Who Is Mark Curtis?
Mark Curtis is an Emmy Award-winning American broadcast journalist, author, political analyst, and longtime television anchor best known for his work at 12 News (KPNX-TV) in Phoenix, Arizona. With a broadcasting career spanning more than four decades, Curtis has become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Arizona television journalism.
Curtis currently serves as an evening news anchor for 12 News, where he co-anchors the station’s major evening newscasts alongside Caribe Devine. Over the years, he has covered some of the biggest stories in Arizona and across the United States, including presidential elections, Olympic Games, World Series events, major political developments, and important community issues.
Known for his calm delivery, political insight, and ability to explain complex issues to viewers, Curtis has built a reputation as more than a traditional news anchor. He has become a trusted voice for political coverage and public affairs reporting in Arizona. His long career has earned him numerous honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow recognition, and Associated Press awards.
Mark Curtis Early Life
Mark Curtis was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in a family that valued education, service, and community involvement. Although he has maintained some privacy regarding his early childhood, his background in Milwaukee played an important role in shaping his communication skills and interest in storytelling.
Curtis developed an interest in journalism and broadcasting at a young age. His passion for sports eventually became the entry point into his television career, allowing him to combine his love for athletics with his ability to communicate stories to a wider audience.
Before becoming one of Arizona’s most familiar news personalities, Curtis built his foundation as a sports journalist. His early career focused heavily on sports reporting, where he covered teams, athletes, and major sporting events. This experience helped him develop the interviewing, research, and storytelling skills that later defined his career as a news anchor.
Mark Curtis Education
Mark Curtis has pursued extensive education throughout his life, building a strong academic foundation for his journalism career.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communication from Marquette University. Later, he continued his education by earning a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. Some biographies also note additional academic work, including studies at other institutions.
His education helped him develop expertise in media production, journalism ethics, communication theory, and public storytelling. Beyond his own studies, Curtis has contributed to journalism education by sharing his professional experiences with students through lectures and mentoring opportunities.
Beginning of Mark Curtis’ Journalism Career
Mark Curtis began his television career through sports broadcasting. His first major connection with Arizona television came in 1980, when he joined 12 News (KPNX-TV) as a sports reporter.
During his early years at 12 News, Curtis traveled extensively covering sports stories across the country. His work included reporting on major sporting events and developing his reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging sports journalist.
In 1987, Curtis left Arizona to expand his career opportunities. He moved to Minneapolis, where he worked as the Sports Director at KSTP-TV, an ABC affiliate. During this period, he covered the Minnesota Twins’ historic run to the 1987 World Series.
After several years in Minnesota, Curtis moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked as the main sportscaster and served as the play-by-play voice for St. Louis University basketball. These experiences helped him become a well-rounded broadcaster with expertise in live reporting, analysis, and storytelling.
Return to 12 News Phoenix
After years away building his career, Mark Curtis returned to Phoenix in 1995 and rejoined 12 News. Initially, he returned as a sports anchor before eventually transitioning into the station’s news department. In 2004, Curtis moved from sports reporting to the main news desk, beginning his next chapter as a news anchor and political journalist.
This transition demonstrated his versatility as a broadcaster. While many journalists specialize in one area, Curtis successfully moved from sports journalism into general news, politics, and public affairs reporting. Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable anchors on Arizona television.
Mark Curtis 12 News Career
At 12 News, Mark Curtis has played a major role in covering important events affecting Arizona and the nation. He currently anchors the station’s evening newscasts, including the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. broadcasts, alongside Caribe Devine.
Throughout his career at the station, Curtis has covered:
- Presidential elections and political campaigns
- Arizona government and state politics
- Presidential inaugurations
- Major sporting events
- Olympic Games
- World Series championships
- Community issues across Arizona
His political reporting has become one of his strongest areas of expertise. Curtis has followed national and state political developments for decades, providing analysis and context for viewers.
In 2016, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to cover political developments following the presidential election. In 2018, he provided special coverage from Washington during the funeral of Arizona Senator John McCain.
Major Stories and Career Highlights
One of Mark Curtis’ most notable career achievements has been his ability to cover historic events from both a national and local perspective.
During his career, he has reported from:
- Five Olympic Games
- Two World Series events
- Presidential elections
- Major political gatherings
- Arizona’s most significant community stories
One story he has highlighted as especially meaningful was “Becoming Rachel,” which followed the personal journey of an Arizona resident undergoing a gender transition. The story reflected Curtis’ interest in human-centered journalism and telling stories that help viewers understand different experiences.
Mark Curtis Awards and Recognition
Mark Curtis is one of Arizona’s most decorated television journalists.
Throughout his career, he has received:
- 13 Emmy Awards
- Edward R. Murrow Award
- Two Associated Press Best Anchor Awards
- Numerous other journalism honors
In 2021, Curtis was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of contributions to Arizona broadcasting. His awards reflect his success in multiple areas, including anchoring, political reporting, and storytelling.
Mark Curtis as an Author
In addition to television journalism, Mark Curtis is also an author. He wrote the book “Age of Obama: A Reporter’s Journey with Clinton, McCain and Obama in the Making of the President 2008.” The book explored his experiences covering the 2008 presidential election and the major political figures involved during that period.
The book further established Curtis as a journalist with deep political knowledge and experience.
Mark Curtis Age
Mark is 67 years old as of 2026. He was born in 1959 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America. His exact birth date has not been widely published, and Curtis has generally kept some personal details private.
Despite his long career, he remains active in television journalism and continues anchoring major newscasts.
Mark Curtis Wife and Marriage
Mark Curtis is married to Abby Curtis. The couple has maintained a private family life while supporting each other throughout his long broadcasting career.
The couple reportedly married in 1985 and have built their family life primarily in Arizona. Abby and their children have strong connections to Arizona State University, with multiple family members attending the university.
Mark Curtis Family and Children
Mark Curtis and his wife Abby have three children. Their family has remained mostly outside the spotlight, although Curtis has occasionally spoken about his pride in his children and family accomplishments.
The couple also has grandchildren, and Curtis has shared moments celebrating his role as a grandfather. Family remains an important part of Curtis’ life, especially after decades spent working in the demanding television industry.
Mark Curtis Height
Mark Curtis has an estimated height of around 5 feet 7 inches, but this information has not been verified by Curtis or 12 News.
Mark Curtis Salary
Mark Curtis’ exact salary at 12 News has not been publicly released.
As one of Arizona’s longest-serving television anchors, his compensation is likely significantly higher than that of many local reporters due to his experience, awards, audience recognition, and leadership role.
Industry estimates suggest that experienced anchors in major U.S. television markets may earn between $75,000 and more than $150,000 annually, depending on contracts and responsibilities. However, Curtis’ exact salary remains private.
Mark Curtis Net Worth
Mark Curtis has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. These estimates are unofficial because Curtis has not publicly released details about his personal finances, investments, or assets.
Mark Curtis Personal Life and Interests
Outside journalism, Mark Curtis enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and playing golf. He has also remained connected to sports throughout his life, reflecting the early career path that helped establish his reputation. His combination of journalism, athletics, politics, and community involvement has shaped a career that extends far beyond traditional news reporting.
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