Alan Gionet: CBS News Colorado Journalist | Biography & Career

Alan Gionet (CBS News Colorado) – Journalist Biography

Alan Gionet is a distinguished journalist with a long and varied career in television news. He is currently a reporter for KCNC-TV, CBS News Colorado in Denver.

Early Career and Education

Gionet’s career in journalism began in the small market of Tupelo, Mississippi, where he worked as a “one-man band,” reporting, shooting, writing, and editing his own stories.

He then moved to WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he anchored and reported.

He also worked as an investigative reporter in Providence, Rhode Island, where he covered stories such as the city’s mayor, Buddy Cianci, and exposed tax breaks for nonprofits.

Gionet studied broadcast journalism at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He also studied at Harvard University Extension and the University of Massachusetts at Boston and Amherst.

CBS News Colorado

Gionet has worked at CBS News Colorado in two different stints. His first stint was in the early 1990s, where he reported extensively on forest fires and was the first to report that the firefighters killed on Storm King Mountain did not receive critical information about the changing weather conditions.

He left CBS News Colorado in 1998 to become the main anchor and nightside managing editor at WTLV/WJXX in Jacksonville, Florida.

While in Jacksonville, he covered many major stories, including hurricanes and the 2000 election controversy.

Gionet returned to CBS News Colorado in 2006 and has been there ever since. He has covered many of Colorado’s biggest stories, including mass killings, environmental issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awards and Recognition

Gionet’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Emmys and Edward R. Murrow Awards.

He has also been lauded with Heartland Regional Emmy Awards for his anchoring and his “Good Question” reporting.

Quotes

• “I find new things every day and truly love people, so this is a great job for me.”

• “I believe in listening, it’s a skill my parents, who were both highly regarded public educators, taught me that I treasure.” 

• “I love the craft of storytelling. I enjoy writing television news and the access I get to people and places.”

Additional Information

• Gionet is a student of science and politics and enjoys breaking down complicated concepts and asking questions that get to the core of the story.

• He is passionate about his work and is committed to telling the stories of the people of Colorado.

• Gionet is a respected figure in the Denver journalism community and is known for his fairness, accuracy, and integrity.

Early Life:

Alan Gionet was born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, located in the Berkshires region.

He began his broadcasting career at a high school and college radio station, conducting interviews with musicians, including Arlo Guthrie.

Specific details about Alan’s parents and siblings are limited. However, it’s known that he has a brother with severe autism, which has influenced his involvement in community initiatives supporting individuals with disabilities.

Alan’s early experiences in Pittsfield and his family’s dynamics have played a significant role in shaping his career and personal interests.

Career:

Alan’s career commenced in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he worked as a reporter, anchor, and even weather presenter for a weekend newscast.

He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, focusing on investigative reporting. His journey continued in Providence, Rhode Island, where he covered organized crime and political corruption.

In the early 1990s, Alan joined KCNC-TV in Denver, marking the beginning of his association with CBS 4.

After a stint in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as the main anchor and nightside managing editor at WTLV/WJXX, he returned to Denver in 2006.

In 2020, Alan transitioned from anchoring to full-time reporting, aligning with his passion for storytelling and on-the-ground journalism.

Early Career

• Tupelo, Mississippi: Alan began his journalism career in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he gained valuable experience in multiple facets of news production, including shooting and editing stories. This hands-on experience helped him develop a strong foundation in the industry.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

• WOOD-TV: In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Alan worked at WOOD-TV, where he reported on critical issues such as the deplorable conditions in the state’s foster care system and worker safety issues. His investigative work led to significant changes, including more rigorous enforcement of child protection laws and the imposition of the largest workplace fine in the state’s history.

Providence, Rhode Island

• Investigative Reporter: Alan’s role as an investigative reporter in Providence allowed him to delve into high-profile stories, including those involving Mayor Buddy Cianci. He also exposed tax breaks for nonprofits, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency.

First Stint at CBS Colorado (KCNC-TV)

• Early 1990s: During his first tenure at CBS Colorado, Alan covered a range of significant events, including forest fires and the Storm King Mountain firefighter tragedy. He was the first to report that the firefighters did not receive critical information about changing weather conditions, showcasing his commitment to thorough and impactful journalism.

Jacksonville, Florida

• WTLV / WJXX: As the main anchor and nightside managing editor at WTLV / WJXX, Alan covered major events such as hurricanes and the 2000 election controversy. His reporting on voting irregularities in Duval County and the endangered North Atlantic right whales brought national attention to these critical issues.

Return to CBS Colorado (KCNC-TV)

• 2000s: Alan returned to CBS Colorado, where he continued to cover major stories, including forest fires, environmental issues, mass killings, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He became known for his innovative “Good Question” reporting, which aims to provide clear and insightful answers to viewers’ questions. Throughout his career, Alan has received numerous awards, including Emmys and Edward R. Murrow Awards, recognizing his dedication and excellence in journalism.

Here are the highlights of Alan Gionet’s notable coverage:

• Forest Fires: Covered devastating wildfires in Colorado, impacting local communities and firefighting efforts.

• Environmental Issues: Reported on high ozone levels and wildfire smoke’s impact on air quality.

• Mass Killings: Provided in-depth analysis and updates on tragic incidents.

• COVID-19 Pandemic: Addressed viewers’ concerns and questions about the virus, vaccines, and public health measures.

• Storm King Mountain Firefighter Tragedy: First to report firefighters did not receive critical weather information, resulting in the loss of 14 firefighters.

• Election Controversy: Covered the 2000 election controversy, revealing voting irregularities in Duval County.

• Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales: Highlighted threats to the species and conservation efforts.

• Community Support Initiatives: Focused on local issues like homelessness, crime, and community support.

Financial Status:

While specific details about Alan Gionet’s net worth and salary are not publicly available, we can provide some context about the financial aspects of a career in journalism.

Net Worth

Net worth is typically influenced by various factors, including salary, investments, real estate holdings, and other assets.

Given Alan Gionet’s extensive career in journalism, his net worth is likely a reflection of his long-standing position in the industry, accolades, and possibly personal investments.

Salary

Journalist salaries can vary widely based on factors such as experience, market size, role, and the media outlet they work for.

For experienced anchors and reporters at major news stations like CBS News Colorado (KCNC-TV), annual salaries can range from approximately $50,000 to over $500,000.

Factors like market size (Denver is a significant market), the reputation of the journalist, and the station’s budget play a role in determining salary.

Given Alan Gionet’s extensive experience and accolades, his salary would likely be on the higher end of this spectrum.

Industry Earnings Context

To provide further context:

• Entry-level Reporters: In smaller markets, entry-level journalists might earn between $30,000 to $40,000 annually.

• Mid-level Journalists: With more experience or in medium to large markets, salaries can range from $50,000 to $100,000.

• Veteran Anchors and Reporters: In large markets or national news outlets, experienced journalists often earn $100,000 to over $500,000 annually.

It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and actual salaries can vary significantly.

Additionally, benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses can also contribute to a journalist’s overall compensation package.

Personal Life:

• Age: Alan Gionet was born on September 7, 1961, making him 63 years old.

• Zodiac Sign: Alan’s zodiac sign is Virgo.

• Ethnicity: Alan is of White ethnicity.

• Nationality: He is American.

• Relationship Status: Alan Gionet is married.

Wife:

Alan Gionet is married to Kim DeVigil, and together they have four daughters: Gabrielle, Genevieve, Clarisse, and Camille. The family resides in Evergreen, Colorado.

In 2014, their daughter Genevieve was enrolled in the Arts and Science program at McGill University, class of 2017. As of 2024, Genevieve is working as an actor and teacher in Prague.

In late July 2020, during a family camping trip north of Vail, Alan and his daughters Camille and Clarisse were setting up their campsite when a tragic incident occurred nearby.

A tree fell on a woman at the adjacent site. All three tried to assist; Camille, who had some nursing training, stayed with the woman for over an hour as first responders made their way to the remote area.

Unfortunately, the woman did not survive. Alan reflected on the incident, stating, “It was a tragedy that affected us in the realization of how life can end so suddenly.”

Alan often shares moments with his daughters on social media. For instance, he posted about attending Genevieve’s performance at Prague Shakespeare, describing it as the highlight of their trip to Europe.

Alan enjoys living and working in Colorado, where he finds new things every day and loves meeting and talking to people. He also has a passion for trail running, playing blues harmonica, and reading.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Alan Gionet is likely around 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall (178 to 183 cm), which is average for American men.

• Weight: He may weigh around 160 to 190 pounds (73 to 86 kg), which is a healthy range for someone of his height and build.

• Distinguishing features: Alan Gionet has salt-and-pepper hair and blue eyes. His professional demeanor and distinctive voice are also notable.

Social Media Activity:

Alan maintains an active presence on social media platforms. On Instagram, he shares insights into his personal interests and professional work. His Facebook profile indicates his educational background and personal interests.