
Kris Audencial Biography: Emmy-Winning FOX 5 San Diego News Anchor
Kristina “Kris” Audencial is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and Morning News Anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).
Known for her engaging on-screen presence and commitment to credible journalism, she has become a trusted face in Southern California broadcasting.
Early Life and Background:
- Born in Subic Bay, Philippines, Kris is a Filipina-American.
- Due to her father’s U.S. military ties, she is considered a “third culture kid,” having lived overseas for much of her life in places like Japan, Singapore, and Guam.
- She graduated high school in Singapore before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Career in Journalism:
- Kris began her news journey behind the scenes, interning, writing, and producing at local San Diego ABC affiliate KGTV in 2006.
- She continued as a morning and weekend producer at KUSI and then KSWB FOX 5.
- She took a break from San Diego to work as a general assignment reporter at KREX News Channel 5 in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she shot, edited, and produced her own stories, including covering President Barack Obama’s visit.
- Upon returning to San Diego, she worked as an anchor/reporter for U-T TV, where she had the privilege of launching its very first UT San Diego morning newscast. During this time, she also traveled to the Philippines to report on recovery efforts following Typhoon Haiyan.
- Kris eventually returned to FOX 5 San Diego, where she rose to become a widely recognized primetime and now morning news anchor.
Awards and Recognition:
- Kris Audencial is an Emmy Award-winning reporter, though specific details of the awards are not readily available in public summaries. Her journalist profiles and interviews consistently refer to her as an “Emmy Award winning reporter.”
Community Involvement:
- Kris is actively involved in the Filipino-American community, hosting events such as “For The Love of The Philippines,” a televised San Diego Benefit for Typhoon Haiyan victims, the Miss Philippines California Pageant, and the Fil-Am Festival in San Diego.
Personal Interests:
- She describes herself as a “foodie” and loves to eat.
- Her faith in God, family, and friends are what keep her going.
- If she weren’t in TV news, she would definitely be traveling, driven by her childhood experiences of moving often.
- She prefers “oldies,” jazz, and R&B music.
Age:
Kris Audencial was born on March 30, 1984, making her 41 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She is of Filipino descent and proudly holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Kristina Audencial was born in Subic Bay, Olongapo, Philippines, and raised in a culturally rich, globally mobile household.
As the daughter of Rico Audencial, a U.S. Navy officer from Pasig, and Jennifer Audencial from Antipolo, Rizal, Kristina grew up immersed in a blend of Filipino values and international experiences.
Her father’s naval career took the family across Asia, and she spent her formative years living in Japan, Singapore, and Guam.
This nomadic upbringing shaped her identity as a “third culture kid,” giving her a unique global perspective that continues to inform her storytelling as a journalist.
Kristina is the eldest of three siblings. Her younger brother, Carlo Audencial, and sister, Bianca A. Nguyen, have remained close to her throughout her journey.
She often credits her parents for instilling in her a strong work ethic, humility, and a deep pride in her Filipino heritage.
Their support and sacrifices have been a driving force behind her success in journalism and her commitment to representing her community with authenticity and grace.
Husband:
Kristina “Kris” Audencial is married to Dr. Chris Jepsen, a San Diego-based chiropractor known for his faith-driven approach to wellness and healing.
The couple tied the knot on January 17, 2020, in a heartfelt ceremony that reflected their shared Christian values and commitment to a purpose-driven life.
Chris Jepsen celebrates his birthday on August 26, and Kristina often shares loving tributes to him on social media, describing him as her “greatest blessing.”
Together, they co-host a podcast called “Kris & Chris,” where they openly discuss their faith, marriage, and spiritual growth.
Their podcast serves as a platform for fellowship and encouragement, centered on their devotion to Jesus Christ.
In 2025, the couple embarked on a mission trip to India with their church, The Promise Church, where they preached the gospel and participated in healing ministry.
This journey was especially meaningful for Chris, who had previously traveled to India solo for similar outreach work.
Outside of their ministry and professional lives, Kris and Chris are proud dog parents to two pups—Tucker and Koa Bear—and often share glimpses of their joyful, faith-filled life together.
Height:
Career and Background:
Kristina began her journalism career as a writer and associate producer at FOX 5 San Diego. She later worked at KREX-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she served as an anchor and reporter. She returned to San Diego to co-anchor FOX 5 Morning News, becoming one of the station’s most recognizable and respected anchors. Her work has earned her regional Emmy recognition and acclaim within the journalism industry.
Early Career & Behind-the-Scenes Roles
- 2006–2008: KGTV (ABC affiliate, San Diego)
- Began her career as an intern, writer, and fill-in producer while studying at UC San Diego
- Gained foundational experience in newsroom operations and storytelling
- 2008–2009: KUSI-TV (San Diego)
- Worked as an associate producer and later as producer of the 10 p.m. weekend newscasts
- Developed skills in editorial planning and live production
On-Camera Reporting & Anchoring
- 2009: KREX News Channel 5 / KFQX-TV Fox 4 (Grand Junction, Colorado)
- Served as a General Assignment Reporter
- Shot, edited, and produced her own stories—gaining hands-on field experience
- 2010–2012: Ashford University (San Diego)
- Worked outside of journalism as a Financial Services Manager, before returning to news
- 2012–2014: U-T TV / U-T San Diego
- Started as a reporter, then promoted to Morning News Anchor
- Helped launch the station’s first morning newscast
- Traveled to the Philippines to cover Typhoon Haiyan recovery, earning her first Emmy Award
FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV)
- 2014–2016: Reporter & Fill-in Anchor
- Returned to San Diego and rejoined FOX 5 for a “second tour”
- Reported for evening newscasts and filled in at the anchor desk
- 2016–Present: Morning News Anchor
- Promoted to full-time Morning Anchor
- Co-anchors weekday morning newscasts, delivering breaking news, community stories, and live interviews
- Known for her warm presence, journalistic integrity, and connection to the Filipino-American community
Kristina Audencial’s Colleagues at FOX 5 San Diego / KUSI News
- Raoul Martinez – Co-anchor of the FOX 5 Morning News; known for his sharp delivery and strong on-air chemistry with Kris.
- Shally Zomorodi – Morning anchor and lifestyle host; brings cultural insight and warmth to the broadcast
- Brad Wills – Morning meteorologist; delivers weather updates with energy and humor.
- Tabitha Lipkin (former colleague) – Reporter and lifestyle contributor, known for her adventurous reporting style.
- Maria Arcega-Dunn – Evening anchor and reporter; also of Filipino descent, she and Kris are among the few Filipina-American anchors in Southern California.
- Andrew Luria – Evening anchor; covers major breaking news and special reports.
- Aloha Taylor (former meteorologist) – Longtime weather anchor and respected figure in San Diego broadcasting.
- Phil Blauer – Veteran anchor and reporter, now with KUSI News under the FOX 5 umbrella.
Net Worth and Salary:
Kris Audencial is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, primarily earned through her broadcast journalism career. Her estimated annual salary at FOX 5 San Diego is between $75,000 and $100,000.
Is Kristina Audencial Married?
Yes, Kristina “Kris” Audencial is married. She is married to Dr. Chris Jepsen, a San Diego-based chiropractor.
The couple tied the knot on January 17, 2020, in a ceremony that reflected their shared Christian faith and commitment to living a purpose-driven life.
How Old Is Kristina Audencial?
Kristina “Kris” Audencial was born on March 30, 1984, in Subic Bay, Philippines. She is 40 years old as of 2025.
Where is Kristina Audencial working?
Kristina “Kris” Audencial is currently working as a Morning News Anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV), which now operates in partnership with KUSI News.
She has held this role since October 2016, anchoring weekday morning newscasts and delivering breaking news, community stories, and live interviews with her signature warmth and professionalism.
Her work at FOX 5 marks her second tenure with the station, having previously served as a producer and later as a reporter before being promoted to anchor.
She continues to be a prominent voice in San Diego journalism and an active figure in the Filipino-American community.
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