Ken Rice Biography: CBS Pittsburgh Anchor and Journalist
Ken Rice is a distinguished news anchor at CBS Pittsburgh/KDKA-TV, with a career spanning over two decades.
He has played significant roles as a reporter and anchor, covering major events such as the Quecreek mine rescue and the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting.
Throughout his career, Ken has earned numerous awards, including Golden Quill awards and regional Emmy awards, recognizing his commitment to impactful journalism.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ken is actively involved in the community.
He has served on the board of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and has been the Honorary Chair of Pittsburgh’s annual MS Walk.
His dedication to both journalism and community service makes him a respected and admired figure in the industry.
Early Life and Education
Ken Rice was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1959. He grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his interest in journalism.
Ken attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he studied Broadcast Journalism and honed his skills by reporting and anchoring newscasts on the statewide Wisconsin Public Radio network.
Significant Life Experiences
One of the most impactful experiences in Ken’s career was covering the Quecreek mine rescue in 2002, where he reported live from the scene as miners were rescued after being trapped underground for 77 hours.
This event not only showcased his reporting skills but also highlighted the importance of journalism in bringing critical information to the public during emergencies.
Another significant moment was his coverage of the Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting in 2018, where he provided continuous updates and in-depth analysis, earning him recognition and awards for his sensitive and thorough reporting.
Ken’s involvement in community service, such as serving on the board of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and being the Honorary Chair of Pittsburgh’s annual MS Walk, reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond his professional duties.
Career
Ken Rice is a celebrated anchor for CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV), where he co-anchors the weekday 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts.
He also hosts the station’s public affairs program, The KD/PG Sunday Edition, and moderated key political debates for offices like Governor and U.S. Senate.
Additionally, Rice served as the inaugural host of Hometown HiQ, KDKA’s high school quiz show.
His journalism career has taken him to cover major events, including Super Bowls, the Quecreek mine rescue, and the tragic Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
Rice’s investigative reporting has garnered numerous accolades, including national Associated Press awards and Golden Quills.
Before joining KDKA, he worked at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh and WISC-TV in Wisconsin, where he anchored and reported extensively.
Early Career:
Ken began his journalism journey while he was a student at the University of Wisconsin. He reported and anchored newscasts on the statewide Wisconsin Public Radio network, gaining valuable experience in broadcast journalism.
He then transitioned to television, starting his career at Madison’s WISC-TV. There, he served as a reporter and eventually anchored the station’s evening newscasts.
Joining KDKA-TV:
In 1994, Ken joined KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh as a reporter and anchor. This move marked the beginning of a long and successful tenure with the station.
Ken has co-anchored the weeknight editions of KDKA-TV News at 5, 6, and 11, becoming a familiar and trusted face for Pittsburgh viewers.
Major Events Coverage:
Throughout his career, Ken has covered numerous landmark events:
- Quecreek Mine Rescue (2002): Ken reported live from the scene as miners were rescued after being trapped underground for 77 hours.
- Protests at the G20 Summit: His coverage provided insightful analysis and timely updates during a period of significant public interest.
- Police Shootings in Stanton Heights: Ken’s reporting during this tragic event highlighted the community’s response and the ongoing investigation.
- Squirrel Hill Synagogue Shooting (2018): Ken provided continuous updates and in-depth analysis, earning recognition for his sensitive and thorough reporting.
Public Affairs and Community Involvement:
Ken co-hosted the KD-PG Sunday Edition for more than 20 years, a weekly public affairs program produced by KDKA and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
He also hosted KDKA’s high school quiz show, Hometown HiQ, for 11 seasons, showcasing his versatility and commitment to community engagement.
Awards and Recognitions:
Ken Rice has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his dedication to journalism and impactful reporting:
- Golden Quill Awards: Presented by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, these awards recognize excellence in journalism. Ken has received multiple Golden Quill awards for his reporting.
- Regional Emmy Awards: Ken has been honored with several regional Emmy awards for his coverage of significant events, including the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse and the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
- Silver Circle Induction: In 2024, Ken was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Emmy chapter’s Silver Circle, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the television industry over a long period.
- Multiple Sclerosis Society Recognition: Ken has been recognized for his involvement with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, serving on the board and as the Honorary Chair of Pittsburgh’s annual MS Walk.
- Community Service Awards: Ken has received various awards for his community service and involvement, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact beyond his professional duties.
Ken’s numerous awards and recognitions underscore his exceptional career and dedication to both journalism and community service.
Ken Rice has worked with several close colleagues at CBS Pittsburgh over the years. Some of his notable colleagues include:
- Kristine Sorensen: Ken and Kristine have anchored together for 18 of his 30 years at KDKA-TV, making them the longest-serving news anchor team in Pittsburgh.
- Kym Gable: Known for her work on evening newscasts, Kym has been a significant colleague of Ken’s.
- Jennifer Antkowiak: Ken has shared the anchor desk with Jennifer during his tenure at KDKA-TV.
- Patrice King Brown: Another colleague who has worked alongside Ken on various broadcasts.
- John Shumway: A fellow reporter and anchor at CBS Pittsburgh.
These colleagues have contributed to the collaborative and supportive environment at KDKA-TV, helping Ken deliver impactful journalism to the Pittsburgh community.
Financial Status of Ken Rice
Net Worth: Ken Rice’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career in journalism.
Salary: Ken Rice’s annual salary as a news anchor at KDKA-TV/CBS Pittsburgh is estimated to be between $80,000 and $120,000. His exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed, but this range gives a general idea of his earnings.
Main Source of Income:
Ken Rice’s primary source of income is his career as a news anchor and journalist at KDKA-TV/CBS Pittsburgh.
Over the years, he has also earned through his involvement in public affairs programs, hosting quiz shows, and moderating debates.
Ken Rice’s Personal Life
- Age: Ken Rice was born in 1959, making him 65 years old.
- Zodiac Sign: Ken’s zodiac sign is Gemini.
- Ethnicity: Ken Rice is of white ethnicity.
- Nationality: Ken Rice is American.
- Relationship Status: Ken Rice is married.
Wife:
Ken Rice is married to Lauren Rice. Lauren has a background in television, having worked with the late Fred Rogers over two decades ago.
The couple shares a close and supportive relationship, often seen together at public events and community activities.
Ken and Lauren Rice have two children, a son and a daughter. While Ken tends to keep his family life private, he has occasionally shared glimpses of his family on social media.
He posted a photo of his daughter when she was young on his Instagram page on March 23, 2018.
Ken and Lauren take great pride in their children and enjoy spending time together as a family. Their close-knit household reflects their strong family values and support for one another.
Ken Rice’s Physical Description
- Height: Ken Rice stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters).
- Distinguishing Features: Ken Rice has brown hair and blue eyes, which are often noted in his on-air presence.
Social Media Activity
Ken Rice is quite active on social media. He engages with his audience on platforms like Instagram, and Facebook.
Ken frequently posts updates, shares photos from his professional and personal life, and interacts with his followers.