Kyra Phillips is a distinguished American journalist and news correspondent currently working for ABC News, bringing over three decades of broadcasting experience to her reporting. Known for her compelling storytelling and hard-hitting investigative journalism, Kyra Phillips has established herself as one of the most respected voices in American news media. Throughout her illustrious career, Kyra Phillips has covered major global events including wars, natural disasters, political developments, and human interest stories that have shaped our world. From her groundbreaking work at CNN to her current role at ABC News, Kyra Phillips has consistently demonstrated journalistic excellence and dedication to uncovering truth. Her marriage to fellow journalist John Roberts, Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent, makes them one of the most prominent couples in broadcast journalism. As Kyra Phillips continues to deliver impactful reporting for ABC News in 2026, her influence on contemporary journalism remains significant, inspiring the next generation of reporters with her professionalism and commitment to quality storytelling.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyra Phillips |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1968 |
| Age | 57 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Jacksonville, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Education | University of Southern California (BA in Journalism) |
| Profession | Journalist, News Correspondent, Anchor |
| Current Position | Correspondent, ABC News |
| Previous Networks | CNN, HLN |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Current Husband | John Roberts (married 2010) |
| Previous Marriage | John Assad (2000-2008, divorced) |
| Children | 2 (twins with John Roberts) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $4-6 million |
| Annual Salary | Approximately $1.5 million |
| Political Affiliation | Professional neutrality maintained |
Career Timeline
| Year | Network/Position | Notable Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-1999 | WLUK-TV Green Bay, WDSU New Orleans | Local news reporting |
| 1999-2013 | CNN | Anchor and correspondent |
| 2010-2012 | CNN | Weeknight anchor |
| 2012-2013 | HLN | Evening news anchor |
| 2013-Present | ABC News | National correspondent |
| 2021-Present | ABC News Live | Regular contributor and anchor |
Who is Kyra Phillips?
Kyra Phillips is an accomplished American journalist and news correspondent currently working for ABC News, where she reports on major national and international stories. Born on August 8, 1968, in Jacksonville, Illinois, Kyra Phillips graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She built her reputation through powerful investigative reporting and coverage of significant global events, including military operations, natural disasters, and political developments. Kyra Phillips is perhaps best known for her extensive work at CNN from 1999 to 2013, where she served as both an anchor and correspondent, earning multiple awards for her journalism. Her marriage to Fox News Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts in 2010 created one of journalism’s most notable power couples.
Early Life and Education
Kyra Phillips was born and raised in Jacksonville, Illinois, where she developed an early interest in storytelling and current events. Her passion for journalism led her to pursue higher education at the University of Southern California (USC), one of the nation’s premier journalism schools. At USC, Kyra Phillips honed her reporting skills and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, preparing her for a career in broadcast news.
During her college years, Kyra Phillips worked on various student media projects and internships that gave her practical experience in television journalism. Her education at USC provided both the theoretical foundation and hands-on training necessary for success in the competitive world of broadcast news.
Early Career: Local News Foundations
After graduating from USC, Kyra Phillips began her professional journalism career at local television stations, where she developed her reporting skills and learned the fundamentals of television news production. She worked at WLUK-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and WDSU in New Orleans, Louisiana, covering local news, weather, and community events.
These early years in local news were crucial for Kyra Phillips’ development as a journalist. She learned to work under tight deadlines, conduct interviews, write compelling stories, and present news effectively on camera. The experience gained in these local markets prepared her for the national stage that would come with her move to CNN.
CNN Career: Rise to Prominence
In 1999, Kyra Phillips joined CNN, marking the beginning of the most significant phase of her career. Over her 14 years at CNN, she established herself as one of the network’s most versatile and accomplished journalists.
Military and War Coverage
Kyra Phillips became particularly known for her extensive military coverage and embedded reporting. She covered:
- The Iraq War, including embedded assignments with U.S. military units
- The War in Afghanistan
- Naval operations aboard aircraft carriers
- Military training and readiness stories
- Veterans’ issues and military family challenges
Her commitment to understanding military life and her willingness to embed with troops in dangerous situations earned her respect from both the military community and her journalism peers.
Major Events and Investigations
Throughout her CNN tenure, Kyra Phillips covered numerous significant stories:
- Hurricane Katrina and its devastating aftermath
- The 2008 presidential election
- Natural disasters including earthquakes and tsunamis
- Investigative pieces on government accountability
- Human interest stories highlighting ordinary people’s extraordinary experiences
The Infamous Bathroom Microphone Incident
One of the most memorable—and embarrassing—moments in Kyra Phillips’ career occurred in 2006 during live coverage of President George W. Bush’s speech marking the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While the president was speaking, Kyra Phillips’ wireless microphone remained on as she used the restroom, broadcasting a private conversation with a colleague to national television audiences. The incident went viral and became one of the most discussed broadcasting mishaps in television history. Kyra Phillips later issued a public apology, handling the situation with grace and humor, which actually endeared her to many viewers who appreciated her human response to an embarrassing technical error.
HLN Transition
In 2012, Kyra Phillips moved to HLN (Headline News), CNN’s sister network, where she anchored evening news programs. This role allowed her to showcase her anchoring skills in addition to her field reporting capabilities. However, her time at HLN was relatively brief, as she would soon make another significant career move.
ABC News Career: Current Chapter
In 2013, Kyra Phillips joined ABC News as a correspondent, a position she continues to hold in 2026. At ABC News, she has maintained her reputation for strong investigative reporting and compelling storytelling across various platforms.
ABC News Reporting
At ABC News, Kyra Phillips has contributed reports to multiple programs including:
- ABC World News Tonight
- Good Morning America
- Nightline
- 20/20
- ABC News Live
Her reporting for ABC News has covered a wide range of topics including politics, natural disasters, criminal justice, military affairs, and human interest stories. Kyra Phillips brings the same dedication to accurate, impactful journalism that defined her CNN career.
ABC News Live
Kyra Phillips has become a regular presence on ABC News Live, the network’s streaming news service. In this role, she anchors breaking news coverage and hosts special reports, adapting to the evolving media landscape and the growing importance of digital news platforms. Her work on ABC News Live demonstrates her versatility and ability to excel across different media formats.
Personal Life and Marriages
Kyra Phillips’ personal life has included two marriages, both to men within or connected to the media industry.
First Marriage: John Assad
Kyra Phillips was first married to John Assad, though details about their relationship remain relatively private. The couple married around 2000 but divorced in 2008. John Assad is not a public figure, and Kyra Phillips has maintained privacy regarding this relationship and the reasons for their divorce.
Marriage to John Roberts
In 2010, Kyra Phillips married John Roberts, Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent, in a relationship that brought together two of journalism’s prominent figures. Their wedding created significant interest in media circles, as both were well-known television journalists.
The couple met through their work in journalism and share a deep understanding of the demands and challenges of broadcast news careers. Despite working for competing networks—Kyra Phillips at ABC News and John Roberts at Fox News—they have maintained a strong marriage built on mutual respect, shared values, and support for each other’s careers.
Children and Family Life
In March 2011, shortly after their marriage, Kyra Phillips and John Roberts welcomed twins, expanding their family and adding the challenges of parenthood to their already demanding careers. The couple has been protective of their children’s privacy, rarely sharing photos or specific details about their family life publicly.
Balancing two high-profile journalism careers with raising twins has required significant coordination and sacrifice. Both Kyra Phillips and John Roberts have spoken about the challenges of managing their professional responsibilities while being present parents, though they keep most family matters private.
Kyra Phillips’ Net Worth and Salary
As of 2026, Kyra Phillips’ net worth is estimated at $4-6 million, accumulated through her decades-long career in broadcast journalism. Her annual salary at ABC News is estimated at approximately $1.5 million, reflecting her experience, skills, and value to the network.
Income Sources
Kyra Phillips’ income primarily comes from:
- ABC News salary (approximately $1.5 million annually)
- Previous earnings from CNN and HLN
- Speaking engagements and industry appearances
- Potential book deals or media projects
- Investments and savings from her long career
Combined with her husband John Roberts’ estimated $2 million annual salary from Fox News, the family enjoys considerable financial security, with a combined household net worth exceeding $10 million.
Journalism Style and Approach
Kyra Phillips is known for her compassionate yet tough approach to journalism. Her reporting style combines:
- Empathetic storytelling: Ability to connect with interview subjects and convey their humanity
- Hard-hitting questions: Willingness to ask difficult questions and hold powerful figures accountable
- Military expertise: Deep understanding of military affairs and respect for service members
- Versatility: Comfort in various settings from war zones to studio interviews
- Authenticity: Genuine personality that resonates with viewers
This combination of skills has made Kyra Phillips a trusted journalist who can handle both breaking news and in-depth investigative pieces with equal competence.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Kyra Phillips has received numerous awards and accolades for her journalism, including:
- Multiple Emmy Awards for news coverage
- Recognition for military reporting from veterans’ organizations
- Industry honors for investigative journalism
- Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcasting
- Edward R. Murrow Awards
These accolades reflect Kyra Phillips’ commitment to quality journalism and her significant contributions to broadcast news over more than three decades.
Political Views and Professional Neutrality
Like her husband John Roberts, Kyra Phillips maintains professional neutrality in her reporting. She does not publicly declare political party affiliation, adhering to journalistic standards of objectivity. Throughout her career at CNN and ABC News, Kyra Phillips has been criticized by both conservatives and liberals at different times—often an indication that a journalist is doing their job fairly.
Her commitment to balanced reporting has allowed her to maintain credibility across the political spectrum, essential for a journalist covering major national and international stories.
Social Media Presence
Kyra Phillips maintains a presence on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where she shares news updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work, and occasional personal reflections. Her social media accounts serve professional purposes primarily, keeping viewers informed about her reporting and upcoming stories.
On Twitter, Kyra Phillips engages with viewers, shares breaking news, and promotes her ABC News reports. Her Instagram features photos from assignments and professional events, while maintaining the privacy of her family life. This balanced approach to social media reflects her understanding of modern journalism’s need for audience engagement while protecting personal boundaries.
Wikipedia and Online Presence
Kyra Phillips has a comprehensive Wikipedia page detailing her career achievements, major stories covered, and personal life. The page is regularly updated with information about her current work at ABC News and significant reporting projects. Her Wikipedia entry serves as a reliable biographical resource for information about her journalism career.
Beyond Wikipedia, Kyra Phillips is featured on the ABC News website with her biography, recent reports, and video clips of her work. Professional journalism databases and industry publications maintain extensive records of her career accomplishments and major stories.
Sign Language and Special Skills
There has been interest in whether Kyra Phillips knows sign language. While she has demonstrated basic sign language capabilities during certain broadcasts and has covered stories involving the deaf community, there is no comprehensive public information confirming fluency in American Sign Language. Her journalism training likely included basic familiarity with various communication methods, but sign language does not appear to be a primary skill she promotes professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kyra Phillips?
Kyra Phillips is 57 years old, born on August 8, 1968, in Jacksonville, Illinois. She continues working as an accomplished correspondent for ABC News, contributing reports across multiple platforms and programs.
Who is Kyra Phillips?
Kyra Phillips is an award-winning American journalist and ABC News correspondent with over 30 years of broadcasting experience. She previously worked at CNN for 14 years and is known for military coverage, investigative reporting, and compelling storytelling.
Is Kyra Phillips married?
Yes, Kyra Phillips is married to John Roberts, Fox News Chief White House Correspondent. They married in 2010 and have twins together. She was previously married to John Assad from 2000-2008.
Does Kyra Phillips have children?
Yes, Kyra Phillips and John Roberts have twins who were born in March 2011. The couple maintains their children’s privacy, rarely sharing photos or details about their family life publicly.
What is Kyra Phillips’ net worth and salary?
Kyra Phillips’ estimated net worth is $4-6 million as of 2026. She earns approximately $1.5 million annually from ABC News, accumulated through decades of work in broadcast journalism at major networks.
Why did Kyra Phillips leave CNN?
Kyra Phillips left CNN in 2013 after 14 years to join ABC News as a correspondent. The move represented a career opportunity at another major network where she could continue impactful journalism while exploring new reporting opportunities.
Conclusion
Kyra Phillips’ remarkable journalism career spanning over three decades demonstrates exceptional dedication, versatility, and storytelling skill. From local news beginnings to becoming one of America’s most respected correspondents, she has covered wars, natural disasters, political upheavals, and human interest stories with equal commitment to truth and quality. Her marriage to fellow journalist John Roberts creates a unique partnership where both understand the demands of broadcast journalism. Despite an embarrassing microphone incident that could have derailed a lesser professional, Kyra Phillips handled it with grace and continued building an impressive career.
Looking toward the future in 2026 and beyond, Kyra Phillips shows no signs of slowing down. Her continued work at ABC News across multiple platforms, including the growing ABC News Live streaming service, positions her perfectly for journalism’s digital future. As traditional broadcast news evolves, her adaptability and storytelling skills remain highly valuable. With twins to raise and a demanding career, Kyra Phillips continues balancing professional excellence with personal fulfillment. Her legacy in broadcast journalism is already secure, but her ongoing reporting continues shaping how Americans understand their world, proving that experienced journalists remain essential in an era of rapid media transformation.