Kathleen Bade Bio: Former FOX 5 San Diego, Age, Husband

 Kathleen Bade Biography: A 31-Year Legacy in TV News | Former FOX 5 San Diego Anchor

Kathleen Bade is an award-winning American journalist known for her extensive career in broadcast journalism, primarily in the San Diego news market.

She served as the primetime anchor for FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) from the station’s launch in 2008 until her departure on July 31, 2024.

Bade anchored weekday newscasts at 5, 6, 10, and 11 p.m., earning a reputation for covering major news stories, from the opening of Petco Park to leading election coverage and hosting specials on high-profile court cases.

She is a 13-time Emmy Award winner, recognized for her journalism and advocacy for children, notably through her work with San Diego County Adoptions, where she helped place a record number of children into loving homes.

Early Life and Education

She grew up in a supportive family, spending time on her father’s construction sites, which sparked her interest in design and decorating.

Bade graduated with honors from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, becoming the first student in the school’s history to win the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Award in San Francisco.

She also earned a Broadcast Meteorology degree and certification from Mississippi State University, reflecting her interest in science.

Career

Bade’s journalism career began at Arizona State University, where she gained early recognition.

Her first on-air role was at KYMA in Yuma, Arizona, as an evening weathercaster and fill-in anchor in 1992.

She then returned to her hometown of Phoenix, working in community relations for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns alongside figures like Charles Barkley and Connie Hawkins.

During this time, she also joined CBS in Phoenix as a morning weather anchor, later becoming the weekend anchor within two years.

In Phoenix, Bade launched “FOX 10 Arizona Morning” as co-host after a station shuffle, turning it into a top contender in the market within three years.

In 2001, she moved to San Diego to join KFMB-TV (CBS), where she worked for seven years, focusing on nighttime anchoring to balance family life.

After a brief hiatus, she returned to the airwaves in 2008 with the launch of FOX 5 San Diego, where her 10 p.m. newscast became the market’s top-rated program.

Bade’s career highlights include hosting specials like “Veterans Voices,” “Explore San Diego,” “The Big Bay Boom,” and “Backstage at the Parade” at the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

She also covered events like the MLB All-Star Game pre-show and red carpets for “American Idol” and the San Diego Film Festival.

A notable moment was her one-on-one interview with Walter Cronkite, who shared insights on the challenges of 24-hour news cycles.

Retirement and Future Plans

In July 2024, Bade announced her departure from FOX 5 San Diego after 31 years in television, emphasizing that she was not retiring but seeking “new adventures.”

Her final newscast was on July 31, 2024, followed by a trip to Poland with her daughter to attend a Taylor Swift concert. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria declared July 31 “Kathleen Bade Day” in her honor.

Bade expressed a desire to rediscover life without the constraints of a newsroom schedule, though she has not specified her next steps.

Age:

Kathleen Bade was born on February 13, 1970, making her 55 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Kathleen was raised in the United States, though specific details about her parents and siblings have not been publicly disclosed. Her strong values and work ethic suggest a supportive upbringing that encouraged her academic and professional ambitions.

Husband:

Kathleen Bade is married to Jeff Bade, a former sports marketing executive with deep ties to collegiate athletics.

The couple met in 1993 while working for the Phoenix Suns—Kathleen in community relations and Jeff in marketing.

Their connection was instant; Jeff reportedly told a colleague on Kathleen’s first day that he was going to marry her.

True to his word, he proposed just five months later on Valentine’s Day 1994, and they were married on New Year’s Eve that same year at the historic Arizona Biltmore.

Jeff has been a steady and supportive presence throughout Kathleen’s demanding broadcast career.

When their first child was born, he took on the role of primary caregiver so Kathleen could continue anchoring.

She has often credited him as the foundation that allowed her to balance motherhood with the pressures of live television, saying, “I couldn’t do this career if it weren’t for him.”

Together, they have two children. Their son, Jackson, was born on June 29, 2000. He grew up playing baseball and turned 24 in 2024.

Their daughter, Campbell, was born on December 21, 2002, and has a passion for basketball. She turned 21 in late 2023.

Both children were raised in a lively, sports-loving household in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, where the family home features a swimming pool, bocce ball court, basketball court, and fire pit—perfect for active kids and family gatherings.

Kathleen often reflected on her parenting journey in her blog, “Anchormom,” where she shared heartfelt and humorous stories about raising her children while navigating the world of journalism.

Her family has remained her greatest source of pride and joy, and she looked forward to spending more time with them after signing off from FOX 5 in 2024.

Height:

Kathleen Bade is estimated to stand at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. Her weight is believed to be around 130 pounds (59 kg).

Career and Background:

Kathleen Bade holds a journalism degree from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she graduated with honors.

She also earned a meteorology certification from Mississippi State University, making her the first certified meteorologist to anchor in the San Diego market.

Before joining FOX 5 San Diego, she worked as a primetime anchor for FOX 10 in Phoenix.

Her career spans major events in both national and local news, and she is celebrated for her versatility and commitment to journalism.

Kathleen was the original primetime anchor when KSWB launched its local news operation, solidifying her legacy as one of the station’s founding personalities.

• Phoenix Suns (NBA):

  Jeff worked in the marketing department for the Phoenix Suns in the early 1990s. It was during this time that he met Kathleen, who was working in community relations. Their shared passion for sports and media laid the foundation for their relationship.

• Aztec Sports Properties (San Diego State University):

  After relocating to San Diego, Jeff became the General Manager of Aztec Sports Properties, the multimedia rights and sports marketing arm for San Diego State University (SDSU) athletics. In this role, he oversaw sponsorships, branding, and media partnerships for SDSU sports programs.

• Sponsorship Consulting:

  Jeff later launched his own sponsorship consulting business, leveraging his experience in sports marketing to advise clients on brand partnerships and event strategies.

• Philanthropy & Community Involvement:

  • Served on the board of the Huntington’s Disease Society of San Diego.
  • Supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Golf Invitational.
  • Actively involved in youth sports and community events in San Diego.

Jeff is widely admired for his behind-the-scenes role in supporting Kathleen’s demanding career while also being a hands-on father and community leader.

Career Timeline

• At FOX 10 Phoenix, she helped launch the morning show FOX 10 Arizona Morning, which became a top-rated program.

• At KFMB-TV, she worked closely with San Diego County Adoptions, helping place children in loving homes.

• At FOX 5 San Diego, she was the face of the station from its launch in 2008 until her retirement in July 2024, covering major stories and mentoring young journalists.

Kathleen Bade’s Former Colleagues

• Phil Blauer – Evening co-anchor and close on-air partner.

• Raoul Martinez – Morning anchor and longtime colleague.

• Shally Zomorodi – Morning anchor known for her energy and warmth.

• Maria Arcega-Dunn – Anchor and reporter, often shared major coverage.

• Mark Mathis – FOX 5’s lively meteorologist.

• Jason Sloss, Megan Healy, Elizabeth Alvarez, Zara Barker – Reporters and anchors she worked with regularly.

• Rick D’Amico and Ron Hoon – Co-anchors at FOX 10 Phoenix (Arizona Morning).

• Andrea Robinson – Meteorologist and anchor at FOX 10.

Net Worth and Salary:

Kathleen Bade’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, accumulated from her long-standing career in broadcast journalism. Her annual salary at FOX 5 San Diego was believed to be in the range of $100,000 to $150,000.

Is Kathleen Bade Married?

Yes, Kathleen Bade is married to Jeff, and they have two children together.

How Old Is Kathleen Bade?

Kathleen Bade is 55 years old as of 2025. She was born on February 13, 1970, in the United States

Where is Kathleen Bade working?

Kathleen Bade is no longer working at FOX 5 San Diego. She officially retired on July 31, 2024, after a 31-year career in broadcast journalism.

In her farewell, she shared that she was stepping away to enjoy more personal time and new adventures—her first plan being a trip to Poland to see Taylor Swift in concert.

As of now, she is not working at any news station and has not announced a new professional role. She appears to be enjoying a well-earned break from the anchor desk.