“Every morning is a chance to inform, inspire, and connect with the community.” — Kristi Capel
Kristi Capel is an American television journalist, morning news anchor, and former beauty pageant titleholder, best known for co‑anchoring FOX 8 News in the Morning on WJW‑TV Cleveland. With her energetic personality, community involvement, and strong on‑air presence, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in Ohio morning television.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristi Marie Capel |
| Birthdate | July 7, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Florence, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Education | Evangel University – B.S. in Broadcasting & Public Relations |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Employer | FOX 8 Cleveland (WJW‑TV) |
| Residence | Ohio, USA |
| Years Active | 2005–Present |
| Spouse | Hal Capel |
| Children | Two sons |
| Awards | Times Leader 40 Under Forty; Miss Missouri USA 2006 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–3 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer ♋ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
Kristi Capel was born in Florence, Kentucky, and raised in Northern Kentucky. She has kept details of her parents and siblings private, focusing public attention on her career and family life with her husband and children.
Early Life & Education
Capel graduated from Heritage Academy in Kentucky in 2001 before receiving a volleyball scholarship to attend Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. At Evangel, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcasting and Public Relations with honors in 2005. During college, she interned at WCPO‑TV in Cincinnati, gaining firsthand experience in news production and reporting.
Career Journey
Kristi Capel’s broadcasting career began in Springfield, Missouri, where she joined KSPR‑TV as a reporter. She later transitioned into weather broadcasting, expanding her skill set. Capel also worked as a radio personality for 99 Hit FM and 1340 AM KADI, showcasing her versatility across different media platforms.
In 2008, she joined WBRE‑TV/WYOU‑TV in Wilkes‑Barre, Pennsylvania, as a morning weather forecaster, becoming a familiar face across Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. Her work earned her recognition, including being named among the Times Leader’s 40 Under Forty.
In January 2011, Capel joined FOX 8 Cleveland (WJW‑TV). Initially, she co‑hosted New Day Cleveland before transitioning into the morning news team. In January 2012, she was promoted to Morning Co‑Anchor of FOX 8 News in the Morning, replacing Tracy McCool. Since then, she has worked alongside Wayne Dawson and Stefani Schaefer, helping the station maintain strong ratings and community presence.
Major Works
- FOX 8 News in the Morning (2012–Present)
- New Day Cleveland (2011–2012)
- KSPR‑TV reporter and weather anchor (2005–2006)
- WBRE‑TV/WYOU‑TV weather forecaster (2008–2011)
Awards & Recognition
- Miss Missouri USA (2006)
- Competed in Miss USA 2006 pageant
- Times Leader 40 Under Forty honoree
Public Persona & Style
Kristi Capel is known for:
- Conversational storytelling
- Strong community engagement
- Morning television broadcasting
- Positive viewer interaction
- Relatable and energetic delivery
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Capel is married to Hal Capel, a life insurance broker. The couple has two sons and resides in Ohio. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys fitness, running, reading, skiing, and spending time with her family. She has also participated in long‑distance running events, including training for the Flying Pig Marathon.
Physical Appearance
Standing at approximately 5 ft 10 in, Capel is recognized for her tall stature, blonde hair, and polished television presence.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $1–3 million, primarily from her career in television broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kristi Capel? An American journalist and morning news anchor at FOX 8 Cleveland.
What is she best known for? Co‑anchoring FOX 8 News in the Morning.
Is Kristi Capel married? Yes, to Hal Capel.
Does she have children? Yes, two sons.
What is her net worth? Estimated $1–3 million.
Related Figures
- Stefani Schaefer Biography
- Wayne Dawson Biography
- Tracy McCool Biography
- Julie Luck Biography
- Cindy Farmer Biography
Legacy
Kristi Capel’s legacy lies in her commitment to local journalism, community involvement, and morning television excellence. Her career reflects a successful transition from pageantry to broadcasting, proving that adaptability and audience connection are crucial ingredients in television success.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Born July 7 in Florence, Kentucky |
| 2001 | Graduated from Heritage Academy |
| 2005 | Graduated from Evangel University |
| 2006 | Won Miss Missouri USA; competed in Miss USA |
| 2006–2008 | Reporter and weather anchor at KSPR‑TV |
| 2008–2011 | Weather forecaster at WBRE‑TV/WYOU‑TV |
| 2011 | Joined FOX 8 Cleveland |
| 2012 | Promoted to Morning Co‑Anchor of FOX 8 News in the Morning |
| 2026 | Continues as co‑anchor of FOX 8 News in the Morning |
Sources
- FOX 8 Cleveland Profile
- Wikipedia
- Professional Media Profiles
Interesting Facts
- Won Miss Missouri USA 2006.
- Attended Evangel University on a volleyball scholarship.
- Worked in both television and radio broadcasting.
- Frequently supports healthcare and children’s charities.
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