John Pertzborn Biography: Emmy-Winning FOX 2-KTVI News Anchor
John Pertzborn is an American Emmy Award-winning news anchor and reporter.
He has been working for FOX 2-KTVI since September 1997, where he co-anchors FOX 2 News in the Morning from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Recently, in April 2025, Pertzborn discovered a forgotten World War II-era phonograph recording at an estate sale.
The record contained a heartfelt message from a young Jewish marine to his family in St. Louis. Pertzborn, a long-time phonograph collector, recognized the significance of the recording and is working to return the voice to the marine’s family.
Before his long tenure at FOX 2, Pertzborn worked at other stations, including KSDK (NBC) in St. Louis, where he served as a reporter and anchor.
His experience spans decades, making him a familiar face in the region’s media landscape.
During his career, Pertzborn has covered a wide range of news stories, including presidential elections, major weather events, and high-profile criminal trials.
He has won numerous awards for his work, including several Emmy Awards for his reporting and anchoring.
Outside of his journalism career, Pertzborn is active in the community, serving on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
John Pertzborn Age
John Pertzborn was born on October 2, 1961, making him 63 years old as of 2025. He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
His birth sign is Libra, a zodiac known for balance, intelligence, and strong communication skills—qualities that align with his successful career in journalism.
John Pertzborn Family
John Pertzborn, the popular news anchor and host at KTVI FOX 2 News, was born in St. Louis, Missouri.
However, details about his parents and siblings remain undisclosed to the public. Pertzborn has been quite private about his personal life and rarely shares any information regarding his family background.
Despite being a well-known figure in the media industry, he has kept his personal life away from the limelight.
It is not uncommon for public figures to maintain their privacy when it comes to their family members, especially if they are not directly involved in the public sphere.
Nevertheless, Pertzborn’s fans and followers continue to admire him for his dedication and professionalism as a news anchor and host, regardless of his private life.
John Pertzborn Education
JJohn Pertzborn attended The University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied Broadcast Journalism. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in the field.
During his time at the university, he was actively involved in Phi Delta Theta, worked as a News Editor and Columnist for The Badger Herald, and contributed to WISC-TV and WIBA News Radio.
John Pertzborn Fox 2 News
John Pertzborn has over 35 years of experience in the field of journalism. He is currently a co-anchor for KTVI Fox 2 News in the Morning, a position he has held since 1998.
Pertzborn is responsible for anchoring, writing, producing, and hosting live television segments during the morning news broadcast. He is also known for his affinity for bow ties and high-pressure live TV situations.
FOX 2-KTVI (1998–Present)
John Pertzborn has been a co-anchor for FOX 2 News in the Morning since 1998.
He delivers news from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, keeping viewers informed on local and national stories.
His engaging style and deep experience make him a trusted voice in St. Louis journalism.
KSDK-TV (1986–1997)
Before joining FOX 2, Pertzborn worked at KSDK-TV, where he was a feature reporter and the host of Show Me St. Louis.
His role involved covering human-interest stories, local events, and investigative reports. His ability to connect with audiences helped him gain recognition in the industry.
NBC News Channel (1991–1998)
During his time at KSDK, Pertzborn also worked as a nationally syndicated feature reporter for NBC News Channel.
This role allowed him to cover stories that aired across multiple NBC-affiliated stations nationwide, expanding his reach beyond local news.
WBAY-TV (1983–1986)
At WBAY-TV, Pertzborn worked as an anchor and reporter, covering breaking news and community stories.
This experience helped him refine his skills in live reporting and investigative journalism.
WSAW-TV (1983)
Early in his career, Pertzborn worked at WSAW-TV as a news anchor, reporter, producer, and photographer.
This multifaceted role gave him hands-on experience in various aspects of television production, from reporting to behind-the-scenes work.
WISC-TV (1982)
While studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Pertzborn worked at WISC-TV as a reporter.
This was one of his first professional experiences in television journalism, setting the foundation for his future success.
WIBA Radio (Madison, WI)
Pertzborn also gained experience in radio broadcasting at WIBA Radio, where he honed his skills in delivering news and engaging with listeners.
WKOW Radio (1972)
His first exposure to media came in 1972, when he was invited as a guest on WKOW Radio’s “Nite Line” show.
This early experience sparked his interest in journalism and set him on the path to becoming a respected news anchor.
John Pertzborn’s Notable Coverage:
- Sandy Hook Tragedy – Provided detailed reporting on one of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, delivering accurate and compassionate coverage.
- Boston Marathon Bombings – Covered the tragic events of the 2013 bombings, reporting on developments and investigations as they unfolded.
- Major Breaking News Stories – Regularly covers critical incidents, including severe weather events, crime investigations, and political developments.
- Local Community Impact Stories – Highlights inspiring individuals and organizations making a difference in St. Louis, reinforcing his connection to the community.
- Public Safety Reports – Focuses on stories related to law enforcement, emergency response, and crime prevention, ensuring viewers stay informed.
Awards & Recognition
John Pertzborn has received several prestigious awards throughout his journalism career, recognizing his excellence in reporting and storytelling. His accolades include:
- Four Local Emmy Awards – Honoring his outstanding work in broadcast journalism.
- Two Illinois Press Awards – Recognizing his contributions to news reporting.
- The Edward R. Murrow Award – A highly respected award in journalism for excellence in electronic news.
- SPJ Best Spot News Award – Given by the Society of Professional Journalists for exceptional coverage of breaking news.
Among his professional associates are:
Margie Ellisor-morning anchor
Mandy Murphey-anchor
Tim Ezell-feature reporter and anchor
Blair Ledet-anchor
Mitch McCoy-investigative journalist
John Pertzborn Wife
John Pertzborn is married to Mary Pertzborn. The couple had a beautiful wedding ceremony attended by family and close friends. They have two children, a daughter named Mercy and a son named Nick.
Nick proposed to his fiancée, Veronika, who is from Ukraine, on a boat in Lake Michigan north of Chicago’s Navy Pier on June 20, 2022.
John Pertzborn Salary | Net Worth
Pertzborn’s salary is estimated to range from $30,000 to $120,500 annually, reflecting his nearly four-decade career, including stints at KSDK-TV and Wisconsin stations.
His net worth is speculated to be between $500,000 and $5 million, bolstered by four local Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award, though exact figures remain unconfirmed due to his private nature and varying source estimates.
Is John Pertzborn Married
Yes, John Pertzborn is married to Mary Pertzborn. However, details about their wedding and personal life remain private.
Where Is John Pertzborn
John Pertzborn is currently a co-anchor for FOX 2 News in the Morning, which airs from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.
He joined FOX 2 in 1998 and has since become a prominent figure in St. Louis journalism.
Pertzborn is known for his engaging and informative reporting style, and he has covered a wide range of news stories throughout his career.
He has won several awards for his work, including four local Emmys, two Illinois Press Awards, one SPJ Best Spot News Award, and The Edward R. Murrow Award.
Pertzborn’s extensive experience in broadcasting and his dedication to delivering quality news to the people of St. Louis have made him a respected and admired journalist in the community.
How Old Is John Pertzborn
John Pertzborn was born on October 2, 1961, which makes him 63 years old as of 2025.
Is John Pertzborn Retiring
As of now, there are no indications or reports suggesting that John Pertzborn is planning to retire from his position as a news anchor at FOX 2 News.
He continues to appear as a co-anchor for FOX 2 News in the Morning, which is broadcasted from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. every Monday through Friday.
Pertzborn has been with FOX 2 News since 1998 and has established himself as a well-known figure in St. Louis journalism.
Despite his long tenure in the field, there has been no official statement or announcement regarding his retirement.
It’s possible that he may choose to retire in the future, but at this time, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he has any immediate plans to do so.
2 Trackbacks / Pingbacks
Comments are closed.