Kaity Tong Bio and Wiki
Kaity Tong, a Chinese-born American broadcast journalist, has anchored television news in New York City since 1981. She moved to the United States from Qingdao, China, at the age of four and pursued higher education at Bryn Mawr College and Stanford University. Drawing inspiration from her great-uncle Hollington Tong, a Chinese ambassador and author, and her mother, a broadcaster for Voice of America, she set her sights on a career in journalism.
She launched her broadcasting career in San Francisco and quickly gained recognition for her skill and professionalism. WABC-TV brought her into the spotlight, and she later solidified her legacy at WPIX-TV. Throughout her decades-long career, Tong has demonstrated exceptional poise and consistency, earning widespread respect as a leading figure in American journalism.
Kaity Tong’s age and birthday
Tong was born on July 23, 1947, in Qingdao, China. Her zodiac sign is Leo.
Kaity Tong’s height and weight
Tong stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall and weighs around 121 pounds (55 kilograms). She has long black hair and dark brown eyes.
Kaity Tong’s educational background
Tong earned an honors degree in English literature from Bryn Mawr College on an academic scholarship and began a doctoral program at Stanford in Chinese and Japanese literature. Although she initially planned to become an English literature instructor, her career path changed after she started working at a San Francisco radio station, leading to her successful journey in broadcast journalism.
Kaity Tong’s dating life, spouse and children
Tong married Robert (Bob) Long, a KNBC News Director, and together they had a son named Philip Long. After their divorce, she later married Patrick Callahan, a professional photographer. Although Kaity and Patrick do not have children together, she continues to take pride in being a devoted mother to Philip, who was already in college by 2007.
Kaity Tong’s nationality and ethnicity
Tong is a Chinese-American who was born in Qingdao, China, and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. She became a U.S. citizen in 1985 and is of Chinese ethnicity.
Kaity Tong’s parents and siblings
Tong was born to George and Anita Tong, who emigrated from China to the United States when she was just four years old. Her mother, Anita, worked as a broadcaster and producer for the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., which likely influenced Kaity’s own path into journalism. Her family also includes her great-uncle, Hollington Tong, a former Chinese ambassador to the U.S. and a respected author.
Kaity Tong’s career
Kaity Tong launched her journalism career in the late 1970s at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, where she was first hired as a writer and quickly promoted to on-air reporter. Her talent and presence soon earned her a co-anchoring role at KCRA-TV in Sacramento, where she led both the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Her work there made her the city’s top-rated anchor and solidified her reputation as a rising star in broadcast journalism.
In 1981, she took a major step by joining WABC-TV in New York City, where she co-anchored the station’s flagship evening newscasts. Despite a controversial dismissal from WABC in 1991, Tong remained undeterred. She joined WPIX-TV the following year and quickly became a trusted and beloved figure, anchoring both the 10 p.m. and later the 6:30 p.m. newscasts for decades.
Throughout her four-decade career, Tong has earned acclaim not only for her journalistic skill but also for her pioneering role as one of the first Asian American women to anchor a major newscast in New York City. Her resilience and trailblazing presence have made her a standout figure in American broadcast journalism.
Kaity Tong’s net worth
She has a net worth of $3 million.
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