Jenna Harner stands out as a dynamic American sports journalist, captivating audiences with her passion for Pittsburgh sports and sharp reporting style. Currently anchoring and reporting sports for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, she has built a career marked by rapid market jumps and Emmy recognition.
Table of Contents
Who is Jenna Harner?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 years |
| Parents | Jeff Harner and Liz Harner |
| Husband | Mike DeFabo |
| Children | To be updated |
| Net Worth | $200,000-$500,000 |
| Salary | $70,000-$120,000 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
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Early Life and Education
Jenna Harner was born on May 16, 1995, in South Windsor, Connecticut, where she developed a deep love for sports amid a family environment rich in athletic enthusiasm. Growing up as an avid fan, she channeled this energy into pursuing broadcast journalism, starting at Manchester Community College before transferring to Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Television and Radio Communications in 2016, graduating summa cum laude after maintaining a GPA above 3.70, which landed her on the Dean’s List.
During her college years at Ithaca, Harner immersed herself in hands-on media production. She served as a producer and on-air talent for Ithaca College Television from 2012 to 2016, hosting shows like Bombers Live and Sports Final while producing segments such as the Gridiron Report. Her student work earned fourth place in the Best Video Sportscast category at the National Student Electronic Media Convention, highlighting her early talent for sports broadcasting.
Additionally, she handled play-by-play commentary, color analysis, and sideline reporting for Ithaca College varsity teams on WICB 91.7 FM, sharpening skills in live sports coverage. Harner’s internships further solidified her foundation. She interned at WFSB-TV and FOX 61 News in Connecticut, writing VO/SOT stories and conducting interviews for evening newscasts. A stint at NBC Sports in New Haven involved runner duties like cable management and production support, while her role at the Academy of Country Music in California honed content creation for web and broadcast.
These experiences transformed her from a sports enthusiast into a polished professional ready for the market.
Professional Beginnings
Harner’s broadcast career ignited in smaller markets post-graduation. In May 2016, she joined WENY-TV in Horseheads, New York, as Sports Director, a role she held until April 2018. There, she produced, edited, reported, and anchored daily sports segments for evening newscasts, overseeing the department while interviewing high school, college, and pro athletes. She even interned at WENY earlier, from January 2016 to May 2017, assisting with highlights and stories for key broadcasts.
This Elmira experience proved pivotal, earning her a major leap. In April 2018, Harner jumped 123 markets to become Sports MMJ at WIVB/WNLO-TV (Nexstar Media Group) in Buffalo, New York, a #50 market. She continued producing, editing, anchoring sports blocks, and conducting interviews through her time there, building a reputation for comprehensive local coverage. Her Buffalo tenure, lasting until her Pittsburgh move, showcased her ability to thrive under pressure in larger markets.
Harner’s trajectory reflects the grit of local TV sports reporting. Starting in the 200+ market of Elmira, she quickly scaled up, proving her versatility in multi-platform storytelling—from live shots to digital content—that resonates with sports-hungry audiences.
Rise at WPXI Pittsburgh
In a career-defining move, Jenna Harner joined WPXI-TV (Channel 11) in Pittsburgh as Sports Reporter and Anchor, trading the 716 area code for the 412. Now a staple on Pittsburgh’s sports scene, she covers Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and college beats with infectious energy, often sharing behind-the-scenes via Instagram (@jenna_harner) and X (@JennaHarner11). Her WPXI author page lists her as a Connecticut native turned Pittsburgh devotee, emphasizing her sports-rooted journey from Ithaca.
At WPXI, Harner excels in high-profile interviews, such as her one-on-one with Steelers GM Omar Khan at the NFL Scouting Combine. She delivers nightly sports updates, fan-focused features, and breaking news, blending hockey passion—evident in her social bios—with Steelers steel. An Emmy Award winner, her accolades affirm her as a top-tier talent in a competitive market.
Pittsburgh has embraced Harner fully. Her social media boasts over 10,000 Instagram followers and a dedicated Facebook page with 5,000+ likes, where she mixes pro game recaps with puppy posts and food spots. This multi-market ascent—from Elmira to Buffalo to Pittsburgh—positions her among rising stars in American sports journalism.
| Career Milestones | Station | Role | Duration | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | WENY-TV (Elmira, NY) | Sports Director | 2 years | Oversaw dept., daily anchors |
| 2018-Present | WIVB/WNLO-TV (Buffalo, NY) to WPXI (Pittsburgh, PA) | Sports MMJ/Anchor | 2018+ | Market jump, Emmy win |
| Student Awards | Ithaca College | Various | 2012-2016 | 4th place nat’l sportscast |
Personal Life and Relationships
Jenna Harner keeps her family details private but credits her South Windsor roots for igniting her sports passion. No public info surfaces on parents or siblings, aligning with her professional focus.
Romantically, Harner pairs with Mike DeFabo. Jenna Harner is happily married to Mike DeFabo, a Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer for the Post-Gazette and The Athletic, forming a “power couple” in local media. Their romance kicked off in summer 2021 as an “offseason development,” sparked by Penguins player John Marino connecting them via social media despite an initial brush-off from Jenna. They went public in October 2021 on 93.7 The Fan, on Audacy’s Fan Morning Show, with Mike confirming the relationship after keeping it low-key. Engagement followed by late 2022
The couple resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, aligning with their WPXI and Post-Gazette roles in Steelers and Penguins territory. Harner embraces Pittsburgh life, tweeting about hockey, pups, and eats—her bio mantra. Standing at an estimated height fitting her on-air poise (exact figures unconfirmed), she projects vitality without spotlighting fitness journeys publicly, unlike some peers.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
Precise figures for Jenna Harner’s net worth remain private, but sports anchors in mid-sized markets like Pittsburgh earn $70,000-$120,000 annually, per industry benchmarks. With her Emmy status and WPXI tenure, estimates place her salary toward the higher end, supplemented by digital endorsements.
Jenna Harner’s net worth likely ranges $200,000-$500,000 by 2025, factoring early career growth from WENY ($40k+ starter) to Buffalo/WPXI escalations. No controversies mar her record; she’s controversy-free, focusing on credible sports journalism.
Awards and Achievements
Harner’s Emmy Award crowns her Pittsburgh run, earned for standout sports coverage. Student honors include national sportscast placement and Dean’s List. Market leaps—from #210 Elmira to #22 Pittsburgh—underscore her ascent. Future trajectory points upward: potential national sideline roles or Penguins/Steelers embeds. Her 860-to-412 journey inspires young journalists.
Impact on Sports Journalism
Jenna Harner redefines local sports TV with authentic fan energy and digital savvy. In male-dominated booths, her hockey focus and GM interviews carve a niche. Pittsburgh’s sports passion amplifies her platform, outshining generic reporters.
Where is Jenna Harner from?
Jenna Harner is a sports journalist and anchor originally from South Windsor, Connecticut.
Where did Jenna Harner go?
Jenna Harner remains based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, working as a sports anchor and reporter for WPXI-TV Channel 11.
What does Jenna Harner like to do for fun?
Jenna Harner enjoys a mix of foodie adventures, fitness, and sports-related fun in her downtime. She loves exploring Pittsburgh’s local restaurants and breweries, often seeking recommendations for new spots, and shares her cooking experiments at home. Harner also stays active with HIIT workout classes, though she mentions doing so reluctantly, alongside her passion for hockey, puppies, and game-day vibes.
What awards has Jenna Harner won?
Jenna Harner has earned recognition for her sports journalism work, including a Regional Emmy Award.
is Jenna Harner married?
Jenna Harner is married to Mike DeFabo, a Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer for the Post-Gazette.
is Jenna Harner still on wpxi?
Jenna Harner remains employed as a sports anchor and reporter at WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh. She continues to cover local sports, including Pittsburgh Steelers updates and interviews like one with T.J. Watt, with activity noted as recently as December 11, 2025.
how old is Jenna Harner?
Jenna Harner is 30 years old as of December 2025.
who is Jenna Harner engaged to?
Jenna Harner is not currently engaged; she is married to Mike DeFabo. The couple dated starting around 2021, got engaged by late 2022, and married by late 2024, as shown in their wedding recap video and registry.