David Highfield: From Aspiring Journalist to Emmy Award-Winning Anchor at KDKA-TV
David Highfield is an Emmy-award-winning journalist, reporter, anchor, and co-host of “Your Pittsburgh” at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has had a long and distinguished career in broadcast journalism, covering major news events and contributing to the community through his work.
Early Life and Education
David Highfield attended Fort City High School and later joined the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he graduated with summa cum laude honors in Broadcast Journalism in 1993.
Career
Early Career
David Highfield began his career at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1991. He started as a writer and quickly moved up to become a news producer.
His dedication and talent led to his promotion to a news reporter role, where he covered significant stories that made headlines.
Major Stories Covered
David has reported on several major news events throughout his career, including:
- Hurricane Katrina: He covered the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, providing crucial updates and stories from the affected areas.
- Virginia Tech Shootings: David reported on the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, offering in-depth coverage and insights into the incident.
- Pope Benedict’s Visit: He covered the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, highlighting the significance of the event.
Current Role
Since January 2021, David Highfield has been the morning news anchor at KDKA-TV. He co-hosts “Your Day Pittsburgh” alongside Heather Abraham and is the co-host of “Pittsburgh Today Live”.
He also serves as the executive producer of the KDKA TV news magazine “Your Pittsburgh”.
Awards and Recognition
David Highfield has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his excellence in journalism:
- Emmy Awards: David has won 12 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for his outstanding work as a reporter and host. These awards recognize his exceptional contributions to broadcast journalism.
- Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards: He has received two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. One was for his report on a possible connection between Marcellus Shale drilling and earthquakes, and the other for an examination of how smoke detectors often don’t wake up children.
- Golden Quills: David has been honored with Golden Quills awards for feature reporting, acknowledging his skill in producing engaging and impactful stories.
- Matrix Award: He received a Matrix Award for his coverage of flood conditions, showcasing his ability to report on significant events with depth and clarity.
- Best News Personality: In 2024, the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine voted David the Best News Personality on Pittsburgh TV.
- Hall of Fame Inductions: David was inducted into the Ford City Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 for his contributions to journalism and sports reporting.
- Community Service: David has been actively involved in local charities, including The KDKA-TV Turkey Fund, the PTL Toy Drive, Joey’s PAW, Animal Friends, Persad Center, Hair Peace, American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County.
David Highfield’s awards and recognitions reflect his dedication to delivering quality journalism and his commitment to serving the community through his work.
Financial Status
- Net Worth: David Highfield’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $4 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as a journalist, reporter, and anchor.
- Salary: David earns an annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $120,00. His salary varies based on his role and responsibilities at KDKA-TV.
Personal Life
- Age: David Highfield was born on September 28, 1972, making him 52 years old as of 2024.
- Zodiac Sign: He is a Libra.
- Ethnicity: White
- Nationality: He is American.
- Relationship Status: David Highfield is married.
David Highfield husband Gary Kline:
David Highfield is married to Gary Kline, who is a Professor and Assistant Head of Acting/Musical Theater at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama.
The couple got married in a private ceremony in October 2015 at The National Aviary in Pittsburgh’s North Side. They enjoy hosting dinner parties, playing tennis together, and traveling.
David Highfield Height
David Highfield stands at an average height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) and maintains a body weight of 68 kg (about 150 lbs)
He is active on social media. He has a presence on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
On Twitter, he shares updates about his work, interacts with viewers, and posts behind-the-scenes content from his shows.