Kathy Quinn: WDAF-TV FOX4 Kansas City Journalist & Radio Host
Kathy Quinn is an Emmy award-winning journalist born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri.
She reports daily on FOX 4’s top-rated morning show at WDAF-TV and produces a weekly segment called “Pay It Forward,” where she surprises viewers with $400.
Her journalism career spans roles as a radio news anchor, on-air personality, television reporter, morning news anchor, and host of public affairs and talk shows.
She has been with WDAF-TV since May 2002, after working as a reporter and anchor at KSHB-TV from 1992 to 2001.
Awards
Quinn’s accolades include two Emmy Awards: one for the children’s series “Be Cool, Be Smart,” which focused on avoiding dangerous situations, and another in 1997 for “A Child’s Prayer,” a series documenting local doctors, including her brother, performing cleft lip and palate surgeries in the Dominican Republic.
She was also nominated for an Emmy for her live coverage of Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest in the U.S.
Her radio show, KC Forum, airing Sunday mornings on KC 102 and Q104, earned a 2006 Society of Professional Journalists honorable mention and a 2014 International “Crime Stoppers” award.
Of Mexican and Irish descent, Quinn is bilingual, which has aided her reporting, such as when she translated for fire investigators during a house fire in Kansas City’s east bottoms.
Her deep community ties earned her family the 2005 Legacy Award from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she double-majored in communication studies and history, minored in women’s studies, and graduated in 1982.
She also studied for a year at University College in Dublin, Ireland, where she worked at Radio Nova as a weather and traffic reporter.
Beyond journalism, Quinn has acted in films, including a role as “Paquita” in Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990) with Paul Newman and a part in Article 99 (1992) with Ray Liotta. She volunteers as an auctioneer, career speaker, and reporter for the FOX 4 Love Fund for Children.
Age:
Kathy Quinn was born on April 17, 1959, making her 66 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She has Mexican and Irish heritage and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Kathy hails from a family deeply rooted in the community.
Her family owned “Las Palmas,” one of the city’s first Mexican restaurants.
In recognition of their community contributions, they received the 2005 Legacy Award from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC).
However, details about her parents and siblings remain private, as she has not publicly disclosed much information about them.
Husband:
Kathy Quinn is married to Ian Quinn, who is the lead singer of the Celtic band THE ELDERS. Their son, Kian Quinn, is also part of the band as a drummer.
Kathy and Ian have three grown-up children: Kian, Andreina, and Kaitlin.
The family collaborates on various ventures, including their band and an art gallery named “Off the Floor Woodwork” located in Kansas City.
Height, Weight:
Kathy Quinn stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall. Based on general estimates, her weight is likely between 130–150 pounds (59–68 kg).
Career and Background:
Kathy began her broadcasting journey at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where she double-majored in communication studies and history, with a minor in women’s studies.
She also spent a year studying at University College Dublin in Ireland.
Her career encompasses roles as a radio news anchor, television reporter, morning TV news anchor, and host of various TV shows, including public affairs and talk shows.
Notably, she won an Emmy Award in 1997 for her news series “A Child’s Prayer,” which followed local doctors, including her brother, on a mission to the Dominican Republic to repair cleft lips and palates in children.
She received another Emmy nomination for her live coverage of Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
In addition to her television work, Kathy hosts the radio show “KC Forum” on KC 102 and Q104, which earned a 2006 Society of Professional Journalists honorable mention and a 2014 International “Crime Stoppers” award.
Quinn began her career in media during her college years and has since worked in various capacities, including radio news anchor, on-air personality, television reporter, morning news anchor, and host of public affairs and talk shows.
Her work is characterized by a commitment to community storytelling, earning her two Emmy Awards and other accolades.
She is best known for her daily reporting on WDAF-TV’s top-rated morning show and her weekly “Pay It Forward” segment, where she surprises viewers with $400 to support community kindness.
Stations and Roles
Radio Nova (Dublin, Ireland) – Early 1980s
- Role: Weather and Traffic Reporter
- Details: While studying abroad at University College in Dublin, Ireland, during her time at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Quinn worked at Radio Nova.
This early role in radio helped her develop on-air skills in a fast-paced environment, laying the groundwork for her broadcasting career.
KSHB-TV (Kansas City, MO) – 1992 to 2001
- Roles: Reporter and Anchor
- Details: Quinn joined KSHB-TV, an NBC affiliate, where she served for nearly a decade. Her work included general assignment reporting and anchoring news segments.
During this period, she earned her first Emmy Award in 1997 for “A Child’s Prayer,” a series documenting Kansas City doctors, including her brother, performing cleft lip and palate surgeries in the Dominican Republic.
WDAF-TV (Kansas City, MO) – May 2002 to Present
- Roles: Reporter, Morning Show Contributor, “Pay It Forward” Segment Producer
- Details: Since joining WDAF-TV (FOX 4), Quinn has been a staple of the station’s top-rated morning show, delivering daily reports that resonate with Kansas City viewers.
Her “Pay It Forward” segment, launched later in her tenure, has become a viewer favorite, showcasing her commitment to community engagement by gifting $400 to deserving individuals.
She won a second Emmy Award for the children’s series “Be Cool, Be Smart,” which focused on teaching children how to avoid dangerous situations.
Additionally, she was nominated for an Emmy for her live coverage of Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest in the U.S.
KC 102 and Q104 (Kansas City, MO) – Ongoing
- Role: Host of KC Forum
- Details: Quinn hosts KC Forum, a public affairs radio show airing Sunday mornings on KC 102 and Q104.
The program covers local issues and community stories, earning a 2006 Society of Professional Journalists honorable mention and a 2014 International “Crime Stoppers” award for its impactful journalism.
Additional Media Contributions
- Film Roles: Beyond broadcasting, Quinn has appeared in films shot in Kansas City, including a role as “Paquita” in Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990) alongside Paul Newman and a part in Article 99 (1992) with Ray Liotta. These roles highlight her versatility and connection to the local arts scene.
- Community Engagement: Quinn’s career extends to volunteer work, including serving as an auctioneer and career speaker. She also contributes to the FOX 4 Love Fund for Children as a reporter, amplifying her community impact.
Awards and Recognition
- Emmy Awards:
- 1997: “A Child’s Prayer” (KSHB-TV)
- Date unspecified: “Be Cool, Be Smart” (WDAF-TV)
- Emmy Nomination: Live coverage of Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade (WDAF-TV)
- 2006 Society of Professional Journalists Honorable Mention: KC Forum (KC 102/Q104)
- 2014 International “Crime Stoppers” Award: KC Forum (KC 102/Q104)
- 2005 Legacy Award: Awarded to her family by UMKC for their contributions to Kansas City’s community.
Here are colleagues Kathy Quinn has worked with at FOX 4 Kansas City (WDAF-TV):
- John Holt – News anchor and investigative journalist
- Abby Eden – Former morning news anchor
- Karli Ritter – Meteorologist
- Joe Lauria – Chief meteorologist
- Pat McGonigle – Former anchor and reporter
- Carey Wickersham – Reporter
- Nick Vasos – Traffic anchor and reporter
- Sharifa Jackson – Reporter
- Alex Countee – Meteorologist
- Rob Collins – Sports anchor and reporter
Net Worth and Salary:
Based on available information, Kathy Quinn’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Her annual salary as a journalist at WDAF-TV is reported to range from $24,292 to $90,000, though exact figures vary by source and are not publicly confirmed.
These estimates reflect her long career in television and radio, including her roles as a reporter, anchor, and host, as well as additional income from film appearances and community engagements.
Is Kathy Quinn Married?
Yes, Kathy Quinn is married to Ian Quinn, the lead singer of the Celtic band The Elders.
They have three children and collaborate on various family ventures, including their band and art gallery.
How Old Is Kathy Quinn?
Kathy Quinn was born on April 17, 1959, making her 66 years old as of 2025.
Where is Kathy Quinn Working?
Kathy Quinn is currently working as a reporter at FOX 4 Kansas City (WDAF-TV). She is a key part of the station’s morning news team, delivering live reports on major local stories.
She also produces the “Pay It Forward” segment, where she surprises viewers with $400 to recognize acts of kindness. Additionally, she hosts KC Forum, a public affairs program that highlights community issues and events.
Kathy Quinn is active on social media and maintains a strong presence across multiple platforms:
Facebook: She runs the page Kathy Quinn Fox 4 News, where she shares updates about her reporting, community events, and her “Pay It Forward” segments.
Instagram: Her handle is @kqbtv, where she posts behind-the-scenes content, family moments, and highlights from her work at FOX 4.
X (formerly Twitter): Under the username @KQBTV, Kathy shares news updates, interacts with followers, and provides insights into her daily reporting activities.
These platforms offer a glimpse into her professional endeavors and personal interests, allowing followers to stay connected with her latest stories and community engagements.
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