Lauren Phinney Bio: Age, Husband, Net Worth | FOX 5 San Diego

Lauren Phinney Biography FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News Anchor

Lauren Phinney is an American journalist and news anchor currently working for FOX 5 San Diego and KUSI News in San Diego, California. She serves as the anchor for Good Morning San Diego on KUSI. She has built a career spanning multiple markets, focusing on in-depth reporting on topics like politics, environmental issues, and community stories.

Education & Early Life

• Hometown: Simi Valley, California

• University: Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles

• • Graduated magna cum laude
  • Degree: B.A. in Television Production
  • Minor: American History

• Early Experience: Interned at KTLA during college

Career Timeline

Awards & Recognition

Awards and Recognition

• 2012 Rising Star Award from the Florida Broadcasters Association.

• Two Associated Press awards for reporting at WTXL in Tallahassee.

• Runner-up for the E.B. Craney Award (“Broadcaster of the Year”) in Montana.

• 2025 Best Television Personality, San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll.

Notable Coverage

• Gulf of Mexico oil spill

• Republican National Convention (live reports)

• High-wire feats by Nik Wallenda over Niagara Falls & Grand Canyon

• One-on-one interview with President Barack Obama

Personal Life & Interests

• Passions: Health and children’s issues

• Volunteer Work:

• • American Cancer Society
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Brides Against Breast Cancer

• Hobbies: Scuba diving, running, cooking, reading

• Fun Fact: Has skydived into a park to kick off a 9/11 tribute ceremony

Lauren Phinney Age:

Lauren Phinney was born on August 8, 1981, which makes her 44 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Leo. She holds American nationality and is of white ethnicity.

Lauren Phinney Parents and Siblings:

Lauren Phinney was born and raised in Simi Valley, California, where her early life was filled with creativity and curiosity. From a young age, she showed a fascination with microphones—collecting them as gifts and using them to interview family members about music and emotions, hinting at her future in journalism.

She spent summers and winters with her grandparents in Hawaii, which added a rich cultural layer to her upbringing. Lauren was also musically inclined, playing the piano, flute, and singing throughout her school years. Her childhood was marked by gymnastics, artistic hobbies, and a natural flair for storytelling.

As for her family, Lauren has kept most personal details private. She was raised by both parents in Simi Valley, though their names and professions haven’t been publicly disclosed. She does have a sister, who has lived in the San Diego area for over a decade, suggesting a close family connection to the region.

Lauren Phinney Husband:

Lauren Phinney is married to Jay Dorsett, whom she wed in a traditional church ceremony in 2015. The couple shares a son and enjoys a peaceful, private family life. Jay maintains a low public profile, and Lauren has been intentional about keeping their relationship largely out of the spotlight.

Despite her visibility as a television anchor, she occasionally shares glimpses of their life together, reflecting a strong and supportive partnership. Their marriage is often described as stable and grounded, with no public controversies surrounding their relationship.

Lauren Phinney Height:

Lauren Phinney is reported to stand around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. She maintains a healthy physique with an estimated weight of 58 kg (127 lbs). Her body measurements are approximately 34-26-36 inches. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Lauren Phinney Career and Background:

Phinney’s journalism career began in Washington, D.C., where she covered major events such as the D.C. sniper attacks. She then moved to Montana, reporting for KCFW and anchoring Montana Today at KECI in Missoula, where she was recognized as runner-up for the state’s E.B. Craney Award for “Broadcaster of the Year.”

She later worked in Florida, serving as the evening anchor for WTXL in Tallahassee. There, she hosted a weekly political segment, produced specials (including a one-hour show on the retirement of Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden), and earned two Associated Press awards for her reporting.

Phinney then anchored the evening news at WWSB in Sarasota, covering stories like medical breakthroughs, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the 2012 presidential election (including live reporting from the Republican National Convention in Tampa and a one-on-one interview with President Obama), and daredevil Nik Wallenda’s high-wire crossings of Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon.

Phinney joined KUSI in San Diego from the Tampa market, bringing her experience in anchoring and reporting on the economy, education, and consumer issues. At KUSI/FOX 5, she has anchored various newscasts, including the 11 p.m. weeknight news and currently Good Morning San Diego.

Her work has involved adventurous assignments, such as working on a ranch, ice diving, and skydiving for a 9/11 tribute ceremony. In July 2025, she was voted “Best Television Personality” in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Readers Poll.

1. KCFW – Kalispell, Montana

Lauren began her broadcast career in the rugged terrain of Montana, reporting for KCFW. This foundational role allowed her to develop core journalistic skills in a small-market environment, where reporters often wear multiple hats—from shooting footage to editing and writing scripts. Her work quickly stood out for its clarity and professionalism.

2. KECI – Missoula, Montana

Her talent earned her a promotion to anchor Montana Today, the morning show at KECI. Here, she gained visibility and credibility as a morning anchor, delivering local news with warmth and precision. Her performance earned her runner-up honors for the E.B. Craney Award for Broadcaster of the Year—an early sign of her rising star status.

3. Washington, D.C. – Freelance Reporting

Lauren transitioned to a high-stakes news environment in Washington, D.C., where she covered major national stories, including the D.C. sniper attacks. This experience sharpened her ability to report under pressure and deepened her understanding of national security and crisis coverage.

4. WTXL – Tallahassee, Florida

At WTXL, Lauren took on the role of evening anchor, where she hosted weekly political segments and produced long-form specials. Her standout work included a one-hour special on legendary Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden’s retirement. She earned two Associated Press awards for excellence in reporting, solidifying her reputation as a thoughtful and thorough journalist.

5. WWSB ABC 7 – Sarasota, Florida

Lauren’s next chapter unfolded at WWSB, where she served as lead anchor for seven years. Her coverage spanned major national and regional events:

• Gulf of Mexico oil spill – Delivered in-depth environmental reporting

• 2012 Presidential Election – Anchored political coverage and debates

• Republican National Convention – Filed live reports from the convention floor

• Nik Wallenda’s high-wire stunts – Reported live from Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon

• Interview with President Barack Obama – Conducted a one-on-one interview during his campaign Her work earned her the Rising Star Award from the Florida Broadcasters Association in 2012, recognizing her growing influence in the industry.

6. KUSI / FOX 5 San Diego – California

Lauren joined KUSI News in March 2014 as the 11 p.m. anchor and reporter. Her engaging style and adventurous spirit quickly made her a viewer favorite. In March 2018, she was promoted to anchor Good Morning San Diego, where she continues to deliver daily news with energy and insight. Her reporting style is immersive and bold—she’s skydived into a park to kick off a 9/11 tribute, worked on a ranch, and even ice-dived for a segment. Her ability to connect with viewers while tackling serious topics has made her a staple of San Diego morning television.

Lauren Phinney works alongside a talented team of journalists and anchors at KUSI News and FOX 5 San Diego, particularly on Good Morning San Diego.

While the full roster may shift over time, here are some of her notable colleagues:

• Paul Rudy – Veteran sports anchor and co-host on Good Morning San Diego

• Mark Mathis – Known for his energetic and humorous weather segments

• Hunter Sowards – Reporter and anchor contributing to morning and evening broadcasts

• Logan Byrnes – Evening anchor with a background in law and national news

• Ginger Jeffries – Meteorologist and anchor with decades of experience in California news

• Teresa Sardina – Field reporter known for community-focused stories

• Jason Austell – Weekend anchor and reporter with a focus on local issues

Lauren Phinney Net Worth and Salary:

Lauren Phinney has built a successful career as a broadcast journalist. Her estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, largely accumulated through her television journalism career. Her annual salary as a news anchor at FOX 5 San Diego and KUSI News is estimated to range from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on her role and contractual terms.

Is Lauren Phinney Married?

Yes, Lauren Phinney is married to Jay Dorsett. They wed in 2015 and have one son together. The couple keeps their personal life mostly private.

How Old Is Lauren Phinney?

Lauren Phinney was born on August 8, 1981, which makes her 44 years old as of 2025. She was born in Simi Valley, California.

Where is Lauren Phinney Working?

Lauren Phinney is currently working at KUSI News in San Diego, California, where she anchors Good Morning San Diego on KUSI FOX 5. She’s been with the station since March 2014, originally joining as an 11 p.m. anchor and reporter before transitioning to the morning show in 2018.

Lauren Phinney is active on social media. You can follow her on:

• Instagram: @laurenphinneytv

• X (Twitter): @LaurenKUSI

• Facebook: Lauren Phinney KUSI