
Chris Hoffman Biography: Emmy Award-Winning Reporter and Anchor at KDKA-TV
Chris Hoffman is an Emmy Award-winning reporter, anchor, and multimedia journalist working for CBS Pittsburgh’s KDKA-TV.
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised in Crescent Township, in the shadow of the Pittsburgh International Airport, Chris Hoffman is a true “yinzer” (a term for a native of Pittsburgh).
He attended Moon Area High School before pursuing higher education at Point Park University in downtown Pittsburgh.
There, he double-majored in Broadcast Journalism and Television Production, also completing an internship at KDKA before graduating in December 2014.
He was an Eagle Scout, which instilled in him a love for the outdoors and camping.
Career:
Hoffman’s career in broadcast journalism has taken him to various markets before returning to his hometown. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist and anchor at:
- WCTI along the North Carolina Coast
- WPMT in the Harrisburg area
- WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia, where his work was recognized by The Associated Press of the Virginias, naming him one of their reporters of the year. During his time at WSET, he covered significant stories such as scandals in Virginia politics, the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, the 10th anniversary of the Virginia Tech mass shooting, and several damaging storms, including a 20-mile tornado.
Chris Hoffman joined KDKA-TV in May 2019. Since then, he has covered major events and ongoing stories, including:
- The Fern Hollow Bridge collapse
- Presidential visits
- Numerous headlines involving the Pittsburgh Steelers
Awards and Recognition:
In 2022, Chris Hoffman and several KDKA-TV colleagues were awarded an Emmy for their team coverage of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse.
He also contributed to CBS’s national coverage in Florida following Hurricane Ian, providing firsthand accounts of the storm’s impact.
Personal Interests
- Hometown Pride: Chris is thrilled to tell stories in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
- Outdoor Activities: Chris enjoys running, hiking, and kayaking. He and his wife, Kelsie, often run along the city’s trails.
Chris Hoffman’s dedication to journalism and his ability to cover impactful stories have made him a respected reporter in the Pittsburgh area.
Age:
Chris Hoffman is estimated to be in his early to mid-40s, though his exact birthdate has not been publicly disclosed. Chris is of white ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Chris Hoffman was born and raised in Crescent Township, Pennsylvania, near the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Unfortunately, he has managed to keep details about his parents and siblings private.
However, he does mention in his Twitter bio that he is a “Proud Uncle,” which suggests that he might have a sibling.
Wife:
Chris Hoffman is married to Kelsie Hoffman. The couple celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary in June 2023.
They have one son, Arlo Connor Hoffman, who was born on April 15, 2023. Chris and Kelsie often share moments of their family life on social media, showcasing their love for each other and their son.
Chris enjoys spending his free time with his wife and son, as well as engaging in outdoor activities like running, hiking, and kayaking. He is also a proud fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
Height, Weight:
Chris Hoffman stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and weighs approximately 140–189 pounds (63.5–85.7 kg).
Career and Background:
Chris Hoffman is an Emmy Award-winning journalist serving as a reporter and anchor at CBS Pittsburgh’s KDKA-TV.
He joined KDKA in May 2019, returning to his hometown of Pittsburgh after earlier roles at stations such as WSET in Virginia and WCTI in North Carolina.
His work has covered significant events, including the aftermath of the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rally and severe weather incidents in Virginia.
Early Career
- WCTI TV 12 and FOX 8/14: Chris began his career as a Multimedia Journalist and Fill-in Anchor at WCTI TV 12 and FOX 8/14 from December 2014 to November 2015.
ABC 13 News
- General Assignment Reporter: Chris worked as a General Assignment Reporter at ABC 13 News (WSET) in Lynchburg, Virginia, from February 2017 to March 2019. During his time there, he covered major stories such as the scandals that rocked Virginia politics, the chaos in Charlottesville following the “Unite the Right” rally, and several damaging storms, including a tornado that tore through 20 miles.
WPMT-FOX43
- General Assignment Reporter: Before joining ABC 13 News, Chris worked as a General Assignment Reporter at WPMT-FOX43 in York, Pennsylvania, from December 2015 to February 2017.
KDKA-TV
- Joining KDKA-TV: Chris joined KDKA-TV in May 2019 and has since covered significant stories such as the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, presidential visits, and numerous headlines with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His team’s coverage of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse earned an Emmy Award in 2022.
Career Timeline
Year | Role & Station | Location | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
2012–2015 | Multimedia Journalist & Fill-in Anchor | WCTI TV 12 / FOX 8, NC Coast | Entry into broadcast journalism |
2015–2017 | General Assignment Reporter | WPMT-FOX43, York, PA | Covered local news across central PA |
2017–2019 | General Assignment Reporter | ABC 13 News – WSET, Lynchburg, VA | Covered Charlottesville unrest, Virginia Tech anniversary, tornado aftermath |
2019–Present | Reporter & Anchor | KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh) | Returned to hometown; Emmy-winning coverage |
Chris Hoffman has covered several impactful stories throughout his career at KDKA-TV. Here are some of his notable reports:
- Fern Hollow Bridge Collapse: Chris and his team provided extensive coverage of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, which earned them an Emmy Award in 2022. Their reporting highlighted the immediate aftermath and the community’s response to the disaster.
- Hurricane Ian Coverage: Chris was part of CBS’s coverage in Florida following Hurricane Ian. He brought first-hand accounts of the devastation and the recovery efforts, shedding light on the impact of the storm on affected communities.
- Presidential Visits: Chris has covered multiple presidential visits to Pittsburgh, providing viewers with in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights into these high-profile events.
- Pittsburgh Steelers Coverage: As a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chris has reported on numerous games, interviews with players, and key moments in the team’s history.
- Local Human Interest Stories: Chris has a knack for telling compelling human interest stories, often highlighting the resilience and strength of individuals in the Pittsburgh community.
Chris Hoffman has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career at KDKA-TV:
- Emmy Award: Chris and his team were awarded an Emmy in 2022 for their coverage of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. This recognition highlights their dedication to delivering impactful news stories.
- Associated Press of the Virginias Reporter of the Year: While working at ABC 13 News in Lynchburg, Virginia, Chris was named one of the reporters of the year by The Associated Press of the Virginias. This award acknowledges his outstanding reporting on major stories, including political scandals and natural disasters.
- Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominee: Chris has been nominated for Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for his exceptional journalism work, further solidifying his reputation as a top reporter in the region.
Chris Hoffman works with several talented colleagues at KDKA-TV. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Pam Surano: An anchor and reporter who often collaborates with Chris on news segments.
- Shelley Bortz: A news reporter who works closely with Chris on various stories.
- Adriana Diaz: A national correspondent who occasionally teams up with Chris for broader coverage.
- Ken Rice: A veteran anchor who has been with KDKA-TV for many years, Ken often works alongside Chris on major news stories and special reports.
- Kristine Sorensen: An anchor and reporter known for her work on both news and community stories. She and Chris occasionally collaborate on features and special segments.
- Lindsay Ward: A morning news anchor who works with Chris on various news coverage and community events.
Chris values the camaraderie and teamwork within the KDKA newsroom, and he often speaks fondly of his colleagues and the enjoyable moments they share.
Is Chris Hoffman Married?
Yes, Chris is married to Kelsie Hoffman, and they celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary in June 2023. They have one son, Arlo.
How Old Is Chris Hoffman?
Chris Hoffman of KDKA-TV has not publicly disclosed his exact date of birth. However, based on available information and career timelines, he is estimated to be in his early to mid-40s.
Where Is Chris Hoffman Working?
Chris Hoffman works as a reporter and anchor at KDKA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His primary roles include:
- Reporter: Covering significant news stories in the Pittsburgh region, such as local events, breaking news, and community issues.
- Anchor: Occasionally anchoring newscasts, showcasing his versatility in delivering news to viewers.
He joined KDKA-TV in May 2019 and continues to be a valuable part of their news team.
Chris Hoffman is active on social media. He frequently posts on platforms such as Facebook, and Twitter.
He uses his social media presence to connect with his audience and provide updates on his work as a reporter and anchor at KDKA-TV.
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