Cristy Fajardo Biography: Age, Husband, Career | FOX 11 Reporter

Cristy Fajardo Biography: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist for FOX 11 KTTV-TV

Cristy Fajardo is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and investigative reporter for FOX 11 KTTV-TV in Los Angeles.

Known for her fearless storytelling and bilingual reporting, she has built a distinguished career covering high-impact stories across the U.S. and Latin America.

Early Life and Education

Born to an American mother and a Peruvian father, Cristy grew up immersed in two cultures and fluent in both English and Spanish.

She earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and later completed a Master’s in Journalism at Northwestern University.

Career Highlights

• FOX 11 KTTV-TV (Current): Cristy returned to KTTV after previous stints at KCBS/KCAL. Her reporting has led to high-level resignations and drawn attention from mayors, members of Congress, and state attorneys general.
• KCBS/KCAL (2012–2020): She was a go-to reporter for breaking news and exclusive investigations.
• Dow Jones Newswires (Madrid): Covered Spain’s financial markets in real time.
• International Reporting: Her Emmy-winning coverage of child soldiers in Uganda and reports on terrorism in South America underscore her global reach.

Notable Coverage

• U.S.–Mexico border issues
• Spain’s financial markets
• Political corruption and police misconduct in Los Angeles
• High-profile national events including the Tucson shooting and Mexicali earthquake

Awards and Recognition

• Emmy Award for international reporting
• Golden Mike Award (2009)
• Multiple Emmy nominations

Affiliations

Cristy serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), Region 8, and continues to advocate for diversity in media.

Age:

Cristy Fajardo has not publicly shared her birth date, but a careful look at her academic and professional trajectory suggests she is likely in her late 30s to early 40s.

She comes from a richly diverse background—her mother is American and her father is Peruvian—giving her a multicultural identity that has shaped her reporting voice. Ethnically, she is of mixed heritage with both Peruvian and American roots.

Parents and Siblings:

Cristy Fajardo was born to an American mother and a Peruvian father, which allowed her to grow up with two cultures and two languages.

This multicultural upbringing has significantly influenced her perspective and approach to journalism.

Unfortunately, specific details about her parents and siblings are not publicly available. 

However, it’s known that she has a brother named Dean Hundorf, who was also abandoned at birth but later reunited with her through a DNA test.

This reunion story was widely covered and is a testament to the strong bond they share despite their challenging start in life.

Husband:

Height:

Cristy Fajardo is estimated to be 5 feet 6 inches tall (167 cm) and weighs between 125–135 pounds (57–61 kg). Her body measurements are approximated at 34-26-36 inches.

Career and Background:

Cristy Fajardo is currently a reporter at FOX 11 KTTV-TV in Los Angeles, a role she resumed after previously working there from July 2003 to March 2012.

During both stints, she has covered some of the most pressing national and regional stories, including the Tucson shooting, Mexicali earthquake, and San Bruno explosion, while earning praise for her bilingual reporting and powerful investigative pieces.

From March 2012 to June 2020, Cristy worked as a per diem reporter at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles, where she became known for breaking news coverage and exclusive investigations into political and public safety issues.

Between February and May 2004, she took on an entertainment-focused role with Fox NewsEdge, serving as an American Idol correspondent. In this position, she interviewed contestants and judges and crafted content for affiliate stations nationwide.

Cristy briefly worked as a freelance reporter for KNSD in San Diego in 2003, where she contributed to local news coverage and further solidified her presence in Southern California media.

From March 2002 to January 2003, she gained behind-the-scenes newsroom experience as a segment producer and writer at KNTV in San Jose, deepening her skills in content development and editorial coordination.

In 2001, Cristy took on a general assignment reporting role at Orange County Newschannel in Santa Ana, where she delivered community-focused journalism on issues ranging from local politics to education.

Her earlier reporting career included a stint at KSBW in Salinas from January 1999 to April 2001, where she covered a diverse array of stories throughout California’s Central Coast.

She began building her global perspective even earlier, interning at ATV in Lima, Peru, from fall 1995 to spring 1996, where she developed her Spanish-language reporting skills and a deeper understanding of international storytelling.

Cristy also reported from Europe during her time with Dow Jones Newswires in Madrid, Spain, from fall 1997 to winter 1998, covering Spain’s financial markets in real time as part of a Northwestern University work-study program.

Cristy Fajardo has covered a wide range of impactful stories throughout her career. Here are some of her notable and memorable reports:

1. Child Soldiers in Uganda: Cristy’s coverage of child soldiers in Uganda earned her an Emmy Award. Her in-depth reporting shed light on the harrowing experiences of these children and the efforts to rehabilitate them.

2. U.S.-Mexico Border: She has reported extensively on the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the challenges and humanitarian issues faced by migrants and border communities.

3. Terrorism in South America: Cristy has covered stories on terrorism in South America, providing crucial insights into the regional impact of extremist activities.

4. Spain’s Financial Markets: While reporting for Dow Jones Newswires, she covered Spain’s financial markets, offering valuable analysis and updates on economic developments.

5. Larry Itliong Unity Park: Cristy reported on the grand opening of Larry Itliong Unity Park in Delano, California, which honors the Filipino-American labor leader who played a key role in the labor rights movement.

6. LGBTQ+ Mariachi Band: She highlighted the story of Mariachi Arcoíris de Los Angeles, the world’s first openly LGBTQ+ mariachi band, showcasing their journey and the freedom they found through music.

7. Armed Prowler in West Hills: Cristy reported on an armed prowler spotted in the West Hills neighborhood, bringing attention to the concerns of local residents.

8. Catalina Island Plane Crash: She covered the tragic plane crash on Catalina Island that claimed the lives of five people, including a beloved local pilot.

9. Sherman Oaks Church Vandalism: Cristy reported on multiple acts of vandalism at a church in Sherman Oaks, which prompted an investigation by the LAPD.

10. Monrovia House Fire: She covered a house fire in Monrovia that was being investigated as arson, providing updates on the ongoing investigation.

Cristy Fajardo works with several talented colleagues at FOX 11 Los Angeles. Some of her close colleagues include:

• Christine Devine: An award-winning news anchor known for her in-depth reporting and commitment to community issues.

• Hal Eisner: A seasoned news reporter with decades of experience covering major news events in Los Angeles.

• Rick Dickerson: A veteran news anchor known for his engaging delivery and extensive experience in journalism.

• Marla Tellez: A reporter who covers a wide range of stories, from breaking news to human interest pieces.

• Sandra Endo: A versatile reporter and anchor who covers a wide range of stories, from hard news to lighter features.

• Bill Melugin: An investigative reporter known for his in-depth investigations and impactful storytelling.

• Elex Michaelson: A news anchor and host who brings a fresh perspective to political and local news.

These colleagues, along with Cristy, contribute to the dynamic and informative news coverage that FOX 11 is known for.

Net Worth and Salary:

Cristy Fajardo has not publicly disclosed her exact net worth or salary. However, based on her extensive career in major media markets like Los Angeles and her Emmy-winning credentials, her estimated net worth is likely between $500,000 and $1 million.

As a seasoned broadcast journalist working for FOX 11 KTTV-TV, a prominent station in one of the top U.S. media markets, her annual salary is likely in the range of $75,000 to $120,000, depending on tenure, contract terms, and additional assignments.

Is Cristy Fajardo Married?

Yes, Cristy Fajardo is married, although she keeps the details of her personal life away from the public eye.

Where Is Cristy Fajardo Working?

Cristy Fajardo is currently working as a reporter for FOX 11 KTTV-TV in Los Angeles.

In this role, she covers breaking news, political developments, and investigative stories that often spotlight issues of public accountability and social justice.

Her reporting has led to high-level resignations and drawn attention from lawmakers and state officials.

She is also known for her bilingual reporting, often covering stories that bridge English- and Spanish-speaking communities.

With a strong background in both domestic and international journalism, Cristy continues to be a prominent voice in Southern California media.

Cristy Fajardo is active on social media! You can find her on Facebook under her profile, where she shares updates about her work and engages with her followers.

She also has a presence on Twitter and Instagram, where she posts about her reporting, personal interests, and interacts with her audience.