Kaity Tong stands as one of New York’s most enduring broadcast journalism icons, delivering news with poise, warmth, and unwavering professionalism for over four decades. Born in China and arriving in the U.S. as a young child, she transformed from an academic scholar into a top-rated anchor at stations like WABC-TV and WPIX-TV. Her journey reflects resilience, family influence, and a commitment to storytelling that has earned her Emmys, hall of fame inductions, and a lasting legacy.
Table of Contents
Who is Kaity Tong?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 78 years |
| Family/ Parents | George Tong and Anita Tong |
| Husband (Ex) | Robert Long and Patrick Callahan |
| Son | Philip Long |
| Net Worth | $4 Million – $5 Million |
| Salary | $862,732 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
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Early Life and Family Roots
Kaity Tong entered the world on July 23, 1947, in Qingdao, China, a coastal city rich in history. Her parents, who later adopted the names George and Anita Tong, brought her to the United States when she was just four years old, settling in Washington, D.C. This move marked the start of her American dream, though her Chinese heritage remained a guiding light.
Growing up amid the city’s diplomatic buzz, Kaity drew inspiration from her great-uncle, Hollington Tong, a prominent Chinese ambassador to the U.S. and celebrated author whose work fueled her curiosity about media. Her mother amplified this spark, working as a broadcaster and producer at Voice of America, exposing young Kaity to the rhythms of news production right at home. By 1985, Kaity proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen, blending her dual worlds seamlessly.
Pronounced “kite-ee,” Kaity navigated her early years with academic excellence, earning a spot at the prestigious Bryn Mawr College on scholarship. She graduated with honors, holding a B.A. in English literature, and set sights on academia next. Accepted into Stanford University’s doctoral program in Chinese and Japanese studies, she planned to teach literature—until broadcasting called.
Education and Accidental Broadcast Leap
At Stanford, Kaity chased a master’s in Asian studies while dipping into radio by chance. What began as a summer gig editing and producing mornings at KCBS All-News Radio in San Francisco stretched into a full year at the city’s top station. This detour derailed her Ph.D. plans but ignited a passion she couldn’t ignore.
The hands-on thrill of news—crafting stories, voicing updates—proved irresistible. Kaity balanced coursework with airtime, honing skills that blended her literary background with timely reporting. Friends, if you’re pondering a career pivot, Kaity’s story shows how one “temporary” step can redefine everything.
Her academic foundation sharpened her on-air clarity and depth, setting her apart in a competitive field. By wrapping her M.A., she traded lecture halls for newsrooms, a choice that’s paid dividends for decades.
Broadcasting Breakthrough in California
Kaity’s TV debut hit in 1976 at KPIX-TV in San Francisco, starting as a writer before an on-air audition launched her as a street reporter. Her first story? Covering innovative airport carts—simple, relatable beats that showcased her knack for engaging viewers.
From there, she jumped to KCRA-TV in Sacramento in December 1979, co-anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Ratings soared; soon, Kaity topped all TV news personalities in the market, proving her star power in a male-dominated era. Balancing ambition and life, she once shared dreams of family amid the grind: “Anchoring is fun… One of these days I want to have a baby.” This West Coast success primed her for the big leagues back East.
Rise to New York Stardom at WABC-TV
In 1981, Kaity landed at WABC-TV in New York City as weekend anchor and reporter—a thrilling upgrade to the media capital. Within two years, she co-anchored the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. shows, partnering with legends like Tom Snyder (1983-1984), Ernie Anastos, Roger Grimsby, and Bill Beutel. She rotated on the 6 p.m. slot after Grimsby’s 1986 exit, holding steady through shifts like Anastos’s 1989 move to WCBS.
By then, her 11 p.m. solo anchor role solidified her as a household name. In 1984, she even popped up as herself in a film reporting a Soviet defector—blurring lines between screen and reality. From 1981 to 1991, WABC’s “Eyewitness News” became her proving ground, where her warmth and precision won hearts in the toughest market.
Longevity and Impact at WPIX-TV
Kaity joined WPIX (PIX11) in 1991, anchoring weekends and evolving into a fixture for over 34 years—still active as of 2025. She’s helmed Emmy-winning PIX News, covering everything from daily headlines to monumental events like 9/11 tributes. Her tenure spans rotations at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. weekends, blending breaking news with compassionate delivery.
Peers praise her quick wit and integrity, calling her one of NYC’s most popular anchors. In October 2025, the New York State Broadcasters Association inducted her into their Hall of Fame Class of 2025, honoring her 35+ years at WPIX. “This is truly an amazing honor,” she said, reflecting on a path from professor dreams to broadcast legend.
Awards, Honors, and Industry Accolades
Kaity’s mantle gleams with accolades. In 2018, the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences bestowed the Governor’s Emmy for four decades of “integrity and compassion.” She snagged Outstanding Event Coverage for “9/11 America Remembers” (2003) and Outstanding Single Newscast for “WB11 News at 10: 9/11 Day of Tribute” (2004).
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor recognizes her as a naturalized citizen enriching America’s heritage through community and spirit. Multiple Emmys punctuate her career, underscoring excellence in a cutthroat industry. These honors aren’t just trophies—they affirm her trailblazing as an Asian-American woman, opening doors for others.
Personal Life, Family, and Relationships
Kaity Tong is currently single with no publicly known husband, partner, or boyfriend as of late 2025. However, Kaity’s off-air world centers family. She has been married twice. Kaity married Robert Long, a TV news director and vice president at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. They had one son, Philip Long, during this period. The couple divorced around 2009 after decades together.
Subsequently, Kaity wed photographer Patrick Callahan in 2010, following her split from Long. This marriage ended in divorce, with no specific end date disclosed publicly; sources confirm it as her most recent union.
She’s candid about enhancements like a facelift, owning her choices with confidence.
Health Challenges and Resilience
In 2018, Kaity faced a ruptured colon, undergoing surgery after hospital stays and debunking heart attack rumors. She lost 17 pounds but returned stronger, thanking supporters on air. More recently, in late 2023 at age 76, a routine chest X-ray post-cold revealed Stage 1 lung cancer—despite lifelong nonsmoking. Robotic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering removed the tumor; no chemo or radiation followed, with low recurrence risk.
She shared on Instagram to urge checkups, especially for Asian nonsmokers: “If my journey encourages even one person… I will be grateful.” Back on air by early 2024, her story inspires vigilance and grit.
On-Screen Appearances Beyond News
Kaity’s charisma spilled into film. She appeared as herself in 1984’s Soviet defector story with Robin Williams. Later credits include The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Wolf (1994), and Marci X (2003). These cameos highlight her cultural cachet, bridging journalism and entertainment seamlessly.
Financial Success and Net Worth in 2025
Estimates peg Kaity’s 2025 net worth at $4-5 million, fueled by decades of anchoring. Her salary hovers around $862,732 annually, reflecting seniority at WPIX. At KPIX-TV in San Francisco (1976-1979), Kaity earned entry-level reporter pay, likely $30,000-$50,000 annually in today’s dollars, as a newcomer post-Stanford. This launched her trajectory without public specifics.
WABC-TV (1981-1991) marked her peak early salary at $750,000 yearly by departure—equivalent to over $1.3 million adjusted for inflation—prompting her 1991 exit amid cost-cutting. Current WPIX salary hovers at $862,732, secure for weekends at age 78.
From California gigs to NYC prime time, smart career moves built this stability, funding a slender, graceful lifestyle post-health recoveries.
Legacy and Why Kaity Endures
Kaity Tong’s blueprint—immigrant roots to Hall of Famer—embodies the American spirit she reports on. At WPIX into her late 70s, she mentors implicitly, proving age and experience trump trends. Her friendly delivery demystifies news, fostering trust across generations. As NYC evolves, Kaity remains a constant, her story a beacon for aspiring journalists everywhere.
is Kaity Tong still working?
She anchors the weekend 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts, a role she’s held for decades with recent activity confirmed on her social media and station profiles. In October 2025, PIX11 celebrated her as their “legendary anchor” during her induction into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, highlighting her ongoing commitment after over 34 years with the station.