“Journalism is about connecting people to the stories that shape their lives.” — Tanja Babich
Tanja Babich is a Canadian-American journalist and news anchor, best known as the morning anchor for ABC7 Chicago’s Eyewitness News. With a career spanning over a decade, Babich has become a trusted voice in broadcast journalism, admired for her professionalism, warmth, and ability to cover both breaking news and community stories.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanja Babich |
| Birthdate | June 29, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Ethnicity | Serbian and Chilean heritage |
| Religion | Christian |
| Age | 46 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Hair | Dark Brown |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | Cornell University (B.A. Government); Northwestern University (M.S. Broadcast Journalism) |
| Profession | News Anchor, Journalist |
| Employer | ABC7 Chicago |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Years Active | 2007–Present |
| Awards | Regional Emmy nominations |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer ♋ |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
- Parents: Immigrants from Serbia and Chile; raised Tanja in Toronto.
- Siblings: Not publicly documented.
- Spouse: Married to Paul Durbin.
- Children: Three daughters.
Early Life & Education
Babich was born in Toronto, Canada, to immigrant parents of Serbian and Chilean descent. She studied government at Cornell University, where she developed an interest in public service and communication. She later pursued a master’s in broadcast journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, preparing her for a career in television news.
Career Journey
Babich began her career at News 12 Westchester in New York, where she worked as a reporter and anchor, covering local politics, community issues, and breaking news. In 2014, she joined ABC7 Chicago as a general assignment reporter.
Her talent and professionalism quickly earned her a promotion to morning news anchor in 2016, where she became a familiar face to Chicago viewers. She continues to anchor ABC7 Eyewitness News in the morning, delivering breaking news, community stories, and interviews.
Major Works
- Morning anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News (Chicago)
- Coverage of Chicago community issues and breaking news
- Reporting on national and international events for ABC7
Awards & Recognition
- Regional Emmy nominations for reporting and anchoring
- Recognition for community engagement and journalism excellence
Public Persona & Style
Tanja Babich is known for:
- Warm, approachable anchoring style
- Professionalism and credibility in journalism
- Ability to connect with viewers on community issues
- Strong communication and interviewing skills
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Babich resides in Chicago, Illinois, with her husband Paul Durbin and their three daughters. She balances her career with family life and is active in community events and charitable causes.
Physical Appearance
Tanja Babich has a slender build, standing at 5 ft 6 in (168 cm). She has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a polished, professional television presence.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $1–2 million, primarily from her broadcasting career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tanja Babich? She is the morning news anchor for ABC7 Chicago’s Eyewitness News.
Where did Tanja Babich study? Cornell University (Government) and Northwestern University (Broadcast Journalism).
Is Tanja Babich married? Yes, to Paul Durbin.
Does Tanja Babich have children? Yes, she has three daughters.
Related Figures
- Cheryl Burton Biography
- Alan Krashesky Biography
- Terrell Brown Biography
- Judy Hsu Biography
- Dion Lim Biography
Legacy
Tanja Babich’s legacy lies in her role as a trusted morning anchor in Chicago, her ability to connect with diverse audiences, and her contributions to community-focused journalism.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980 | Born in Toronto, Canada |
| 2002 | Graduated from Cornell University (B.A. Government) |
| 2007 | Earned Master’s in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism |
| 2007–2014 | Reporter and anchor at News 12 Westchester (New York) |
| 2014 | Joined ABC7 Chicago as a general assignment reporter |
| 2016 | Promoted to morning news anchor at ABC7 Chicago |
| Present | Morning anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News |
Interesting Facts
- Babich is fluent in Spanish, thanks to her Chilean heritage.
- She was the first in her family to pursue journalism.
- She balances her career with raising three daughters.
- Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Sources
- ABC7 Chicago staff profile
- Northwestern University alumni records
- Media interviews and coverage