Jackie Bange is a well-known American news anchor and reporter who works at WGN‑TV in Chicago. Her age is of interest to many fans. She was born in 1961, which makes her in her early sixties. Many people search for Jackie Bange’s age, and understanding her background makes for a useful and helpful read.
This article explains who Jackie Bange is, her age, and shares details about her life and career. It also covers her early life, personal details, career highlights, net worth, lifestyle, hobbies, and plans. The article is designed to be easily understood by even a five-year-old. It answers questions about her age and provides more details easily.
Everything here is written with clear and simple sentences. Each paragraph has just a few lines, making it easy to read. You will learn about Jackie’s background, her journey into journalism, her current role, and her age as of 2025.
Who Is Jackie Bange?
Jackie Bange is an award-winning American journalist who has worked as a weekend anchor and reporter at WGN‑TV in Chicago since August 1993. She became the co-anchor of the weekend evening newscast, WGN News at Nine, in October 1995 and continues in that role today.
She studied at Florida State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, and then earned a post-baccalaureate degree in Telecommunications at the University of Florida. Jackie reported first in West Palm Beach at WPEC‑TV, then at WMAQ‑TV in Chicago, before joining WGN‑TV. She has also reported from Africa and Paris, covering major stories, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Jackie has won several awards, including a Regional Emmy Award in 1999 for a feature about skydivers and a Peter Lisagor Award in 2009 for investigative reporting.
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Jackie Bange |
Family | Married to George Strickland, three children (two twin daughters and one son) |
Career | Weekend anchor and reporter, WGN‑TV, since 1993 |
Net Worth | Estimated between $1M–$5M as of recent estimates |
Age | Born September 8, 1961, making her 63 years old in 2025 |
Height | Approximately 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
Weight / Body Type | Slim body type, around 135 lbs (~61 kg) |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Ethnicity | White American |
Relationship | Married to George Strickland since the early 2000s |
Early Life and Background

Jackie Bange was born on September 8, 1961, in the United States, likely in Florida or Texas, based on reports.
She grew up in a family connected to television. Her father was a news anchor, and her mother was a weather reporter. This influenced her love for journalism.
Jackie studied hard in school and loved storytelling. She decided to study management information systems and telecommunications at university.
She attended Florida State University and later earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. These studies gave her strong skills in broadcasting and media.
Her early life and family shaped her interest and success in a long career in news.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jackie Bange is married to George Strickland. He was a former assistant state attorney and later worked as a pilot or in law, depending on the source.
They have been married since approximately 2000. Together they have three children: a son named Josh and twin daughters, Grace and Gwen.
Jackie keeps her family life relatively private. She balances her busy career with caring for her children and home life.
The family enjoys traveling and spending time together. Jackie once completed an Olympic-distance Triathlon and enjoys adventurous activities like skydiving.
Her strong family support helps her succeed in journalism while staying grounded.
Career and Achievements
Jackie began her journalism career at WPEC‑TV in West Palm Beach as a reporter and noon anchor.
She later joined WMAQ‑TV in Chicago in 1990, serving as a general assignment reporter and weekend anchor.
In August 1993, Jackie joined WGN‑TV as a reporter. She became the weekend co-anchor of WGN News at Nine in October 1995, a role she continues to hold today.
She reported major international stories, including coverage from Africa and Paris, and a special report on Hurricane Katrina, titled “Into the Darkness,” which earned an award from the Illinois Associated Press.
Jackie won a Regional Emmy Award in 1999 for feature reporting about skydivers aiming for a world record. She also won the Peter Lisagor Award in 2009 for helping a widow get justice in a wrongful death case.
Net Worth Overview

Here is a table showing Jackie Bange’s estimated net worth and income trends from 2021 to 2025. These numbers help illustrate how her career earnings have grown over time.
Year | Estimated Net Worth | Monthly Income (est.) | Approximate Annual Income |
2021 | $1.0M | $6,500 | $78,000 |
2022 | $1.2M | $7,000 | $84,000 |
2023 | $1.4M | $7,500 | $90,000 |
2024 | $1.5M | $8,000 | $96,000 |
2025 | $1.6M – $2M | $8,500 | $102,000 – $120,000 |
These estimates are based on published net worth ranges and typical anchor salaries in Chicago markets.
Major Sources of Income
- Television salary from WGN‑TV, especially as a weekend anchor and reporter.
- Bonuses and awards from high-profile reporting and investigative pieces.
- Possible freelance or speaking engagements, including community events and mentorship.
- Passive Income from investments, though specifics are private.
Luxurious Lifestyle
- Jackie enjoys a comfortable life in Chicago, living in a well-appointed home.
- She travels with her family and often visits exotic places for vacation.
- She invests in her health, completing triathlons and participating in skydiving events.
- She supports community causes and may quietly donate to or engage with local charities.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
- Skydiving Enthusiast: Jackie participated in a feature story about record-breaking skydivers that earned her an Emmy. She enjoys adrenaline sports too.
- Triathlon Competitor: In 2009, she completed a full Olympic‑distance triathlon in Chicago.

- Globetrotter: She has reported from Africa and Paris, bringing international perspectives to viewers.
- Family‑first: She values time with her husband and children and keeps her personal life mostly private.
- Mentor: Jackie inspires younger journalists and supports media education efforts.
- Award-winning: Besides her Emmy, she also won the prestigious Peter Lisagor award.
Future Prospects
- She may continue anchoring at WGN‑TV for several more years, given her longevity and experience.
- Jackie might take on more special investigative reporting or long-form feature stories.
- She could mentor younger reporters or contribute to journalism training programs.
- She may expand her presence in community service or charity work, particularly in areas such as media literacy and storytelling.
Impact on Social Media
- Jackie maintains a modest presence on Instagram and Facebook, sharing occasional family moments and behind-the-scenes updates.
- She does not seek high follower counts but connects authentically with viewers who follow her work.
- Her reports often spark local conversations and foster trust in WGN news content.
- Her professionalism and consistency inspire social media commentary about quality journalism.
Platform | Link |
Wikipedia | Click here |
Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Jackie Bange?
Jackie Bange was born on September 8, 1961, making her 63 years old in 2025.
Where was Jackie Bange born?
She was born in the United States, likely in Florida or Texas, with various reports indicating different states.
What is Jackie Bange’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, with multiple sources converging on approximately $1.5 million in 2025.
Who is Jackie Bange married to?
She has been married to George Strickland since around 2000. They have three children together.
What awards has Jackie Bange received?
She won a Regional Emmy Award in 1999 for feature reporting and the Peter Lisagor Award in 2009 for investigative reporting.
Conclusion
Jackie Bange is a trusted and experienced American journalist, currently 63 years old in 2025. She has spent over three decades at WGN‑TV delivering accurate and heartfelt news. Her journey began with studies in communications and systems, followed by reporting jobs in Florida and Chicago.
Major awards, international reporting, and a commitment to deep, human-interest journalism mark her career. She enjoys an active lifestyle, a supportive family life, and a quietly influential social media presence. Her net worth reflects steady growth tied to her long career and reputation.
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