“Television is more than news—it’s about connecting with people and celebrating their stories.” — Val Warner
Val Warner is an Emmy Award-winning television host and journalist best known for co-hosting ABC7 Chicago’s Windy City Weekend. With more than two decades in broadcasting, she has become one of Chicago’s most recognizable media personalities, blending professionalism with warmth and relatability. Her career reflects a commitment to storytelling, community engagement, and uplifting voices across the city.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Val Warner |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1974 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in |
| Education | University of California, San Diego – BA in Communications |
| Profession | TV host, journalist, producer |
| Employer | ABC7 Chicago |
| Marital Status | Married to Jobba (since 2021) |
| Children | Two (Zoe and Max) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Salary | Estimated $85,000–$150,000 annually |
Early Life & Education
Val Warner was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1974. Growing up on the West Coast, she developed an early interest in media and communication. She pursued that passion at the University of California, San Diego, where she graduated in 1996 with a degree in communications. Her academic training laid the foundation for her broadcasting career, equipping her with essential skills in public speaking, journalism, and media production.

Career Background
Warner launched her television career in local markets, working in Los Angeles and Reno, Nevada. In 2005, she moved to Chicago and joined ABC7 as a reporter, quickly becoming a recognizable presence on the station.
Her career reached a new level in 2011 when ABC7 named her co-host of Windy City Live, the daytime talk and entertainment show that replaced The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago’s lineup. The show—later rebranded as Windy City Weekend—allowed Warner to showcase her versatility as she interviewed celebrities, covered lifestyle topics, and connected with Chicago’s diverse communities.
Her approachable style and ability to engage both guests and audiences made her one of the station’s standout personalities. Over the years, she has interviewed major figures in entertainment, politics, and sports while consistently elevating local stories that matter to Chicagoans.
Achievements
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Emmy Award-winning host of Windy City Live
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Longtime anchor and reporter at ABC7 Chicago
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Known for engaging interviews and community-focused storytelling
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Host of special programs, including charity events and cultural showcases
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Advocate for diversity and representation in media
Personal Life
Val Warner married Jobba in 2021. She is the proud mother of two children, Zoe and Max, and often shares her experiences balancing motherhood with a demanding media career.
Her openness about family, personal challenges, and growth has made her relatable to viewers. She remains active in community events, charity initiatives, and mentorship programs for aspiring journalists.
Salary & Net Worth
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Salary: Estimated $85,900–$199,000 annually
-
Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million, reflecting her long-running success in broadcasting and hosting
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Born in Los Angeles, California |
| 1996 | Graduated from University of California, San Diego with a degree in Communications |
| Late 1990s | Began career in broadcasting, working at local stations in Los Angeles and Reno |
| 2005 | Joined ABC7 Chicago as reporter and host |
| 2011 | Became co-host of Windy City Live (later Windy City Weekend) |
| 2014 | Won regional Emmy Award for hosting excellence |
| Present | Continues as co-host of Windy City Weekend and community advocate |
Legacy
Val Warner’s legacy stems from her ability to blend entertainment and journalism, making television both informative and enjoyable. As co-host of Windy City Weekend, she has become one of Chicago’s most trusted media voices, known for her warmth, professionalism, and dedication to community storytelling.
Her career reflects how local television hosts have evolved into multi-platform personalities who engage audiences on TV, online, and in public events. By combining journalistic integrity with an entertaining on-screen presence, Warner has carved out a distinctive place in Chicago broadcasting.
Beyond the newsroom, she continues to inspire young women in media and champion representation, diversity, and authenticity in journalism.









