Jackie Bange is an Emmy Award-winning American broadcast journalist best known as the longtime weekend anchor and reporter for WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. With a television career spanning more than three decades, she has earned widespread respect for her investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling, and commitment to delivering accurate news. Since joining WGN-TV in 1993, Bange has become one of Chicago’s most trusted television personalities, covering everything from breaking news and politics to international assignments and human-interest features.
Throughout her distinguished career, Bange has received numerous honors, including a Regional Emmy Award, an Illinois Associated Press Award, and the prestigious Peter Lisagor Award for excellence in journalism. Her fearless reporting has taken her from local Chicago neighborhoods to international locations such as Paris and Africa, while her investigative work has helped bring attention to important social issues and even contributed to justice in high-profile cases.
Beyond the newsroom, Jackie is known for her adventurous spirit, having completed the Olympic-distance Chicago Triathlon and participated in award-winning skydiving reporting projects. She is also deeply involved in mentoring aspiring journalists and supporting charitable organizations throughout the Chicago area.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jackie Bange |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1961 |
| Age | 64 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist, News Anchor, Reporter |
| Current Employer | WGN-TV Chicago |
| Position | Weekend Anchor and Reporter |
| Education | Florida State University; University of Florida |
| Husband | George Strickland |
| Children | Three |
| Known For | WGN News at Nine |
| Years Active | 1980s–Present |
Early Life and Family
Jackie Bange grew up in a family with deep roots in broadcasting, which inspired her passion for journalism from an early age. Her father worked as a television news anchor in Miami, Florida, and later in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, while her mother was a meteorologist in Lancaster. Growing up in a household where news and weather reporting were part of everyday life gave Bange a unique perspective on the broadcasting industry and helped shape her future career.
Although she has spoken about her parents’ influence, Jackie has kept many details about her extended family private. She has rarely discussed siblings publicly, preferring to keep the focus on her professional work rather than her personal background.
Education
Jackie Bange has an impressive academic background that combines business and communications. She first earned an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from Florida State University. Recognizing her growing passion for journalism, she later pursued a post-baccalaureate degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida, graduating with distinction.
Her combination of technical and communications education has proven valuable throughout her broadcasting career, allowing her to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Jackie Bange Career
Jackie Bange began her television career at WPEC-TV, the CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she worked as a noon anchor and reporter. The position gave her valuable experience covering local news, conducting interviews, and reporting live from the field.
In 1990, she moved to Chicago to join WMAQ-TV, NBC’s owned-and-operated station, as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor. Working in one of the nation’s largest media markets significantly expanded her reporting experience and prepared her for the next stage of her career.
Joining WGN-TV
Jackie joined WGN-TV in August 1993 as a general assignment reporter. Her professionalism and reporting skills quickly earned her additional responsibilities, and in January 1995 she became co-anchor of WGN Morning News. Later that year, in October 1995, she transitioned to co-anchor the weekend edition of WGN News at Nine, a role she has held for decades alongside veteran anchor Robert Jordan.
During her tenure at WGN, Bange has covered virtually every type of story imaginable, including the following:
- Breaking news
- Criminal investigations
- Political developments
- Community issues
- Severe weather events
- Human-interest stories
- International assignments
She has also reported from Paris and several locations in Africa, bringing international perspectives to Chicago audiences.
Major Stories and Investigative Reporting
One of Jackie Bange’s most acclaimed reports came after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Her special report, “Into the Darkness,” followed two Chicago-area pilots who were among the first volunteers to reach New Orleans after the levees failed. Using night-vision technology, Bange recreated the dangerous rescue missions and highlighted the efforts of volunteers saving stranded residents. The report earned the Illinois Associated Press Award for Best Hard News Feature.
Another notable investigation earned her the Peter Lisagor Award in 2009 after she helped a widow seek justice for her husband, who had been killed in a suspected drunk-driving incident. Her reporting was recognized for its depth, persistence, and public impact.
Awards and Recognition
Jackie Bange has earned numerous honors throughout her career, reflecting her excellence in broadcast journalism. Among her most notable awards are:
- Regional Emmy Award (1999) for Best Feature Reporting, recognizing her series on skydivers attempting to break the world record for the largest skydive formation.
- Illinois Associated Press Award for Best Hard News Feature for Into the Darkness.
- Peter Lisagor Award (2009) for hard news and in-depth reporting.
- Recognition as one of Chicago’s most respected and enduring television journalists.
Jackie Bange Age
Bange is 64 years old. Jackie was born on September 8, 1961, in the United States of America. She celebrates her birthday each year on September 8 and falls under the zodiac sign Virgo. While she has spent decades in the public eye, Bange has maintained a relatively private personal life, choosing to focus public attention on her journalism rather than her private affairs.
Jackie Bange Husband
Jackie Bange is married to George Strickland. Unlike his wife, George has largely stayed out of the spotlight, and the couple has successfully maintained a private family life despite Jackie’s prominence as one of Chicago’s best-known television journalists.
Although Jackie occasionally references her family in interviews and on social media, she rarely shares extensive details about her marriage. This balance between a high-profile career and a private home life has earned admiration from viewers who appreciate her professionalism.
Some older online biographies include claims about previous relationships before her marriage. However, these claims are not supported by reliable primary sources or official biographies and should therefore be treated cautiously.
Jackie Bange Children and Family
Jackie and George Strickland are proud parents of three children. Several long-standing biography sources identify their children as:
- Josh Strickland (son)
- Grace Strickland (daughter)
- Gwen Strickland (daughter)
The daughters are reported to be twins. While these names appear across numerous secondary biography websites, Jackie herself has generally kept her children out of the public spotlight, and WGN-TV’s official biography simply notes that she is married with three children without identifying them individually.
Family remains one of Jackie’s greatest priorities. Despite covering demanding news stories and maintaining a busy television schedule, she has frequently spoken about the importance of balancing career responsibilities with motherhood.
Jackie Bange Height
Jackie Bange’s exact height has never been officially published by WGN-TV.
However, several sources estimate that she stands between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches (approximately 1.68–1.70 meters). Because these measurements come from third-party sources rather than Jackie or WGN-TV, they should be considered estimates rather than officially verified figures.
Jackie Bange Skydiving Adventures
One of the lesser-known aspects of Jackie Bange’s career is her passion for adventure reporting.
In 1999, she produced an extraordinary feature following a group of skydivers attempting to break the world record for the largest skydive formation. Rather than simply reporting from the ground, Jackie participated extensively in documenting the effort, resulting in a compelling television series that earned her a Regional Emmy Award for Best Feature Reporting.
Her willingness to immerse herself in challenging assignments has become one of the defining characteristics of her reporting style.
Athletic Lifestyle and Chicago Triathlon
Jackie is also known for her commitment to fitness. In 2009, she completed the Olympic-distance Chicago Triathlon, demonstrating the same determination and discipline that have characterized her journalism career. According to multiple biographies, she has participated in several triathlons and enjoys endurance sports as part of her active lifestyle.
Community Service and Mentorship
Throughout her career, Jackie has remained deeply involved in community service.
Among her long-standing commitments are:
- Mentoring journalism students through Elmhurst University’s Mentor Program.
- Serving on the board of Michael Matters, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals battling brain cancer.
- Supporting A Safe Place, a Lake County organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence and assisting survivors.
These activities reflect her belief that journalism extends beyond reporting the news it also involves strengthening the communities journalists serve.
Jackie Bange Salary
Jackie Bange has never publicly disclosed her salary, and WGN-TV does not release compensation information for its on-air talent. Based on industry standards for experienced anchors in a major television market such as Chicago, her annual salary is commonly estimated to range between $80,000 and $150,000, although some biography websites cite broader ranges.
These figures are estimates only and have not been confirmed by Jackie Bange or WGN-TV.
Jackie Bange Net Worth
After more than three decades in broadcast journalism, Jackie Bange has established a successful and respected career. Although she has never publicly disclosed her finances, her estimated net worth is generally reported to fall between $1 million and $5 million.
These estimates are based on:
- More than 30 years at WGN-TV.
- Previous positions at WMAQ-TV and WPEC-TV.
- Awards and recognition.
- Speaking engagements and other professional activities.
Hobbies and Interests
Away from the newsroom, Jackie enjoys an active and adventurous lifestyle.
Her interests include:
- Skydiving.
- Triathlon training.
- Running and endurance fitness.
- Traveling.
- Community service.
- Mentoring aspiring journalists.
- Spending time with her husband and children.
Her adventurous personality has often influenced the kinds of stories she pursues, allowing viewers to experience events through immersive, firsthand reporting.
Interesting Facts About Jackie Bange
- She joined WGN-TV in August 1993 as a general assignment reporter.
- She became co-anchor of the WGN News at Nine weekend broadcasts in October 1995.
- She earned a Regional Emmy Award for her award-winning skydiving feature.
- Her “Into the Darkness” report following Hurricane Katrina won an Illinois Associated Press Award.
- She received the Peter Lisagor Award for hard news and in-depth reporting in 2009.
- She has reported internationally from Paris and Africa.
- She completed the Olympic-distance Chicago Triathlon.
- She holds degrees from both Florida State University and the University of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jackie Bange?
Jackie Bange is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist who serves as the weekend anchor and reporter for WGN-TV in Chicago. She has worked at the station since 1993 and is one of Chicago’s longest-serving television news personalities.
How old is Jackie Bange?
Jackie Bange was born on September 8, 1961, making her 64 years old as of 2026.
Who is Jackie Bange’s husband?
She is married to George Strickland.
Does Jackie Bange have children?
Yes. Jackie and George Strickland have three children. WGN’s official information confirms she has three children, though she keeps her family life largely private.
What is Jackie Bange’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, although no official financial information has been released.
Is Jackie Bange still with WGN?
Yes. Jackie Bange continues to serve as the weekend anchor and reporter for WGN-TV, where she has worked since 1993.
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