George Knapp Biography: Investigative Journalist at KLAS-TV & UFO Reporter
George Knapp is an American investigative journalist, news anchor, author, and talk radio host, best known for his work at KLAS-TV (Channel 8) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A longtime fixture in Las Vegas media, Knapp has earned acclaim for both his conventional investigative reporting and his coverage of paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs
Early Life & Education
George Knapp was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. He grew up in Northern California and graduated from Franklin High School in Stockton, where he was the senior class president.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of West Georgia and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of the Pacific.
Knapp also taught debate and forensics at both the University of the Pacific and University of California, Berkeley.
Career at KLAS-TV
Knapp moved to Las Vegas in 1979, initially working as a cab driver before securing an internship at KLVX-TV Channel 10.
In 1981, he was hired as a reporter and news anchor for KLAS-TV (Channel 8), where he has remained a prominent figure in investigative journalism.
He has served as a news anchor, a member of the I-Team investigative unit, and the host of Street Talk, a program that earned him an Emmy Award for commentary.
Investigative Work & UFO Journalism
Knapp is widely recognized for his investigative reporting on organized crime, government corruption, and paranormal phenomena, particularly UFOs.
In 1989, he interviewed Bob Lazar, who claimed to have worked on UFOs at Area 51. These interviews gained international attention and helped bring Area 51 into the public consciousness.
His reporting on UFOs earned him the United Press International’s Individual Achievement by a Journalist award in 1990.
Awards & Recognition
Knapp has received numerous accolades for his investigative work, including:
- Edward R. Murrow Awards (regional and national)
- Peabody Awards (twice)
- DuPont Award from Columbia University
- 24 regional Emmy Awards
- Associated Press Mark Twain Award for Best Newswriting (nine-time winner)
- United Press International’s Individual Achievement by a Journalist award for his UFO reporting
Other Roles & Contributions
In 1990, his series on UFOs was selected by United Press International as the best individual achievement by a journalist in the nation.
Since 2007, Knapp has also been a weekend host on the syndicated radio show “Coast to Coast AM,” which frequently covers paranormal topics.
In November 2024, he hosted the Netflix docuseries “Investigation Alien,” which explores UFO sightings and alien claims. He also co-hosts the “Weaponized” podcast, which focuses on UFOs, with fellow investigator Jeremy Corbell.
Age:
George Knapp was born on April 18, 1952, making him 73 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Aries. He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Wife:
George Knapp is married to Anne “The Viking” Fechner. The couple wed on August 4, 2010, in a private ceremony on Kauai, Hawaii, at an overlook on Kalapaki Bay.
The wedding was officiated by Bob Stoldal, Knapp’s longtime KLAS-TV boss, who got ordained online in three denominations specifically for the occasion after learning about the nuptials through a mutual friend, hairstylist Katie Taylor.
Knapp has described Anne affectionately as his “longtime girlfriend” prior to their marriage, indicating a significant relationship before tying the knot.
Height, Weight:
George Knapp stands at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) and is estimated to weigh 160–175 lbs (72–79 kg).
Career and Background:
George Knapp’s career, spanning KLVX-TV, CNN, KLAS-TV, Altamira Communications, Coast to Coast AM, NIDS, Weaponized, NewsNation, and Netflix, reflects a unique blend of mainstream investigative journalism and paranormal inquiry.
His tenure at KLAS-TV since 1981 (with a 1991–1995 hiatus) anchors his legacy, with roles as a reporter, anchor, and I-Team chief producing award-winning work on corruption, fraud, and UFOs.
His brief stints at KLVX-TV and CNN, public relations detour at Altamira, and ongoing contributions to radio, podcasts, and streaming platforms showcase his versatility.
Knapp’s impact—marked by Area 51’s mainstreaming, government UFO interest, and numerous accolades—solidifies him as Nevada’s best-known journalist.
Early Career and Education
George Knapp’s career began with a strong foundation in communications and debate.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of West Georgia and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of the Pacific.
Additionally, his academic background led him to teach speech and debate at the University of the Pacific, where he served as director of forensics.
He also coached debate at the University of California, Berkeley, taught speech at California Polytechnic University, and later instructed broadcast journalism at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Knapp moved to Las Vegas in 1979, initially working as a taxi driver to make ends meet. His decision to relocate was influenced by a coin flip and encouragement from bartenders, who suggested he pursue media opportunities in the city.
Stations and Organizations Worked At
Knapp’s journalism career spans multiple media outlets and organizations, primarily in Las Vegas, with a brief stint in public relations.
KLVX-TV (Channel 10, PBS Affiliate, Las Vegas, NV) – 1979–1981
- Role: Part-time studio cameraman and production assistant
- Details: Knapp’s first media job was at KLVX-TV, a PBS station. This entry-level role involved technical support and production work, providing him with initial exposure to broadcast operations.
CNN Network (Brief Role, Early 1980s)
- Role: News correspondent
- Details: Sources indicate Knapp briefly worked for CNN as a news correspondent before joining KLAS-TV. Specific details about his tenure, such as duration or assignments, are scarce, but this role likely occurred in the early 1980s, reflecting his early versatility in national media.
KLAS-TV (Channel 8, CBS Affiliate, Las Vegas, NV) – 1981–1991, 1995–Present
- Roles:
- General assignment reporter (1981)
- News anchor
- Co-anchor (various newscasts, including 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. with Gary Waddell in the mid-1980s)
- Host of “Street Talk” (Emmy-winning commentary program)
- Chief reporter for the I-Team investigative unit (1995–present)
- Key Contributions:
- Investigative Journalism:
Since 1995, Knapp has led the I-Team, producing award-winning investigations on topics like organized crime, government corruption, vote fraud, and foreclosure fraud.
His 2008 series “Crossfire: Water, Power, and Politics” (with photojournalist Matt Adams) earned a Peabody Award.
His 2011 foreclosure fraud investigation revealed he was a victim of the same improper title transfers he was reporting on, highlighting systemic issues in Las Vegas.
- UFO Reporting:
Knapp gained international prominence in the late 1980s for his UFO coverage.
Introduced to the topic by aviator John Lear in 1987–1988, Knapp interviewed Bob Lazar in 1989, who claimed to have worked on extraterrestrial technology at Area 51.
These reports, aired on KLAS-TV, brought Area 51 into the public consciousness and earned Knapp a 1990 United Press International Individual Achievement by a Journalist award.
His meticulous verification of some of Lazar’s claims lent credibility, though his UFO work drew mockery from some peers.
- Other Notable Work:
Knapp was mentored under journalist Ned Day and created a series honoring him after Day’s death. His Street Talk program won an Emmy for commentary.
In 1986, KLAS-TV’s newscast, co-anchored by Knapp and Gary Waddell, was named the Best Newscast in the U.S.
- Loyalty to KLAS: In 2009, Knapp declined a higher-paying offer from KVBC-TV (Channel 3) to remain with KLAS-TV, citing loyalty and the station’s support for ambitious investigations.
- Awards: At KLAS, Knapp earned five regional and two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, a DuPont Award, two Peabody Awards, 24 regional Emmys, and nine AP Mark Twain Awards, among others.
Altamira Communications (Las Vegas, NV) – 1991–1995
- Role: Public relations professional
- Details: Knapp left KLAS-TV in 1991 to work for Altamira Communications, a public relations firm representing clients like advocates for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, 90 miles north of Las Vegas.
Coast to Coast AM (Syndicated Radio Show) – 2000s–Present
- Role: Frequent host, primarily on the third and fourth Sundays of each month, occasionally the fifth
- Details: Knapp is a regular host of Coast to Coast AM, a syndicated radio program focusing on paranormal topics, especially UFOs. He hosts an annual animal welfare broadcast, addressing issues like animal cruelty and legislation, reflecting his lifelong concern for animal welfare.
George Knapp’s Notable Coverage
- UFO Investigations & Area 51 – His 1989 interviews with Bob Lazar made Area 51 a household name, earning him a 1990 UPI award.
- Government Corruption & Organized Crime – Exposed vote fraud, foreclosure fraud, and political scandals, winning multiple Peabody and Murrow Awards.
- Skinwalker Ranch & Paranormal Research – Co-authored Hunt for the Skinwalker, influencing paranormal investigations.
- Coast to Coast AM & Radio Journalism – Hosts discussions on UFOs, national security, and whistleblower accounts.
- Netflix & NewsNation Specials – Hosted Investigation Alien (Netflix, 2024) and the NewsNation series on his UFO archives (2023).
George Knapp has worked alongside several notable journalists and investigators throughout his career, particularly at KLAS-TV and in the field of UFO research.
Some of his key colleagues include:
- Gary Waddell – Former KLAS-TV anchor, co-anchored with Knapp in the 1980s.
- Denise Valdez – Longtime anchor and journalist.
- Ned Day – Investigative journalist who mentored Knapp; Knapp later created a tribute series honoring him.
- Matt Adams – Photojournalist who collaborated with Knapp on the Peabody-winning “Crossfire: Water, Power, and Politics” investigation.
- Jeremy Corbell – Filmmaker and UFO researcher, co-hosts the Weaponized podcast with Knapp.
- Colm Kelleher – Scientist and paranormal investigator, worked with Knapp on Skinwalker Ranch research.
- Robert Bigelow – Aerospace entrepreneur and founder of NIDS, collaborated with Knapp on UFO investigations.
- George Noory – Host of Coast to Coast AM, where Knapp is a frequent guest and occasional host.
Net Worth and Salary:
George Knapp’s net worth is likely between $1 million and $5 million, with $5 million being plausible given his 43-year career, multiple income streams, and comfortable Las Vegas lifestyle.
His annual salary probably ranges from $90,000 to $150,000, with $150,000 accounting for his KLAS-TV role, Coast to Coast AM, Weaponized podcast, Netflix’s Investigation Alien, newspaper columns, and book royalties.
These figures are estimates, as Knapp maintains privacy about his finances, and sources vary in reliability.
Additionally, his wealth reflects his success as an award-winning journalist and UFO researcher, with a career spanning KLVX-TV, CNN, KLAS-TV, Altamira Communications, NIDS, and modern media platforms.
Is George Knapp (television journalist) Married?
Yes, George Knapp is married to Anne “The Viking” Fechner. The couple tied the knot in Kauai, Hawaii, in 2010. However, there is no publicly available information on whether they have children.
How Old Is George Knapp (television journalist)?
George Knapp was born on April 18, 1953, making him 71 years old as of 2025.
Where is George Knapp (television journalist) working?
George Knapp is currently working at KLAS-TV (Channel 8, CBS Affiliate, Las Vegas, NV) as the chief investigative reporter for the I-Team.
He has been with KLAS-TV since 1981, with a brief departure from 1991 to 1995 before returning to lead investigative journalism efforts.
Additionally, Knapp is a frequent host on Coast to Coast AM, a syndicated paranormal radio show, where he discusses UFOs, government secrecy, and investigative topics.
He also contributes to Netflix’s “Investigation Alien”, a documentary series exploring UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, and has worked on NewsNation specials showcasing his 30+ years of UFO research.
George Knapp is active on several major social media platforms, where he shares updates related to his investigative journalism, UFO research, and media appearances.
X (formerly Twitter): @g_knapp – Knapp has over 200,000 followers and frequently posts about his work at KLAS-TV, his weekend hosting role on Coast to Coast AM, and his podcast Weaponized with Jeremy Corbell.
Instagram: @georgeknapp66 – With 104K followers, Knapp shares behind-the-scenes content, personal insights, and promotional material for his investigative work.
Facebook: George Knapp – His official Facebook page features updates on his investigative reports and media appearances.