The Face of the Lehigh Valley: The Remarkable Journey of Kathy Craine

If you’ve lived in the Lehigh Valley at any point over the last five decades, one voice has likely been a constant in your living room: Kathy Craine. Long before digital streaming and 24-hour social media cycles, Kathy was building the foundation of local broadcasting at WFMZ-TV 69 News.

She isn’t just a news anchor; she is a pioneer who helped turn a fledgling station into a community powerhouse. From the days when a weather prop literally fell on her head to interviewing Hollywood legends, Kathy’s career is a masterclass in resilience and local loyalty. In an industry where “jumping markets” is the norm, Kathy chose to stay, becoming the heartbeat of Allentown, PA.

A Radio Start: “Inspiration At Dawn”

Long before she was a fixture on Channel 69, Kathy was the voice that woke up the region. A graduate of Boyertown High School, she honed her craft at the American School of Broadcasting in Georgetown.

She served as the host of the WFMZ-FM program “Inspiration At Dawn.” Starting her day at 6:00 AM, she learned the most important rule of media: connection. Whether she was spinning records or discussing local events, Kathy developed a warmth that felt less like a broadcast and more like a neighbor chatting over a fence.

Crossing Over: The Birth of Channel 69

In the mid-1970s, the media landscape shifted. WFMZ-TV was born, and Kathy was one of its first full-time employees. Moving from radio to television isn’t always easy, but for Kathy, it was a “natural crossover.”

In those early, unpolished years of Channel 69, everyone had to do everything. Kathy wasn’t just an anchor; she was a salesperson, a reporter, and a weather personality. This “jack-of-all-trades” era gave her a deep understanding of the business side of news, a rarity for modern journalists.

The Famous “Weather Cube” Incident

Every veteran journalist has a “blooper” that defines their early years. For Kathy, it was the infamous weather cube. During a live broadcast in the formative years of WFMZ, the physical weather prop actually fell on her during the segment.

While others might have panicked, Kathy handled it with the grace and humor that would become her trademark. It’s a moment long-time viewers still discuss with a smile—a reminder of the raw, authentic nature of live local TV before the era of green screens and high-tech graphics.

From Murders to Movies: A Versatile Reporter

Kathy Craine’s reporting range is staggering. On any given day, she could be found at the scene of a local tragedy or interviewing a global superstar. Her portfolio includes sit-downs with:

• Barbara Mandrell

• Lou Rawls

• Larry Holmes (The “Easton Assassin” himself)

• Jerry Van Dyke

• Celeste Holm

Whether she was covering “accidents to murders” or chatting with Al Martino, Kathy brought the same level of preparation and empathy to every story.

Breaking Barriers: The Sertoma Club

Kathy’s impact wasn’t limited to the newsroom. She was a glass-ceiling breaker in the civic world. She became the first woman member of the Sertoma Club (Service to Mankind), a local service organization.

She didn’t just join; she led. Kathy rose through the ranks to become the organization’s first female President and eventually its CEO. This wasn’t for “PR”—it was a genuine extension of her belief that a journalist should be an active part of the community they cover.

Kathy Craine: Vital Statistics & Personal Life

While Kathy is a public figure, she keeps her private life relatively low-key. Here is what we know about the veteran journalist:

Is Kathy Craine Married?

Yes, Kathy is married. While she often keeps her husband and family life out of the headlines to maintain a level of professional privacy, she has frequently mentioned the support of her family as the backbone of her long career.

Kathy Craine Age and Retirement

Followers often ask, “Did Kathy Craine retire?” or “How old is Kathy Craine?” As of 2026, Kathy has transitioned into a “Goodwill Ambassador” role for the station. While she is less frequent on the daily 6:00 PM anchor desk than in decades past, her presence remains a cornerstone of WFMZ’s brand. She has not “retired” in the sense of disappearing; she has evolved.

The WFMZ Salary and Net Worth Narrative

In the world of local news, salaries for veteran anchors in mid-sized markets like Allentown typically range from $75,000 to $150,000, depending on tenure and responsibilities. While Kathy Craine’s exact Net Worth isn’t public (and any site claiming an exact million-dollar figure is likely guessing), her value to the station is immeasurable. She represents decades of “brand equity” that no newcomer can replace.

A Legacy of Service: The Philanthropist

Kathy’s resume reads like a directory of Lehigh Valley charities. Her dedication to the region is evident in her board memberships and volunteer work:

• Mercy Day Care Center: Supporting early childhood education.

• Boy Scouts Annual Food Drive: Fighting local hunger.

• Easter Seals & Cancer Telethons: Raising millions for health research.

• SPCA: Advocating for animal welfare.

She also co-hosted the first Parkettes Telethon alongside Philadelphia legendary weatherman Dave Roberts, bridging the gap between Allentown and the larger Philly market.

Why Kathy Matters in 2026

In an era of “fake news” and polarizing media, Kathy Craine represents journalistic integrity. She isn’t a “personality” trying to go viral; she is a reporter who cares if your local school board is functioning or if the local animal shelter has enough blankets.

Her voice—calm, authoritative, and familiar—is a comfort to generations of Pennsylvanians. As media continues to fracture into smaller digital pieces, Kathy reminds us of the power of a “local town square” where everyone gathers to hear the truth.

What’s Next for Kathy?

Kathy continues to serve as WFMZ’s Goodwill Ambassador. Expect to see her at major community events, special segments highlighting local heroes, and perhaps even mentoring the next generation of WFMZ reporters.

What is your favorite Kathy Craine memory? Was it the weather cube, or a specific community story she covered? Let us know in the comments below!

Colleagues and Connections

• Rob Vaughn: Long-time co-anchor and friend.

• Wendy Davis: Fellow veteran of the 69 News team.

• Dave Roberts: Collaborator on regional telethons.

Sources & References

1. WFMZ-TV Official History Archives (wfmz.com)

2. The Morning Call: “50 Years of Lehigh Valley Broadcasting”

3. Sertoma International: Records of First Female Presidents

4. American School of Broadcasting Alumni Registry

5. Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia: Regional Profiles