Jennifer Baileys Biography: Award-Winning Anchor & Investigative Reporter at WLKY Louisville
Jennifer Baileys is an Emmy Award-winning journalist currently serving as an anchor and investigative reporter for WLKY-TV, the CBS affiliate in Louisville, Kentucky.
She joined the WLKY News Team in October 2014 after working at WDRB Fox 41 in Louisville as a news anchor for The Local Evening News at 6:30 p.m. from January 2011 to 2013.
Before that, she was a photographer and reporter at WSAZ NewsChannel 3 in Huntington, West Virginia, for two years starting in 2006.
Baileys took a brief hiatus from journalism in 2013 to focus on family but returned to the field with WLKY.
Early Life and Education
Born in Elizabeth, West Virginia, Baileys was raised on a farm, where she was actively involved in community groups such as 4-H and pageants.
She graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and Psychology in 2005.
During her time at Marshall, the Hearst Foundation honored her as one of the top college journalists in the country.
Additionally, Baileys studied at West Virginia University at Parkersburg from 2000 to 2003, where she trained to become a registered nurse.
Career
Baileys began her journalism career at WSAZ NewsChannel 3 in Huntington, West Virginia, where she worked as a photographer and reporter for two years.
In January 2006, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to join WDRB Fox 41 as a news anchor for The Local Evening News at 6:30 p.m., a position she held for seven years until 2013.
During this time, she took a brief hiatus from journalism in 2013 to focus on family, briefly working as a Marketing Manager at Century Mortgage Company before joining WLKY in October 2014.
At WLKY, Baileys anchors the noon and 5 p.m. newscasts and serves as an investigative reporter.
Her reporting covers a wide range of topics, including local news, healthcare, community initiatives, and social issues like child abuse and neighborhood revitalization.
Notable stories include coverage of the Norton Pediatric Support Team, the Smoketown Community Land Trust, and efforts by organizations like Neighborhood House and the Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO).
She is also known for her work on WLKY’s Project CommUNITY initiative, which highlights stories of diversity, inclusion, and community impact.
She is also passionate about community service, animal welfare, and beach vacations, identifying herself as a “Beach Junkie” and “Cool Aunt.”
Age:
Jennifer Baileys was born on May 21, 1980, making her 45 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She is of White/Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Jennifer Baileys – Early Life & Upbringing:
- Hometown: Grew up on a farm in Elizabeth, West Virginia
- Childhood Activities:
- Active in 4-H, a youth development organization focused on agriculture and leadership
- Participated in pageants, which helped develop her public speaking and presentation skills
- Formative Values:
- Her rural upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, community values, and a passion for storytelling
- She often credits her small-town roots for shaping her commitment to local journalism and community advocacy
Jennifer Baileys – Husband & Children:
- Jennifer met her husband Chris in Louisville, Kentucky
- The couple married after she moved to the city for her journalism career
- Chris is described as a supportive partner, though his profession and personal background are not publicly detailed
Children: Elliana & Amelia Grace
- Jennifer and Chris have two daughters:
- Elliana
- Amelia Grace
- She often mentions her daughters as a central part of her life and motivation
- Jennifer took a brief career break in 2013 to spend more time with her family
Family Life
- The Baileys family also includes two dogs
- Jennifer enjoys:
- Family outings
- Traveling to warm destinations
- Exploring the Kentuckiana region with her children
Height:
While her exact physical stats are not publicly available, Jennifer is estimated to stand at around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall and weighs approximately 130–140 pounds (59–64 kg).
Career and Background:
Jennifer began her journalism career in her home state of Kentucky. She previously worked as a morning anchor at WBKO-TV in Bowling Green and later at WVLT-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.
She returned to her hometown in 2014 to join WLKY as a multimedia journalist and has since risen to become one of the station’s most recognizable reporters.
Over the years, Jennifer has been honored with multiple Emmy Awards, including recognition for her investigative work and breaking news coverage. Her stories often focus on vulnerable communities, public health, and justice reform.
WSAZ NewsChannel 3 (Huntington, West Virginia)
- Role: Reporter and Photographer
- Period: 2003–2005 (Approx. 2 years)
After graduating from Marshall University with a dual degree in Broadcast Journalism and Psychology, Jennifer Baileys began her broadcast career at WSAZ NewsChannel 3, a top-rated station serving West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
In her role as a reporter and photographer, she covered a wide range of local stories across her home state, honing her skills in field reporting, video production, and visual storytelling.
This formative experience helped build her on-camera confidence and laid a strong foundation for her future success in television journalism.
WDRB Fox 41 (Louisville, Kentucky)
- Role: Evening News Anchor (6:30 p.m. newscast)
- Period: January 2006–2013 (Approx. 7 years)
In 2006, Baileys returned to her roots in Louisville and joined WDRB Fox 41 as a news anchor. She became a familiar presence in the community while anchoring the station’s 6:30 p.m. newscast, delivering daily news with professionalism and poise.
Over seven years, she gained recognition for her clear reporting style, strong viewer connection, and commitment to local storytelling.
In 2013, Jennifer briefly stepped away from television to focus on her family. While some sources suggest she may have taken a role as a Marketing Manager at Century Mortgage Company, this remains unconfirmed and is largely considered anecdotal.
WLKY-TV (CBS Affiliate – Louisville, Kentucky)
- Role: Anchor & Investigative Reporter
- Period: October 2014–Present (as of 2025)
Jennifer rejoined the television news industry in October 2014, signing on with WLKY-TV, the CBS affiliate in Louisville. She currently anchors the Noon and 5:00 p.m. newscasts, in addition to serving as an investigative reporter.
Her impactful journalism has earned her four Emmy Awards, thanks to her in-depth, community-focused storytelling. Key areas of coverage include:
Mental health awareness
Child abuse prevention
Nonprofit and community challenges
Animal welfare initiatives (e.g., “Rescues on the Runway”)
Healthcare access and equity
She also leads Project CommUNITY, a WLKY-TV initiative that highlights organizations and individuals making a positive difference in Kentuckiana.
Jennifer Baileys continues to be a trusted voice in Louisville media, using her platform to advocate for transparency, social justice, and meaningful change through investigative reporting.
Jennifer Baileys’ Colleagues at WLKY-TV:
- Stephon Dingle – Co-anchors the 5 p.m. news with Jennifer
- Caray Grace – Morning news co-anchor
- Julie Dolan – Morning anchor
- Alex Durham – Anchor and reporter
- Vicki Dortch – Veteran evening anchor
- Susanne Horgan – Meteorologist (weekends)
- Matt Milosevich – Morning meteorologist
Net Worth and Salary:
Jennifer Baileys’ exact earnings are not publicly disclosed. However, as a veteran Emmy-winning journalist working in a top-50 media market, her estimated annual salary ranges from $75,000 to $110,000. Her net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
Is Jennifer Baileys Married?
Yes, Jennifer Baileys is married to Chris, whom she met in Louisville, Kentucky. The couple wed at Hurstbourne Country Club, with photographs taken by renowned photographer David Blair.
They have two daughters, Elliana and Amelia Grace, and two dogs. Baileys is described as a devoted mother and wife who balances her professional and personal life effectively.
How Old Is Jennifer Baileys?
Jennifer Baileys was born on May 21, 1980, which makes her 45 years old as of 2025.
Where is Jennifer Baileys Working?
Jennifer Baileys is currently working as an Anchor and Investigative Reporter at WLKY-TV, the CBS affiliate based in Louisville, Kentucky.
She joined the station in October 2014 and continues to anchor the Noon and 5 p.m. newscasts while leading impactful investigative reports through her signature series, Project CommUNITY.
Jennifer Baileys is active on social media:
Instagram: @jenniferbaileysnews – Shares behind-the-scenes and personal moments.
X (Twitter): @WLKYJennifer – Posts news updates and community coverage.
Facebook: Jennifer Baileys WLKY – Shares stories, station updates, and live videos.
She uses these platforms to connect with viewers and share her reporting.
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