Micah Materre is an Emmy award-winning American journalist and news anchor at WGN-TV in Chicago. She anchors the WGN Evening News at Five and Six and the WGN News at Nine and Ten. With over 26 years on-air at WGN and more than 30 years in broadcasting, Materre has become one of Chicago’s most trusted news voices.
She also hosts “People to People” and co-produces “Chicago’s Very Own,” covering entertainment news and special stories. Her work earned her recognition as a Chicago Media Legend by the National Association of Black Journalists.
Age and Birthday
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Age | 63 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1962 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Materre celebrates her birthday every November 9. Born in Chicago, she remains deeply connected to her hometown throughout her career.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (some sources: 5’7″ / 1.7m) |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Heritage | Not Hispanic |
Materre has an average stature with a professional news anchor appearance. She grew up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood and is African American, not Hispanic.
Family and Early Life
Parents
- Father: Jeanne Materre (insurance broker, deceased)
- Mother: Louise Materre Broker (school administrator)
Siblings
Materre has one sister and one brother.
Childhood
Born at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago, she grew up in the South Shore neighborhood. Her mother, Vera Jeanne Materre, passed away at age 95.
Education
| Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| University | Drake University | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Radio, and TV |
| Graduation | 1983 | Degree completed |
| Additional | Columbia College | Taught radio production |
Career Journey
Early Career (1983–1990s)
- 1983: Started at WBEZ radio, Chicago’s NPR affiliate
- 4 years reporting for WBEZ radio
- Taught radio production at Columbia College
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa: General assignment reporter and weekend anchor
Detroit Period
- WJBK-TV, Detroit: Main anchor for 8 years
- Won Emmy Award and Michigan Association of Broadcasters award
WGN-TV Era (1998–Present)
Materre has anchored ALL newscasts at WGN throughout her career.
Awards & Recognition
- Emmy Award Winner for “Chicago’s Very Own: Soul Food” (2014)
- Featured in Glamour, New York Times Magazine, Ebony
- “Who’s Who in Black Chicago”
- Chicago Media Legend by NABJ-Chicago (2024)
- 26 years on-air at WGN-TV
Professional Memberships
- Board: Chicago Children’s Choir
- Advisory Board: Tutoring Chicago
- Member: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Member: National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Relationships and Personal Life
Husband
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kelvin Michael (also Kelvin Jackson) |
| Profession | Photographer and videographer/editor at WJBK-TV |
| Marriage Year | 1995 |
| Education | Wayne State University graduate |
Materre has lived a happy married life with Kelvin since 1995, and both work in television.
Children
She has two children and balances her news career with motherhood.
Net Worth and Income
| Metric | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
| Annual Salary | $40,000 – $110,500 |
Income Sources
- WGN-TV news anchor salary (primary)
- “Chicago’s Very Own” production
- “People to People” hosting
- Commentary and MC appearances
Social Media Profiles
Interesting Facts
- Chicago Native: Born and raised in South Shore
- 26+ Years on Air at WGN-TV
- Emmy Winner for “Soul Food” series
- Covered America’s first Black President’s inauguration
- Anchored ALL newscasts at WGN
- 30+ Years in broadcasting
- Chicago Media Legend (NABJ, 2024)
- Husband works in TV as videographer/editor
- Serves on Chicago Children’s Choir board
Conclusion
Micah Materre represents excellence in Chicago journalism. From her South Shore roots to anchoring WGN’s top newscasts, she built a career defined by authenticity and integrity. With over 30 years in broadcasting, an Emmy Award, and recognition as a Chicago Media Legend, Materre continues shaping how Chicagoans understand their city.
Her journey from WBEZ radio to WGN-TV evening anchor shows steady growth and dedication. Beyond the news desk, she serves through Chicago Children’s Choir, Tutoring Chicago, and “People to People.” She balances professional success with a happy marriage to Kelvin and raising two children.
When viewers watch WGN Evening News, they trust Micah Materre’s voice because it carries 30 years of integrity. Her story proves Chicago’s own can reach journalism’s highest levels while staying connected to their community.
FAQs
How old is Micah Materre?
She is 63 years old as of 2025, born November 9, 1962.
Where was she born?
Chicago, Illinois, at Jackson Park Hospital.
What is her height?
5 feet 6 inches (some sources: 5’7″).
Is she Hispanic?
Who is her husband?
Kelvin Michael, a photographer and videographer.
Does she have children?
Yes, two children: Louis and McKenzie Jackson.
What network does she work for?
WGN-TV in Chicago.
What shows does she anchor?
WGN Evening News at Five and Six, News at Nine and Ten.
Has she won awards?
Yes, an Emmy Award for “Chicago’s Very Own: Soul Food”.
What is her net worth?
Where did she go to college?
Drake University, graduated 1983.
How long at WGN-TV?
Since January 1998, over 26 years.
