Bob Pompeani’s Biography | KDKA-TV (Pittsburgh, PA) Journalist

Bob Pompeani Biography: Veteran Sports Anchor and Pittsburgh Icon at KDKA-TV

Bob Pompeani is a prominent sports anchor for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, where he has been a defining figure in the community since 1982. He currently anchors sports for KDKA-TV News at Six and KDKA-TV News at Eleven.

Early Life and Education:

A native of Hopewell Township, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Pompeani graduated from Hopewell High School.

He went on to attend Point Park University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science in 1982.

While studying at Point Park, he secured an internship at KDKA, which eventually led to his full-time position.

He initially had athletic ambitions in baseball, basketball, and football, but a heart condition requiring two open-heart surgeries shifted his focus to sports broadcasting.

Career at KDKA-TV:

Pompeani began his full-time career at KDKA-TV in 1982, having interned there for two years prior.

Within a few years, he transitioned from a producer and reporter to the station’s weekend anchor.

Over his four decades at KDKA, he has covered numerous significant sports events, including Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, and the Winter Olympics.

He also created and presented the KDKA-TV “Extra Effort” award, honoring outstanding scholar-athletes in local high schools, visiting over 1,200 schools for this initiative.

He hosts “The #1 Cochran Sports Showdown” and “The Subway Nightly Sports Call,” and provides television play-by-play for Steelers preseason games.

Awards and Recognition:

Bob Pompeani has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

• Induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (2015).

• Induction into the Tri-State PGA Golf Hall of Fame (2000).

• Induction into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame (2007).

• Six Golden Quill Awards for outstanding sports reporting.

• Three Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, including one for Play by Play.

• Eight Associated Press awards for play-by-play of Steelers Pre-Season games and as host of “The #1 Cochran Sports Showdown.”

• Voted Pittsburgh’s Favorite Sportscaster in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reader survey (1997).

• Received the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy’s Professional Image Award (1998), being the first man to do so.

• Named “Father of the Year” by the National Father’s Day Council (2011).

• Received a People’s Choice Award for “Dancing With Pittsburgh Celebrities” (2012).

• Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Syria Shriners of Pittsburgh (2015).

• Named Sports Anchor of the Year by Broadcasting + Cable (2022).

• Received an honorary doctorate degree from Point Park University, which also gave him a Distinguished Alumni Award.

Community Involvement

• “Extra Effort” Award: Bob presents the KDKA-TV “Extra Effort” award to local students who excel in athletics, academics, and community service.

• Board Memberships: He serves on the boards of the American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Partners for Quality Inc, and the Give the Kids the World Foundation.

In his free time, Bob enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.

Bob Pompeani’s extensive experience and dedication to sports journalism have made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh.

Age

Bob Pompeani is 64 years old, born on April 11, 1961. His zodiac sign is Aries. He is of white ethnicity and American nationality.

Parents and Siblings

Bob Pompeani was born to Pat Pompeani (father) and Virginia Pompeani (mother). He has one sibling, a brother named Bruce Pompeani.

Bob grew up in Hopewell Township, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, in an area rich with sports traditions.

His parents played a significant role in his upbringing, instilling in him a love for sports and journalism.

Wife

Bob Pompeani is married to Lisa Pompeani. The couple resides in Robinson Township, Pittsburgh. Bob Pompeani has two daughters, Chelsea and Celina Pompeani:

• Chelsea Pompeani: She has followed in her father’s footsteps and works in the media industry. Chelsea is a producer for PensTV and also serves as a traffic reporter.

• Celina Pompeani: Celina is also involved in broadcasting and works as a traffic reporter at KDKA-TV. She has hosted every home game inside the arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Celina is married and has a son named Sonny Robert Mathison, who was born in September 2023.

Bob enjoys spending his spare time with his wife, daughters, and grandson, as well as golfing.

Height, Weight

Bob Pompeani stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and weighs approximately 154 lbs (70 kg).

Career and Background

Bob Pompeani has been a staple at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh since July 1982, where he serves as the Sports Director.

Over four decades, he has covered significant sports events and contributed extensively to the local sports scene.

He is well known for his “Extra Effort” award program that honors student-athletes excelling in sports, academics, and community service.

Bob has also been inducted into both the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame.

His accolades include multiple Emmy Awards, the Golden Quill Award, and the Tri-State PGA of America Distinguished Service Award.

Beyond broadcasting, Bob is active in community service, working with organizations like the Mario Lemieux Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Bob Pompeani has had a long and illustrious career in sports journalism, primarily with KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here are some key highlights:

Early Career

• Internship at KDKA-TV: Bob began his career at KDKA-TV in 1982 as an intern while he was still a student at Point Park University. His passion for sports and journalism quickly led to a full-time position.

Full-Time Role

• Sports Anchor: Bob became a full-time sports anchor for KDKA-TV, covering a wide range of sports events, including high school rivalries, college sports, and professional teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Notable Coverage: Bob has covered numerous high-profile sports events and has met players and coaches who have gone on to make sports history.

Bob Pompeani has covered numerous high-profile sports events and stories throughout his career at KDKA-TV. Here are some of his notable reports:

• “Earning Their Stripes”: This report, which won the Golden Quill Award in 1987, focused on hockey officiating and the challenges faced by referees.

• “Project Playoffs”: Another Golden Quill Award-winning report from 1988, this story delved into the excitement and pressure of playoff games.

• Pittsburgh Steeler Exclusives: Bob has received multiple Golden Quill Awards for his exclusive reports on the Pittsburgh Steelers, including one in 2013.

• Olympic Hockey Coverage: Bob covered the Olympic hockey games in Nagano in 1998, providing viewers with in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.

• High School “Extra Effort” Award: Bob created and presented the “Extra Effort” award to local students who excel in athletics, academics, and community service. He has visited over 1,200 local schools and produced feature stories on each outstanding student.

• Interviews with Sports Legends: Bob has conducted interviews with sports legends such as Joe Greene, Mario Lemieux, and Ben Roethlisberger, capturing their insights and reflections on their careers.

Awards and Recognitions

Bob Pompeani has earned numerous awards and recognitions throughout his distinguished career in sports journalism. Here are some of his notable accolades:

• Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame:

  • Inducted in 2015 for his outstanding contributions to sports journalism in Pennsylvania.

• Golden Quill Awards:

  • Bob has received the Golden Quill Award six times, a testament to his excellence in reporting and storytelling.

• Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards:

  • He has won three Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for his exceptional sports coverage, particularly in highlighting local sports stories.

• “Father of the Year” Award:

  • In 2011, Bob was named “Father of the Year” by the National Father’s Day Council, recognizing his commitment to his family and community.

• “Extra Effort” Award:

  • Bob created and presents the KDKA-TV “Extra Effort” award to local students who excel in athletics, academics, and community service. He has visited over 1,200 local schools and produced feature stories on each outstanding student.

• American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Honoree:

  • Bob has been honored by the American Heart Association for his contributions to heart health awareness and fundraising efforts.

• Community Awards:

  • Bob has been recognized by various community organizations for his involvement and support of local initiatives, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Partners for Quality Inc, and the Give the Kids the World Foundation.

Bob Pompeani works with several talented colleagues at KDKA-TV. Some of his close colleagues include:

• Rich Walsh: Weekend sports anchor who often collaborates with Bob on sports coverage.

• Mary Ours: News anchor and reporter who works closely with Bob on various news segments.

• Ray Petelin: Meteorologist who provides weather updates and collaborates with Bob on weather-related sports stories.

• Kristin Emery: Another meteorologist at KDKA-TV who works alongside Bob on weather forecasts and sports coverage.

Bob values the camaraderie and teamwork within the KDKA newsroom, and he often speaks fondly of his colleagues and the enjoyable moments they share.

Net Worth

Bob Pompeani’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, primarily earned through his career in broadcasting.

Sources of Income

• Salary at KDKA-TV: As a sports anchor and sports director, Bob Pompeani earns a substantial salary from his primary job at KDKA-TV.

• Awards and Honors: Bob has received several awards, including Golden Quill Awards and Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, which may come with monetary rewards and recognition bonuses.

• Speaking Engagements: Bob occasionally participates in speaking engagements and events, which can also contribute to his income.

• Community Involvement: His involvement in community initiatives and board memberships may provide additional income through honorariums and stipends.

Bob Pompeani’s extensive experience and dedication to sports journalism have made him a respected and beloved figure in Pittsburgh, contributing significantly to his net worth.

How many children does Bob Pompeani have?

Bob Pompeani has two daughters, Celina Pompeani and Chelsea Pompeani.

Both of his daughters are married, and Bob is also a proud grandfather to Celina’s son, Sonny Robert Mathison.

Did Bob Pompeani have heart surgery?

Yes, Bob Pompeani underwent two open-heart surgeries due to a heart condition that affected his aorta valve. This condition developed after he had a severe case of strep throat.

Who is Bob Pompeani’s wife?

Bob Pompeani is married to Lisa Pompeani. They have been together for over 32 years and live happily in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania.

Lisa and Bob take great pride in their family and their involvement in community initiatives.

Are Bruce and Bob Pompeani related?

Yes, Bruce Pompeani is Bob Pompeani’s brother. They were raised together in Pennsylvania and have a close relationship.

How Old Is Bob Pompeani?

Bob Pompeani was born on April 11, 1961, which makes him 64 years old as of 2025.

Where Is Bob Pompeani?

Bob Pompeani is currently working at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He serves as both a sports director and anchor, covering sports segments for KDKA News at 6 and KDKA News at 11.

Bob has been with KDKA-TV since 1982, making him a well-respected and familiar face in Pittsburgh sports journalism.

Bob Pompeani is active on social media! He can be found on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Recently, he has also embraced TikTok, where he shares fun videos, including dance routines and sports-related content.

His daughters, Chelsea and Celina, encouraged him to join TikTok, and he has enjoyed connecting with a new audience through the platform.