Jackie Bange is 64 years old as of 2026. Born on September 8, 1961, this award-winning broadcast journalist has spent over three decades delivering news to Chicago viewers through WGN-TV. She remains one of the most trusted faces in Midwest television journalism.
Who Is Jackie Bange? A Quick Overview
Jackie Bange is an American journalist, weekend anchor, and reporter at WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. She joined the station in August 1993 and has built a reputation for sharp, compassionate, and impactful storytelling.
Her career stretches across multiple Chicago news stations, several prestigious journalism awards, and decades of community involvement. She is not just a news anchor — she is a fixture in Chicago’s broadcast history.
How Old Is Jackie Bange?
Jackie Bange age is 64 years old. She was born on September 8, 1961, and celebrates her birthday every year on that date. Her zodiac sign is Virgo, which fits her reputation for being precise, detail-oriented, and hardworking.
At 64, she continues to work actively in television news. That alone says something remarkable about her dedication to journalism. In an industry that often favors the young and new, Jackie has earned her place through consistency and credibility.
Where Was Jackie Bange Born and Raised?
Jackie Bange was born in the United States, with sources pointing to Florida as a significant part of her upbringing. She grew up in a household deeply rooted in broadcast media, which naturally shaped her life’s direction.
Her father was a news anchor who worked in Miami, Florida, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her mother served as a weather presenter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. So yes — she did not stumble into journalism. She was practically raised in it. Growing up watching her parents communicate with viewers every night gave Jackie a front-row seat to what responsible journalism looks like.
What Is Jackie Bange’s Educational Background?
Jackie Bange holds two college degrees, both from respected Florida universities. She earned an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from Florida State University. She later pursued a post-baccalaureate degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida, graduating with distinction.
The combination of a tech-focused undergrad and a media-focused graduate degree gave her a unique edge. Understanding both the technical side and the storytelling side of broadcast journalism helped her stand out early in her career.
How Did Jackie Bange Start Her Career in Journalism?
Jackie Bange began her broadcasting career as a reporter and noon anchor at WPEC-TV, the CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida. That was her first real test in front of the camera, and she passed with flying colors.
In 1990, she moved to Chicago and joined WMAQ-TV, NBC’s owned-and-operated station. She worked there as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor. Her work at WMAQ laid the foundation for the next big leap in her career.
In August 1993, she joined WGN-TV in Chicago as a general assignment reporter. From January 1995 to October 1995, she anchored WGN Morning News. By October 1995, she moved to anchor the weekend edition of WGN News at Nine alongside Robert Jordan. That role has defined her professional identity for more than 30 years.
What Awards Has Jackie Bange Won?
Jackie Bange has collected multiple prestigious journalism awards throughout her career. These are not participation trophies — they recognize real impact in real journalism.
Emmy Award for Best Feature Reporting (1999)
In 1999, Jackie won a Regional Emmy Award for Best Feature Reporting. The award recognized her series covering a team of skydivers attempting to break the world record for the largest skydive formation. The story combined adventure, human drama, and precise reporting — and it left an impression on judges and viewers alike.
Illinois Associated Press Award for Best Hard News Feature
After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, Jackie produced a special report called “Into the Darkness.” The story followed two Chicago-area pilots and their crew who were among the very first to arrive in New Orleans to rescue stranded residents. She actually recreated the rescue using night-vision goggles to help viewers feel the danger and urgency of the mission. The Illinois Associated Press recognized this work with a Best Hard News Feature award.
Peter Lisagor Award for Hard News (2009)
The Peter Lisagor Award is one of journalism’s most respected recognitions in the Chicago area. Jackie won it in 2009 for hard news and in-depth reporting. The story she pursued helped a widow seek justice for her husband, who had been killed by a suspected drunk driver. This was not just reporting — it was advocacy journalism at its finest, the kind that actually changes lives.
Has Jackie Bange Covered International Stories?
Yes, and this sets her apart from many local anchors. Jackie Bange has reported from multiple international locations, including Africa and Paris, France. Her ability to travel for stories and bring global perspectives back to Chicago viewers speaks to the trust WGN placed in her skills.
Reporting internationally requires a different kind of preparation, cultural sensitivity, and journalistic instinct. Jackie handled these assignments with the same professionalism she brings to her local reporting.
What Is Jackie Bange’s Personal Life Like?
Jackie Bange is married to George Strickland, a former Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney. The couple has been together since around 2000. Together, they have three children: a son named Josh and twin daughters, Grace and Gwen (also referred to as Gracie and Sunny in some sources).
Her family life reflects balance. She has raised three children while maintaining a demanding television career — no small feat in an industry that keeps unusual hours.
What Does Jackie Bange Look Like? Height and Appearance
Jackie Bange stands approximately 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 7 inches tall. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. Her on-screen presence is warm, composed, and professional — qualities that have helped her maintain viewer trust over multiple decades.
Her appearance has remained consistent throughout her career, which is why many long-time Chicago viewers recognize her immediately when they tune in on weekends.
How Is Jackie Bange Involved in Her Community?
This is where Jackie Bange’s character really shines. She does not clock out at the studio door.
For several years, Jackie has worked with Elmhurst College’s Mentor Program, guiding students who want to pursue careers in journalism. She sits on the board of Michael Matters, an organization that supports people fighting brain cancer. She has also been involved in fundraising efforts for A Safe Place, a domestic violence prevention organization in Lake County, Illinois.
These are not photo-op appearances. These are sustained commitments that reflect a person who genuinely cares about her community. And in an era when audiences can quickly tell the difference between genuine and performative, that matters.
What Are Jackie Bange’s Hobbies and Interests Outside of News?
Jackie Bange is not someone who sits quietly at home on her days off. She is an active, adventurous person whose hobbies probably surprise people.
She is an avid skydiver. Not just the kind who jumps once for a bucket list check — she actually participated in the skydive world record attempt that won her an Emmy in 1999. She has participated in at least seven triathlons and completed the Olympic-distance Chicago Triathlon in 2009. Athletic training is also part of her regular routine.
Her love for travel has taken her around the world. These personal adventures bring a certain authenticity to her reporting. When Jackie covers stories about risk, endurance, or adventure, she knows exactly what she is talking about.
Why Has Jackie Bange Stayed at WGN-TV for Over 30 Years?
This is a fair question in an era where journalists frequently jump between networks. Jackie joined WGN-TV in August 1993 and has remained there for over three decades. That kind of loyalty is rare in broadcast media.
There are a few explanations. WGN-TV is one of Chicago’s most established television stations with a loyal viewer base. Jackie built her audience there, earned their trust there, and raised her family in the Chicago area. Moving would mean starting that trust-building process all over again elsewhere. And frankly, she has not needed to. Her career at WGN has been professionally rewarding and publicly recognized.
What Is Jackie Bange’s Net Worth?
Jackie Bange’s estimated net worth falls in the range of $1 million to $5 million, according to publicly available estimates. Her income comes primarily from her long-standing career as a television journalist and anchor at WGN-TV.
Exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed, as is typical in the broadcast industry. However, experienced weekend anchors at major market stations like WGN-TV typically earn salaries that reflect their tenure, awards, and audience influence.
Is Jackie Bange Still Working at WGN-TV?
Yes. As of 2026, Jackie Bange continues to work as a weekend anchor and reporter at WGN-TV in Chicago. She has not announced any retirement plans.
Her ongoing on-air presence, continued reporting assignments, and active community involvement all confirm that she remains fully engaged in her journalism career. Chicago viewers can still catch her anchoring the weekend edition of WGN News.
Key Facts About Jackie Bange at a Glance
Here are the most important details about Jackie Bange, organized for quick reference:
- Full Name: Jackie Bange
- Date of Birth: September 8, 1961
- Jackie Bange Age in 2026: 64 years old
- Birthplace: United States (Florida region)
- Nationality: American
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 7 inches
- Education: FSU (Management Information Systems), University of Florida (Telecommunications)
- Career Start: WPEC-TV, West Palm Beach, Florida (CBS affiliate)
- WGN-TV Joined: August 1993
- Spouse: George Strickland (former Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney)
- Children: Josh (son), Grace and Gwen (twin daughters)
- Awards: Regional Emmy (1999), Peter Lisagor Award (2009), AP Best Hard News Feature
- Hobbies: Skydiving, triathlons, travel, athletic training
- Net Worth: Estimated $1 million to $5 million
Final Thoughts on Jackie Bange’s Age and Legacy
Jackie Bange’s story is about more than just her age. At 64 years old, she represents what sustained dedication to a craft can produce. Over 30 years at a single station. Multiple journalism awards. International reporting assignments. Three kids. Seven triathlons. A skydiving Emmy.
She comes from a family of broadcasters, built her skills across multiple Chicago stations, and earned the loyalty of WGN viewers through honest, impactful journalism. Her work on Hurricane Katrina, drunk driving justice, and world-record skydiving all show a journalist who goes after stories that matter.
For viewers, students, and aspiring journalists, Jackie Bange is proof that longevity in media is earned one trustworthy story at a time.
