Who Is Tanja Babich?| Biography
Tanja Babich is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and television anchor best known for her work with ABC 7 Chicago. She currently anchors Eyewitness News in the Morning from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, she anchors the station’s 11 a.m. newscast.
Table of Contents
Babich joined ABC 7 Chicago in January 2014 as a general assignment reporter and contributing anchor. In September 2016, the station promoted her to morning news anchor. Later, in June 2018, she added the midday newscast to her regular schedule.
Before moving to Chicago, Babich worked at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York. There, she anchored the station’s top-rated morning newscast for three years. She also reported during mornings and hosted Bridge Street, a weekday lifestyle and community talk show.
Babich built a strong academic foundation before entering television journalism. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University. She later completed a master’s degree at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Throughout her career, Tanja Babich has covered major national and local stories. Her assignments included Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration and Pope Francis’ first United States visit. She also reported on financial losses connected to the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.
Born in Canada, Babich comes from a multicultural family with Chilean and Serbian roots. She later became a United States citizen in April 2013. Moreover, she speaks French fluently and conversational Spanish and Serbian. Beyond journalism, Babich supports education and youth development initiatives in Chicago.
She serves on the HFS Chicago Scholars board. She also founded Lake Affect Chicago, a children’s camping retreat. Babich lives in Chicago with her husband and three daughters. Her work combines breaking news, community reporting, public service, and experienced morning television anchoring.
Tanja Babich Age | How Old Is Tanja Babich?
Tanja Babich is 46 years old as of 2026. She was born on June 29, 1980, in Toronto, Canada. Therefore, she celebrated her 46th birthday in June 2026. Babich spent her early years in Canada before moving to the United States. Moreover, her Chilean and Serbian heritage influenced her multicultural upbringing. Over the years, she has built a successful broadcasting career. Today, Babich remains widely recognized as an experienced ABC 7 Chicago news anchor and journalist.
Tanja Babich Height | How Tall Is Tanja Babich?
Tanja Babich stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, which equals about 1.60 meters. Her height has remained consistent throughout her broadcasting career. Moreover, Babich carries a polished and confident presence while appearing on television. Her professional appearance complements her role as an ABC 7 Chicago news anchor. Additionally, her on-screen presentation reflects years of experience in morning and midday broadcasting.
Tanja Babich Ethnicity | What Ethnicity is Tanja Babich?
Tanja Babich has Chilean and Serbian ethnicity, reflecting her diverse family background. Her mother’s family comes from Chile, while her father’s family has Serbian roots. Babich was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up with strong multicultural influences. Moreover, she has openly embraced both sides of her heritage throughout her life and career. Her background also contributed to her interest in languages and international perspectives. Babich speaks French fluently and also speaks conversational Spanish and Serbian. Additionally, she became a United States citizen in 2013. Today, her Chilean-Serbian heritage remains an important part of her personal identity.
Tanja Babich Education
Tanja Babich attended Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Her undergraduate studies gave her a strong foundation in politics, public affairs, and communication. Moreover, Babich entered college as a first-generation college student in the United States. After Cornell, she pursued professional journalism training at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. There, she earned a master’s degree in journalism. Her education helped prepare her for reporting, interviewing, and television broadcasting. Additionally, Babich developed communication skills that later supported her successful career. Babich’s education remains central to her professional background as an ABC 7 Chicago journalist.
Tanja Babich Religion
Tanja Babich’s religion has not been publicly confirmed, although her work sometimes includes coverage of Catholic events and leaders. In 2026, she reported extensively on Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Blase Cupich, and Catholic Church activities. However, professional coverage does not establish her personal faith. Babich has not publicly identified herself as Catholic, Jewish, Christian, or another religion. Moreover, she generally keeps her personal beliefs away from her public journalism career. Her faith and religious background remain private, despite growing curiosity about her heritage and personal life.
Tanja Babich Husband | Is Tanja Babich Married?
Tanja Babich is married to Paul Durbin, and the couple tied the knot on July 7, 2018. Their relationship became public before their wedding, and they have since built a family together in Chicago. Moreover, Paul Durbin has occasionally accompanied Babich to public and charitable events. The couple welcomed their daughter Josephine Emily in May 2019. Babich also has two older daughters, making her a mother of three. Additionally, she often shares warm family moments while maintaining reasonable privacy around her marriage. Tanja and her husband Paul Durbin continue raising their daughters while balancing family and professional responsibilities.
Tanja Babich First Husband
Tanja Babich has not publicly revealed the name of her first husband. She previously married before starting her current marriage with Paul Durbin. That earlier relationship produced her two older daughters, Adelaide “Addie” and Lorelei “Lola.” However, Babich has kept details about her former spouse private. She has not shared his profession, background, or the circumstances surrounding their separation. Moreover, she later moved to Chicago while raising her two daughters as a single mother. Babich eventually married Paul Durbin in July 2018. Therefore, information about Tanja Babich’s first husband remains limited, despite public interest in her family life.
Tanja Babich Children
Tanja Babich is a mother of three daughters, and family plays an important role in her life. Her youngest daughter, Josephine Emily, arrived in May 2019. Babich shares Josephine with her husband, Paul Durbin. She also has two older daughters from an earlier relationship. Moreover, Babich occasionally shares family moments while protecting her children’s privacy. She balances motherhood with her demanding schedule as an ABC 7 Chicago news anchor. Additionally, Babich has spoken warmly about parenting and raising her daughters. Tanja Babich’s children remain an important part of her life outside television.
Tanja Babich Family | Siblings and Parents
Tanja Babich comes from a multicultural family with Chilean and Serbian roots. Her mother’s family comes from Chile, while her father has Serbian heritage. She was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up with strong cultural influences. Moreover, Babich has often embraced her family background and immigrant heritage throughout her career. She now lives in Chicago with her husband, Paul Durbin, and their family. Tanja Babich is a mother of three daughters, including her youngest daughter, Josephine Emily. Josephine was born in May 2019. Babich also has two older daughters from a previous relationship. Additionally, she balances motherhood with her demanding television career. Tanja Babich’s family remains an important part of her life away from ABC 7 Chicago.
Tanja Babich Career, ABC 7 Chicago, WSYR-TV and Journalism Journey
Tanja Babich has built a successful career as a television journalist, reporter, and news anchor. She currently anchors ABC 7 Chicago’s Eyewitness News from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, she anchors the station’s 11 a.m. newscast. Babich joined ABC 7 Chicago in January 2014 as a general assignment reporter and contributing anchor. Her strong reporting skills quickly expanded her role at the station. Therefore, ABC 7 promoted her to morning news anchor in September 2016.
She later added the midday newscast to her schedule in June 2018. Before Chicago, Babich worked at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York. She anchored the station’s leading morning newscast for three years. Moreover, she combined morning reporting with hosting Bridge Street, a weekday lifestyle and community program. Throughout her journalism career, Babich has covered several major stories. She reported from Barack Obama’s 2009 presidential inauguration and covered Pope Francis’ first United States visit.
She also investigated financial losses linked to Bernie Madoff’s massive Ponzi scheme. In 2026, Tanja Babich remains active at ABC 7 Chicago, covering local stories and special features. Her career also includes Emmy recognition, community involvement, breaking news coverage, and extensive morning television experience.
Tanja Babich Awards
Tanja Babich has earned Emmy recognition for her work in television journalism and broadcasting. Her achievements reflect years of reporting, anchoring, and community-focused storytelling. Moreover, her career at ABC 7 Chicago has strengthened her reputation as an experienced morning news journalist. Babich has also received professional recognition through major assignments and public service work.
Tanja Babich awards and notable recognition include:
- Emmy Award recognition for excellence in television journalism.
- Recognition for her work as an ABC 7 Chicago anchor and reporter.
- Professional acclaim for major breaking news and national event coverage.
- Recognition for community-focused reporting and public service journalism.
- Membership in the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
- Career recognition for years of morning and midday television broadcasting.
Overall, Babich continues building a respected journalism career.
Tanja Babich Salary
Tanja Babich’s salary is estimated at around $180,000 per year in 2026. Her earnings come mainly from her longtime role at ABC 7 Chicago. Babich anchors the station’s morning and 11 a.m. newscasts, giving her a prominent broadcasting position. Moreover, she has worked at ABC 7 since 2014 and brings extensive journalism experience. Her salary likely reflects her senior anchor duties, market size, experience, and Emmy-winning career. Additionally, compensation may include benefits and other contractual incentives. Tanja Babich’s annual earnings place her among experienced television journalists working in a major American media market.
Tanja Babich Net Worth
Tanja Babich has an estimated net worth of approximately $3 million in 2026. She has built her wealth mainly through television journalism. Moreover, Babich has worked with ABC 7 Chicago since 2014, giving her more than a decade at the station. Her income comes from anchoring morning and midday newscasts. Additionally, her long broadcasting career includes earlier work at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York. Babich may also earn income from speaking engagements, event hosting, and other professional appearances. Overall, Tanja Babich’s net worth reflects her experience, career longevity, and prominent position in Chicago television news.
Biography Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanja Babich |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Reporter |
| Current Employer | ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV) |
| Current Role | Morning and Midday News Anchor |
| Joined ABC 7 Chicago | January 2014 |
| Previous Station | WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York |
| Birthplace | Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-born, American citizen since 2013 |
| Ethnicity / Heritage | Chilean and Serbian heritage |
| Parents | Immigrant parents from Chile and Serbia |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Education | Cornell University; Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism |
| Degree | B.A. in Government; Master’s degree in Journalism |
| Languages | French, Spanish and Serbian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Paul |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Career Highlight | Covered Pope Francis’ U.S. visit and Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration |
| Awards | Emmy Award-winning journalist |
| Organization | National Association of Hispanic Journalists |
| Other Work | Founder of Lake Affect Chicago; board member of HFS Chicago Scholars |



