Sean McDowell: Veteran Reporter & Sports Enthusiast at FOX 4 Kansas City
Sean McDowell is a veteran journalist and video journalist with more than 30 years of experience in both radio and television.
He currently works as a general assignment and sports reporter for FOX 4 (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, McDowell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television from Eastern Kentucky University in 1993, followed by a journalism degree from Marshall University in 1996.
While at Marshall, he appeared as an extra in the film We Are Marshall.
Over the course of his career, McDowell has worked in several media markets, including television news roles in Charleston, West Virginia, and Lexington, Kentucky.
He served as the primary sports anchor for a 24-hour cable news station in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, covering major sporting events such as the NBA Finals, the Super Bowl, three Daytona 500s, and multiple PGA Tour tournaments.
In 2001, his sports reporting earned him an Emmy nomination while he was working in West Virginia.
Prior to joining FOX 4 in May 2012, McDowell was a managing editor and reporter at another Kansas City station.
At FOX 4, McDowell has reported on a wide range of high-profile stories.
His coverage includes the triple murder trial of Frazier Glenn Cross, the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide, and local sports milestones such as the Kansas City Royals’ World Series runs in 2014 and 2015, as well as NASCAR events at Kansas Speedway.
He also co-anchors FOX 4’s Hy-Vee Gamenight, a weekly high school football roundup. Colleagues recognize him for his versatility, strong news judgment, and consistent delivery of creative story ideas.
Outside of his journalism career, McDowell is active in the community. He volunteers with the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, assisting with the Technical Arts and audio-video production team.
He has also been deeply involved with the University of Kentucky Alumni Association, serving as president of its Kansas City chapter in 2018.
A dedicated golf parent, he participates as a caddy for his son on the U.S. Kids Golf Tour and with CentralLinks.
In his free time, Sean enjoys playing (and self-deprecatingly describes himself as “bad” at) golf, and he takes pride in growing his own tomato plants.
His passion for sports has extended beyond reporting—he’s worked as a sports talk show host on 610 Sports Radio (KCSP-AM) and served as a freelance play-by-play announcer and PR assistant at Kansas Speedway.
Age:
Sean McDowell’s exact birthdate isn’t publicly documented, but with over 25 years of experience in journalism, he is confidently estimated to be in his 40s or 50s. His ethnicity is Caucasian, and he holds American nationality.
Wife:
Sean McDowell is married, but specific details about his wife are not widely documented.
He and his family reside in Johnson County, Kansas, where he enjoys spending time with his pre-teen golf prodigy nicknamed “Moose” and their adopted cat, Pepper, from KC Pet Project
Height:
Sean McDowell is estimated to stand around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall and weigh approximately 170–185 pounds (77–84 kg).
Career and Background:
Sean McDowell boasts a rich career in journalism, with more than 25 years of experience in television news.
Before joining FOX 4 Kansas City in June 2012, he worked in various markets, including Charleston, WV, and Lexington, KY.
He served as the primary sports anchor at a 24-hour cable news station in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, covering major events such as the NBA Finals, a Super Bowl, three Daytona 500s, and the PGA Tour.
Additionally, he was a managing editor/reporter at another Kansas City television station and received an Emmy nomination for sports reporting in 2001 while working in West Virginia.
Charleston, WV – Early Career in Television News
McDowell began his journalism career in Charleston, West Virginia, where he gained foundational experience in television news reporting.
His time in Charleston allowed him to develop strong storytelling skills and a keen eye for investigative journalism.
Lexington, KY – Expanding His Reporting Expertise
Moving to Lexington, Kentucky, McDowell continued to refine his craft, covering major news stories and sports events.
His work in Lexington helped him establish himself as a versatile journalist capable of handling both hard news and feature stories.
Orlando & Tampa, FL – Primary Sports Anchor at a 24-Hour Cable News Station
McDowell transitioned into sports journalism, serving as the primary sports anchor at a 24-hour cable news station in Orlando and Tampa, Florida. During this period, he covered high-profile sporting events, including:
- NBA Finals
- Super Bowl
- Daytona 500
- PGA Tour
His ability to deliver engaging sports coverage earned him recognition in the industry.
West Virginia – Emmy Nomination for Sports Reporting (2001)
While working in West Virginia, McDowell received an Emmy nomination for his excellence in sports reporting in 2001.
This milestone highlighted his ability to provide in-depth analysis and compelling storytelling in the sports journalism field.
Kansas City, MO – Managing Editor & Reporter
Before joining FOX 4 Kansas City, McDowell worked as a managing editor and reporter at another Kansas City television station.
In this role, he oversaw editorial content and contributed to major news coverage across the region.
FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV – Joining in May 2012
McDowell became part of the FOX 4 Kansas City news team in May 2012, where he has covered some of the most significant events in the city’s history, including:
- Kansas City Royals’ back-to-back World Series appearances (2014 & 2015).
- Murder-suicide involving former Kansas City Chief Javon Belcher.
- Fatal explosion at JJ’s Restaurant on the Country Club Plaza.
Sean McDowell works alongside a talented team of journalists at FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. Some of the notable personalities at FOX 4 Kansas City include:
- John Holt – Evening anchor and investigative journalist.
- Christel Bell – Evening news anchor.
- Kerri Stowell – Traffic reporter and news anchor.
- Mark Alford – Former anchor, known for his long tenure at the station.
- Karli Ritter – Meteorologist providing weather updates.
- Pat McGonigle – Morning news anchor.
Net Worth and Salary:
Sean McDowell has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million, reflecting his extensive career in journalism.
His annual salary as a reporter at FOX 4 Kansas City is estimated to be between $50,000 and $120,000.
Is Sean McDowell Married?
Yes, Sean McDowell is married. McDowell lives in Johnson County with his wife and their teenage son—an avid and competitive golfer affectionately nicknamed “Moose.”
The family also has a rescue cat named Sasha (or Pepper, depending on who you ask).
How Old Is Sean McDowell?
Sean McDowell’s exact age isn’t widely documented, but based on his extensive career in journalism, he is estimated to be in his 40s or 50s.
Where is Sean McDowell Working?
Sean McDowell is currently a reporter at FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV, where he covers a wide range of stories, including sports, crime, and community affairs.
His role involves investigative reporting, live coverage, and in-depth storytelling on major events impacting the Kansas City area.
For more updates and insights into his professional and personal life, you can follow Sean McDowell on his social media platforms:
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Facebook: Sean McDowell FOX 4 Kansas City
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Twitter: @seanfox4kc
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Instagram: @seanfox4kc
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