Jaciel Cordoba Bio: WFMZ Anchor’s Life, Age, Wife & Net Worth

When the clock strikes 5:00 AM in the Lehigh Valley, thousands of viewers tune in to a familiar, reassuring face. For over two decades, Jaciel Cordoba has been the steady voice guiding Pennsylvanians through winter storms, election cycles, and local triumphs.

As the longtime anchor of 69 News at Sunrise and 69 News at Noon, Cordoba has evolved from a reporter into a community institution. But behind the sharp suits and the Emmy-winning reporting lies a man whose passion for storytelling extends far beyond the news desk—reaching into the worlds of theater and business mentorship.

In this 2026 biography, we dive into the life of Jaciel Cordoba: from his Illinois roots to his status as a “Silver Circle” broadcasting legend.

Jaciel Cordoba At A Glance

The Early Years: From Evanston to the Anchor Desk

Born and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Jaciel Cordoba’s journey into the heart of American homes began with a solid academic foundation. He attended the prestigious Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.

His early career was a masterclass in “paying your dues.” Before becoming a household name in Pennsylvania, Jaciel honed his craft in various markets:

• Jackson, Tennessee (WBBJ-TV): Anchored and produced the 6 p.m. news.

• Memphis, Tennessee (WMC-TV): Served as a general assignment reporter, notably covering the City Hall beat.

• Fort Myers, Florida (WINK-TV): Worked as a reporter and hourly news update anchor.

• Dayton, Ohio (WDTN-TV): Served as a reporter and fill-in anchor, earning an Emmy nomination for his courageous coverage of the Van Wert tornado in 2002.

Joining the WFMZ Family

In July 2003, Jaciel joined WFMZ-TV in Allentown, Pennsylvania. At the time, the media landscape was shifting, but Cordoba’s traditional journalistic integrity helped him stand out.

Over the last 20 years, he has anchored the morning and noon broadcasts, becoming a staple of the “Sunrise” team. His chemistry with co-anchors and his ability to balance hard news with lighthearted morning segments has made him a fan favorite.

Did You Know? Jaciel once jokingly told an interviewer that if he weren’t a news anchor, he would have pursued a career as a runway model. This playful side is exactly why viewers feel such a personal connection to him.

More Than a News Man: “People of Faith” and “Winning at Work”

Cordoba has never been content with just reading scripts. He has a deep-seated interest in the human condition.

1. People of Faith: Early in his career, he produced a segment exploring diverse religious communities, from Baha’is to Baptists.

2. Winning at Work: At WFMZ, he launched this series to provide viewers with practical career advice, interviewing business leaders to help Pennsylvanians succeed in their own professional lives.

Awards and The “Silver Circle”

By 2026, Jaciel’s mantle is crowded. He is a multi-award winner, most notably winning an Emmy Award for his role in WFMZ’s 2020 General Election coverage.

Perhaps his most prestigious honor is his induction into the Silver Circle Society by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This honor is reserved for broadcasters who have contributed 25+ years of excellence to the industry, proving that Jaciel is not just a local star, but a regional legend.

Personal Life: Behind the Scenes

Despite his public profile, Jaciel keeps his private life relatively guarded.

• Family & Marriage: While fans often search for “Jaciel Cordoba wife” or details on his marriage, Jaciel has kept his relationship status away from the tabloid lens. He focuses his public presence on community service and his professional milestones.

• Hobbies: When he isn’t in the studio, he’s likely on stage. An accomplished actor and singer, Jaciel has performed in major theatrical productions like The Color Purple and August Wilson’s Fences.

• Ethnicity & Nationality: Jaciel is a proud American of Hispanic/Latino heritage, often participating in events that celebrate cultural diversity in the Lehigh Valley.

Jaciel Cordoba Net Worth and Salary 2026

In 2026, a veteran news anchor in a top-100 market like the Lehigh Valley/Philadelphia region can expect a healthy compensation package.

• Estimated Salary: While WFMZ does not disclose private contracts, industry standards for a morning anchor with 20+ years of experience suggest a salary between $150,000 and $250,000.

• Estimated Net Worth: Factoring in his long tenure and real estate, his net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Trust

As we look at the state of local news in 2026, Jaciel Cordoba remains a lighthouse of reliability. In an era of “fake news” and social media noise, his commitment to the Medill standards of journalism ensures that the Lehigh Valley wakes up to the facts.

What is your favorite Jaciel Cordoba moment? Share your stories in the comments below!

Sources & References

• WFMZ-TV Official Bio Page

• National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Mid-Atlantic Chapter

• Northwestern University Medill School Alumni Records

• Interview: “WFMZ’s Jaciel Cordoba: The People You Know,” YouTube