Brian Conybeare – Award-Winning ABC57 Journalist | Biography

Brian Conybeare Biography: Award-Winning Journalist at ABC57 News

Brian Conybeare is an award-winning journalist currently serving as a main anchor at ABC57 News in South Bend, Indiana. He is recognized for his impactful reporting and Emmy-winning documentaries.

Brian’s journey in journalism began at CBS2 News in New York City, where he gained experience as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.

His dedication to his craft led him to cover significant events such as the terror attacks in New York and the 2016 presidential campaign.

Prior to joining ABC57, Brian served as the main anchor and managing editor at News12 Westchester.

His investigative reporting during this time earned him numerous accolades, including three New York Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, and a national award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

His work at ABC57 has continued to impress, with his reporting on the racial divide between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph earning him a Chicago Emmy Award – his fourth overall.

His documentary “The River: A New Witness” delves into the tragic deaths of six Black men whose bodies were found in the river separating the two communities.

Brian enjoys spending time with his family on the shore of Lake Michigan, playing basketball, and tailgating at Michigan football games.

Early Life and Education:

Brian Conybeare was born and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

During his time at university, he was actively involved in student media and had a passion for storytelling, which set the foundation for his future career in journalism.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Brian furthered his education at New York University, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.

This advanced education equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive field of journalism.

Throughout his education, Brian demonstrated a keen interest in investigative reporting and community-focused stories.

These early experiences and his solid educational background have contributed significantly to his successful career as a journalist.

Parents and Siblings:

Brian Conybeare grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a community that later played a significant role in his journalistic work.

He has two brothers and two sisters, all of whom pursued careers as attorneys, following in the footsteps of their father. However, details about his mother have not been disclosed in public sources.

Brian’s upbringing in Benton Harbor, a city with a rich and diverse history, deeply influenced his perspective and passion for community-focused journalism.

He has often drawn upon his personal experiences and understanding of the local community in his reporting, as seen in his impactful work on the racial divide between Benton Harbor and its twin city, St. Joseph.

Career:

Before joining ABC57, Brian worked as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor at CBS2 News in New York City.

During his tenure there, he extensively covered significant events such as the terror attacks in New York, the 2016 presidential campaign, and consumer scams.

He also provided exclusive insights into a troubled nuclear power plant and New York’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry.

Prior to his role at CBS2, Brian served as a special advisor on the New NY Bridge Project, a $3.9 billion initiative to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson River.

As the project’s spokesman, he conducted numerous meetings with residents, business groups, and schools to facilitate public understanding of what was then the nation’s largest infrastructure project.

Earlier in his career, Brian was the main anchor and managing editor at News12 Westchester.

His investigative reporting there earned him three New York Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, and a national award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

He covered major stories, including the 9/11 terror attacks and the Pope’s 2008 visit to New York City, and conducted exclusive investigations into various scams and fraudulent activities.

ABC57 News (WBND-TV):

• Joining ABC57: Brian Conybeare’s entry into ABC57 News in January 2018 marked a significant milestone. His arrival brought a new level of journalistic excellence to the Michiana community.

• The River (2019): This groundbreaking special series is a testament to Brian’s commitment to addressing societal issues. “The River” courageously tackled the sensitive topic of racial divide between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan. It meticulously investigated the mysterious deaths of six African American men found in the river that separates the two towns. The series not only shed light on these unexplained tragedies but also sparked important conversations about systemic racism and community disparity.

• Love. Honor. Betrayal (2020): Brian’s half-hour special, “Love. Honor. Betrayal,” is an exemplary piece of investigative journalism. It delved into the intricate dynamics of trust and betrayal within a community, ultimately earning him the prestigious Chicago Emmy Award. This accolade underscores Brian’s ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and highlight critical social issues.

CBS2 News (New York City):

• General Assignment Reporter: During his tenure at CBS2 News, Brian excelled as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor. His role required versatility and the ability to cover a wide range of stories, from breaking news to in-depth investigations, in one of the most fast-paced cities in the world.

• Presidential Campaign 2016: Brian’s extensive coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign provided viewers with insightful analysis and up-to-the-minute information during one of the most contentious elections in modern history. His reporting helped shape public understanding and informed voters across the nation.

• Nuclear Power Plant Tour: Demonstrating his investigative skills, Brian secured an exclusive tour of a troubled nuclear power plant. This report offered viewers a rare glimpse into the facility’s operations and safety protocols, highlighting both the risks and measures in place to protect the public.

• Medical Marijuana Industry: Brian’s coverage of New York’s medical marijuana industry showcased his ability to navigate complex topics. He explored the regulatory landscape, business challenges, and societal implications of this emerging sector, providing a comprehensive look at its development and impact.

New NY Bridge Project:

• Special Advisor: In his role as a special advisor and spokesman for the $3.9 billion New NY Bridge Project, Brian was instrumental in ensuring public awareness and engagement. This project, the largest infrastructure undertaking in the nation at the time, required meticulous communication and transparency.

• Public Engagement: Brian hosted numerous meetings with residents and business groups, effectively bridging the gap between the project’s stakeholders and the public. His efforts ensured that the community was well-informed and involved in the project’s progress, fostering trust and collaboration.

News12 Westchester:

• Main Anchor & Managing Editor: At News12 Westchester, Brian served as the main anchor and managing editor, where he led the newsroom with distinction. He played a pivotal role in shaping the editorial direction and maintaining the station’s reputation for high-quality journalism.

• Emmy & Murrow Awards: Brian’s exceptional reporting earned him three New York Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, and a national award from the Society of Professional Journalists. These accolades are a testament to his dedication to journalistic excellence and his ability to produce impactful stories.

• Major Stories: Brian’s coverage of key events, such as the 9/11 terror attacks and Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 visit to New York City, demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise and professionalism. His reporting provided viewers with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of these historic moments.

Brian Conybeare’s awards and recognitions:

• Chicago Emmy Award (2020): For the special “Love. Honor. Betrayal.”

• Three New York Emmy Awards: For outstanding investigative reporting at News12 Westchester.

• Five Regional Awards: Recognizing excellence in electronic journalism at News12 Westchester.

• National Award: For exemplary investigative reporting at News12 Westchester.

Additional Highlights

• Impactful Series “The River” (2019): Investigated the racial divide between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan.

• Extensive Reporting: Covered significant events like the 9/11 terror attacks and Pope Benedict XVI’s 2008 visit to New York City.

Here are a few more talented colleagues that Brian Conybeare works with at ABC57 News:

• Summer Horan: Co-anchor who delivers news with calm authority.

• Jordan Hatfield: Sports anchor and adrenaline-filled sports enthusiast.

• Julianne Grohowski: Weather anchor, bringing locals their daily forecasts.

• Dante Stanton: Bright-eyed general assignment reporter.

• Giselle Valentin: Trending beat reporter with solid community connections.

• Allison Hayes: Host of ABC57 Kickoff, an enthusiast for all things football.

• Tom Coomes: Meteorologist known for accurate weather predictions and a commitment to keeping the community safe.

These colleagues, along with many others, contribute to the dynamic and committed team at ABC57 News.

Financial Status:

Brian Conybeare’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 Million – $5 Million.

This estimation takes into account his successful career as an anchor, reporter, and managing editor across various networks.

Brian’s annual salary is estimated to range between $65,000 – $120,000 at ABC57 News.

During his time as a special advisor for the New NY Bridge Project, he earned $160,000 annually.

These figures reflect his accomplished career in journalism and his significant contributions to the field

Personal Life:

• Age: Brian has chosen to keep his birth date private, but he is likely in his 40s or early 50s.

• Ethnicity: Brian Conybeare is of Caucasian descent.

• Nationality: American

• Relationship Status: Married

Wife:

Brian Conybeare is happily married to his wife, Janna. They have a wonderful family with four children.

Together, they reside in St. Joseph, Michigan, along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan.

Family Life:

• Janna: An integral part of Brian’s life, Janna is a supportive and loving partner. Though she maintains a private life away from the spotlight, her unwavering support has undoubtedly played a significant role in Brian’s successful career.

• Children: Brian and Janna are proud parents to four children. While their names and ages are not publicly disclosed, Brian frequently shares his joy in spending quality time with his family, highlighting their strong bond and close-knit relationship.

• Dogs: The Conybeare household is also home to two dogs, adding even more warmth and energy to their family dynamic.

Brian takes great pride in balancing his professional achievements with his family life.

He enjoys playing basketball, tailgating at Michigan football games, and most importantly, creating lasting memories with his loved ones.

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)

• Weight: Estimated between 70 to 75 kilograms (154 to 165 pounds)

• Distinguishing Features: He has dark hair and brown eyes, complementing his professional and approachable on-screen presence.

Social Media Activity:

Brian Conybeare is active on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, where he shares updates on his reporting and engages with his audience.

He uses social media to promote stories, provide insights, and interact with the community, enhancing his connection with viewers.