Biography of Rajah Maples: Emmy-Nominated Anchor and MMJ at WGEM
Rajah Maples is a distinguished anchor and multi-media journalist at WGEM/Gray Television.
Her career spans over two decades, marked by numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations.
Rajah has been at the forefront of significant news coverage, interviewing high-profile figures and reporting on crucial events such as the Mississippi River flooding and presidential campaigns in Iowa.
Known for her dedication to journalism, Rajah has earned recognition from the Iowa Broadcast News Association and the Illinois Broadcast Association Silver Dome Award.
She anchors the news and serves as an MMJ, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to delivering impactful stories.
In her personal time, Rajah enjoys spending quality moments with her family and friends. She is passionate about staying connected with her community and often participates in various local events and activities.
Early Life and Education of Rajah Maples
Rajah Maples was born on April 30, 1975, in Missouri, United States. She grew up with deep roots in her hometown, cherishing the values and community spirit of Missouri.
Rajah’s journey in journalism began as a college intern at KHQA in Quincy, Illinois. This internship blossomed into a more than 20-year career in broadcast journalism.
Her dedication and passion for journalism were evident early on, and she has continued to build on this foundation throughout her career.
Rajah holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Stephens College and a master’s degree in journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism.
She also pursued doctoral studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, focusing on media effects and social psychology.
This advanced education provided her with specialized knowledge and a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between media and society
Career:
Rajah Maples serves as the Executive Producer, Anchor, Multi-Media Journalist, and News Manager for KHQA, an affiliate of CBS and ABC based in Quincy, Illinois.
She has a multifaceted role, producing content and anchoring newscasts with professionalism and expertise.
Rajah has also worked as a weekend anchor for WGEM-TV in Quincy, adding to her extensive experience in broadcasting. Her work in journalism has consistently been lauded for its quality and impact​.
Early Career:
Rajah Maples began her career in broadcast journalism as an intern at KHQA in Quincy, Illinois.
Her internship quickly turned into a full-time position, and she spent 17 years at KHQA, anchoring the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Professional Achievements:
Rajah has been an Emmy-nominated and award-winning Multi-Media Journalist (MMJ), TV Anchor, News Manager, and Executive Producer.
She has covered significant events such as the Mississippi River flooding and presidential campaigns in Iowa, interviewing notable figures like Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.
Her coverage extended to visits from dignitaries such as President Barack Obama, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Mike Huckabee.
Current Role:
Since June 2023, Rajah has been working as an Anchor & MMJ at WGEM/Gray Television in Quincy, Illinois.
Her dedication to journalism has earned her recognition from the Iowa Broadcast News Association and an Illinois Broadcast Association Silver Dome award.
Notable Stories Covered by Rajah Maples
- Mississippi River Flooding: Rajah Maples reported on the significant flooding of the Mississippi River in 2008, which was featured on CBS’ “The Early Show.” Her coverage provided crucial information to viewers affected by the disaster.
- Presidential Campaigns in Iowa: Rajah covered the presidential campaigns in Iowa, interviewing notable figures such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. Her interviews provided valuable insights into the political landscape during the campaigns.
- Visits from Dignitaries: Rajah reported on visits from several dignitaries, including President Barack Obama, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Mike Huckabee. Her coverage of these events highlighted the importance of these visits to the local community.
- Local Impact Stories: Throughout her career, Rajah has focused on telling stories that matter to the Tri-States community. Her reporting has included exposing issues that directly affect local residents, such as city workers abusing parking meters and the delayed opening of a major roadway.
- Community Engagement: Rajah has been actively involved in her community, participating in local events and volunteering with various organizations. Her dedication to community engagement has made her a well-respected figure in the area.
Awards and Recognitions of Rajah Maples
- Emmy Nominations: Rajah Maples has been nominated for several Emmy Awards throughout her career, recognizing her outstanding work in broadcast journalism.
- Iowa Broadcast News Association Awards: Rajah has received multiple awards from the Iowa Broadcast News Association for her exceptional reporting and contributions to the field.
- Illinois Broadcast Association Silver Dome Award: Rajah was honored with the Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcast Association, acknowledging her significant achievements in journalism.
- Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards: Rajah has also been recognized by the Missouri Broadcasters Association for her dedication and excellence in broadcast journalism.
- CBS’ “The Early Show” Feature: In 2008, Rajah reported on the Mississippi River flooding on CBS’ “The Early Show,” which brought national attention to her reporting skills and dedication.
Teaching and Industry Involvement of Rajah Maples
Teaching:
Rajah Maples has been actively involved in teaching communication students at the college level. Her experience and expertise in broadcast journalism make her a valuable resource for aspiring journalists.
She shares her knowledge and insights, helping students understand the complexities of the media industry and preparing them for successful careers.
Industry Involvement:
Beyond her reporting duties, Rajah participates in various industry organizations and associations.
She has been a trustee at Stephens College, where she contributes to the development and enhancement of the journalism program.
Rajah also founded Rajah Maples Media Productions, further showcasing her commitment to the field of journalism.
Professional Contributions:
Rajah’s involvement in industry organizations and her teaching efforts highlight her dedication to advancing the field of journalism.
Additionally, she continues to contribute to the industry through her work, teaching, and participation in professional associations.
Financial Status:
Net Worth: Rajah Maples has an estimated net worth of $1 million.
Salary: Rajah Maples’ annual salary is approximately $92,680.
The average salary for a news anchor can vary widely based on factors such as experience, market size, and employer.
Generally, top news anchors can earn upwards of $100,000 per year. Entry-level news reporters typically earn about $42,378 annually, while the average annual salary for a news anchor is approximately $48,000.
Personal Life:
- Age: Rajah Maples is 49 years old, born on April 30, 1975.
- Zodiac Sign: Rajah’s zodiac sign is Taurus.
- Ethnicity: Rajah Maples is of white ethnicity.
- Nationality: Rajah Maples is American.
- Relationship Status: Rajah Maples is married.
Rajah Maples’ Husband
Rajah Maples is married to Zach Levenson, who is an outfielder in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
Zach was drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Miami. He stands at 6’0″ and weighs 211 lbs.
There is no publicly available information about Rajah Maples having children. It seems that Rajah and Zach are focused on their careers and enjoying their time together.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Rajah Maples stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters).
- Weight: She weighs approximately 58 kg (128 lbs).
- Distinguishing Features: Rajah has brown hair and blue eyes, which are often noted in her on-air presence.
Social Media Activity:
Rajah Maples is active on social media. She engages with her audience on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where she shares updates about her work, interacts with viewers, and provides insights into her reporting.