N. J. Burkett Biogaphy and Wikipedia
N. J. Burkett is an American journalist and correspondent for WABC-TV in New York City. He was born on May 6, 1962, in Orange, New Jersey, and grew up in Elizabeth. To make his name more relatable, he started using the initials “N.J.” on advice from his agent and a station president. After graduating from Elizabeth High School in 1980, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. He joined WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News team in July 1989 and became a top correspondent, covering war, crime, politics, and natural disasters. He gained fame for his live reporting during the September 11, 2001, attacks, capturing the South Tower’s collapse. His work has earned him major awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Emmy Awards.
Age and Birthday
N. J. Burkett, born on May 6, 1962, will be 62 years old in 2025.
Height and Weight
Burkett is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (171 cm) tall and weighs about 71 kg (155 lbs).
Education Background
N. J. Burkett has a strong academic background, having graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1980 before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University. He further pursued a Master’s degree in International Affairs at Columbia University, focusing on subjects such as arms control and international media.
Nationality
N. J. Burkett holds American nationality. He was born in Orange, New Jersey, and spent his childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Significant Contribution & Notable Work
N. J. Burkett has played a crucial role in journalism through his impactful reporting and leadership positions:
9/11 Coverage: He gained widespread recognition for his live coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Reporting directly from the scene, he documented the collapse of the South Tower and its aftermath, earning prestigious honors such as the George Foster Peabody Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Emmy Awards.
International Reporting: He has covered significant global events, including the 2003 Iraq War, the Israeli-Hamas conflict, and the devastation caused by natural disasters such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2011 Japan tsunami.
Leadership in Journalism: Burkett has demonstrated his commitment to the industry by serving as the First Vice Chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and as President of its New York Chapter, contributing to the advancement of television journalism.
Investigative Work: His undercover investigations into the conditions of New York City’s homeless shelters shed light on critical social issues, reinforcing his dedication to impactful and socially responsible journalism.
Wife & Kids
N. J. Burkett is married to Margie Rice Burkett, a professional realtor. The couple has two children, Newton Jones Burkett IV, born in 1998, and Amanda Burkett, born in 2000.
Career
N. J. joined WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News team in July 1989 and quickly became one of the station\’s top correspondents. He has covered a broad spectrum of topics, including war, diplomacy, crime, politics, and natural disasters, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dedicated journalist.
He gained widespread recognition for his live coverage of the September 11, 2001, attacks, reporting from the scene as the South Tower collapsed. His work during this historic event earned him several prestigious awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Emmy Awards.
Expanding his reach beyond domestic news, Burkett has covered major global events such as the 2003 Iraq War, the Israeli-Hamas conflict, and humanitarian crises like the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and the Japan tsunami in 2011. His international reporting has showcased his ability to deliver in-depth and impactful news coverage.
In addition to his reporting, Burkett has taken on leadership roles within the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, serving as First Vice Chairman and President of its New York Chapter. His investigative journalism, including undercover reporting on conditions in New York City’s homeless shelters, reflects his commitment to addressing critical social issues through his work.
Recognition & Legacy
Awards and Honors:
N. J. Burkett has earned numerous prestigious accolades for his exceptional journalism, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Emmy Awards. These awards recognize his outstanding work, particularly his live coverage of the 9/11 attacks, which became a defining moment in broadcast journalism.
Alongside his colleagues, he also received the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for their remarkable reporting on the September 11th terrorist attacks. This honor further underscores his contributions to high-quality, impactful journalism.
Leadership in Journalism:
Burkett has taken on key leadership roles within the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, serving as First Vice Chairman and President of its New York Chapter. His work in these positions has played a crucial role in shaping and upholding the standards of television journalism.
Legacy:
Throughout his career, Burkett has demonstrated a strong commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing pressing social issues. From exposing the realities of New York City’s homeless shelters through undercover reporting to covering international conflicts and natural disasters, he has consistently delivered powerful and meaningful journalism.
His dedication to ethical reporting and his ability to engage with audiences have cemented his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the industry.
Salary & Net Worth
N. J. Burkett earns an estimated annual salary between $43,000 and $115,000, reflecting his experience and contributions as a veteran journalist and correspondent for WABC-TV. His net worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $4 million, accumulated through his long-standing career in journalism and various investments.
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