earned a promotion to morning news anchor because of her professionalism and on-air presence. Today, she leads ABC 7 Chicago Morning News and contributes to Eyewitness News, delivering local, national, and international coverage.
Her reporting style emphasizes clarity, relatability, and connection, making her a trusted voice in Chicago households.

Achievements
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Earned an Emmy Award for her journalism
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Anchors Chicago’s top-rated morning newscast
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Covers major national and international news events
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Recognized for community involvement and mentorship of young journalists
Personal Life
Tanja Babich is married to Paul Durbin, and they are raising three daughters together.
She frequently shares moments from her family life on social media, showing how she balances motherhood with a demanding career.
Salary & Net Worth
Salary: Estimated $90,000–$120,000 annually as morning anchor at ABC 7 Chicago
Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million, reflecting her accomplished career in broadcast journalism
Legacy
Tanja Babich has built a legacy rooted in representation, professionalism, and connection. As a Canadian-born journalist of Serbian and Chilean heritage, she brings meaningful diversity to American broadcast news.
Her clear, compassionate reporting continues to guide viewers through both everyday stories and major historical moments.









