Jeff Gianola Biography And Wiki

Jeff Gianola is an American news anchor and reporter, best known for his nearly 40-year career with KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon. He started his journalism career in Santa Barbara, California, before moving to Portland in 1983 to work for KATU, the ABC affiliate. In 1998, Jeff joined KOIN 6 as an evening anchor and has since become the station’s head news anchor. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in the Portland community, participating in various charity events.

Age And Birthday

Jeff Gianola, born on October 2, 1955, is 69 years old as of 2024.

Height And Weight

Jeff Gianola is 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall and weighs about 174 lbs (79 kg).

Education Background

Jeff Gianola earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from San Diego State University.

Nationality And Ethnicity

Jeff Gianola is an American of White-American ethnicity, born and raised in San Diego, California.

Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works

Jeff Gianola started his journalism career in the early 1980s at a station in Santa Barbara, California. In 1983, he joined Portland’s KATU as a general-assignment reporter and later became an evening anchor. In August 1998, he moved to KOIN 6, Portland’s CBS affiliate, as an evening anchor, where he still serves as the head news anchor.

Jeff has made significant contributions through his work on the “Wednesday’s Child” program, helping to place hundreds of foster children into adoptive homes. In September 1999, he created and hosted “Quick Tips for Easy Living,” a lifestyle program that showcased his creativity, though it was short-lived. He also produced the documentary No Perfect Answers: The Life and Architecture of Pietro Belluschi, which highlights his dedication to local history and architecture.

Among his notable works, “Wednesday’s Child” has been a cornerstone of his career, positively impacting many lives. His documentary on Pietro Belluschi has aired multiple times on OPB, earning praise for its exploration of architectural history. Additionally, “Quick Tips for Easy Living” demonstrated his ability to produce engaging content.

Wife and Children

Jeff Gianola is married to Shannon Dugan, with whom he shares three children: Jake, Michael, and Eliana. He was previously married to Marla McDonough, and they have two daughters, Alexandra and Anna.

Career

Jeff Gianola started his journalism career in Santa Barbara, California, where he worked as a general-assignment reporter. His early experiences helped him develop the skills that would later define his career in broadcasting.

In 1983, Jeff moved to Portland, Oregon, to join KATU, the local ABC affiliate. Initially, he worked as a general-assignment reporter before taking on roles as a weather and morning anchor. Over time, he advanced to become the evening anchor, co-anchoring with Julie Emry, which solidified his reputation in the Portland media market.

In August 1998, Jeff transitioned to KOIN 6, Portland’s CBS affiliate. As the station’s head news anchor, he has been a leading figure at KOIN ever since. His creative side came through in September 1999 when he wrote, produced, and starred in “Quick Tips for Easy Living,” a lifestyle program that aired on Saturdays. While the show was short-lived, it demonstrated Jeff’s ability to engage audiences in new ways.

One of Jeff’s most impactful contributions has been his work with the “Wednesday’s Child” program. This initiative, which helps children in foster care find adoptive families, has been a cornerstone of his career. His commitment to the program has helped hundreds of children secure loving homes, leaving a lasting legacy.

Jeff also ventured into documentary production, showcasing his dedication to local culture and history. He produced “No Perfect Answers: The Life and Architecture of Pietro Belluschi,” a film that delves into the architect’s contributions. The documentary has aired multiple times on OPB and received widespread acclaim for its insightful storytelling.

Hobbies And Personal Challenges

Hobbies
Jeff enjoys raising rare finches and finds it a rewarding pastime. He also has a passion for collecting vintage transistor radios. Another favorite activity is metal detecting, where he has uncovered treasures like a 1921 Buffalo Nickel.

Gardening is another of Jeff’s hobbies; he particularly likes mowing the lawn and maintaining his yard. He also enjoys home improvement projects and has said he would likely host a renovation show if he weren’t a news anchor. Additionally, Jeff takes pride in training his Havanese dog, Lucy, teaching her new tricks.

Personal Challenges
In 2018, Jeff took on the challenge of reporting on Portland’s homelessness crisis by living on the streets. This experience was part of his series “Unsheltered Truth,” where he followed the lives of four homeless individuals over two months.

Throughout his career, Jeff has faced criticism and scrutiny, as many public figures do. However, he has consistently approached these challenges with professionalism and resilience.

Salary and Net Worth

Salary
Jeff earns an annual salary at KOIN 6 News that ranges from $38,500 to $135,000, depending on factors like his position and experience.

Net Worth
Jeff Gianola’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth comes from his long-standing career in news broadcasting and his active participation in community projects.

Major Achievements

Jeff Gianola has achieved several milestones in his journalism career:

Long Career: Jeff has worked in news broadcasting for nearly 40 years, mainly in Portland, Oregon.

Wednesday’s Child: He founded and leads the Wednesday’s Child Foundation, which helps place foster children in loving homes. The program has successfully placed hundreds of children and serves as a model for similar efforts in other cities.

Quick Tips for Easy Living: In 1999, Jeff created, produced, and starred in a lifestyle show called “Quick Tips for Easy Living” on KOIN, demonstrating his versatility, even though the show was short-lived.

Documentary Work: Jeff produced a documentary called “No Perfect Answers: The Life and Architecture of Pietro Belluschi,” showcasing his interest in local history and architecture.

Community Involvement: Jeff is committed to his Portland community, participating in charity events and continuing his work with foster children through “Wednesday’s Child.”

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