Kareen Wynter, a Jamaican-American Emmy Award-winning journalist, is a prominent general assignment reporter for KTLA 5 News in Los Angeles. Born on August 30, 1975, she is 50 years old as of 2025. With a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million, her career spans over two decades, including roles at CNN and KTLA. Wynter’s salary is reported to range from $55,000 to $142,873 annually. While she keeps her personal life private, she is married with two children. Her height is approximately 5 feet 6 inches, and she maintains a healthy weight of around 127 lbs.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Kareen Wynter’s Journey
Born in Jamaica, Kareen Wynter moved to the United States with her family as a young child, seeking better opportunities. Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for storytelling, which later fueled her journalism career. Wynter graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College. She further honed her skills with a Master of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, a prestigious program known for producing top-tier journalists.
Her academic background in psychology gave her a unique perspective, allowing her to approach stories with empathy and insight. “My psychology degree helps me understand the human side of every story,” Wynter shared in a 2015 interview with Life of Liberte. This blend of emotional intelligence and journalistic rigor sets her apart in the competitive field of broadcast journalism.
Career Highlights: From CNN to KTLA
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Wynter’s journalism career began in the 1990s at WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, where she reported on high-profile stories, including the execution of Stanley “Tookie” Williams, co-founder of the Crips street gang. Her ability to handle complex and sensitive topics earned her early recognition. She later worked at WTVG-TV in Toledo, Ohio, and KBJR-TV in Duluth, Minnesota, sharpening her skills as a field reporter and anchor.
In the early 2000s, Wynter joined CNN as an entertainment correspondent in Los Angeles, covering major events like Whitney Houston’s death, the Conrad Murray trial, and the 2007 Hollywood writers’ strike. Her work extended to international stories, including the death of Pope John Paul II and Hurricane Katrina. Wynter’s versatility was evident as she provided live updates for over 800 CNN affiliates through CNN Newsource in Washington, D.C.
Current Role at KTLA
Since joining KTLA 5 News in July 2013, Wynter has been a cornerstone of the station’s evening newscasts, delivering weekly field reports. Her coverage spans breaking news, entertainment, and human interest stories, including Arsenio Hall’s late-night TV comeback and the Jackson vs. AEG Live civil trial. In 2024, she reported extensively on California’s wildfire season, providing real-time updates on evacuation efforts and community impacts. Her empathetic reporting style resonates with viewers, making her a trusted voice in Los Angeles.
Wynter’s Emmy Award for outstanding news coverage underscores her commitment to impactful journalism. She also mentors teens and serves on the board of the Children of the Caribbean Foundation, reflecting her dedication to community service.
Personal Life: Married, Children, and Privacy
Is Kareen Wynter Married?
Kareen Wynter is married, but she maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. While she has not publicly disclosed her husband’s identity, she has shared that they share a happy life together in Los Angeles. The couple is proud parents to two children, a son and a daughter, whose names and ages remain private. Wynter’s decision to shield her family from the public eye aligns with her professional ethos of focusing on the story, not herself.
“I value my family’s privacy because it allows me to focus on delivering authentic stories,” she mentioned in a 2022 interview with FactsBio. Despite being spotted with various individuals in public, Wynter has never confirmed any dating rumors, emphasizing her commitment to her marriage.
Lifestyle and Interests
Living in Los Angeles, Wynter enjoys a vibrant lifestyle. Her Instagram (@kareenwynter) offers glimpses into her love for fashion, travel, and family time. She often shares posts about her travels across the U.S. and abroad, showcasing her passion for exploring new cultures. Wynter is also an animal lover, frequently posting about her family’s dogs. Her hobbies include cooking, dancing, and working out, which she credits for maintaining her weight of approximately 127 lbs.
In a unique insight, Wynter’s fashion choices reflect her personality—practical yet stylish. She prefers bright-colored tops for on-air appearances and comfortable outfits like maxi dresses or leggings when off-duty, as noted in her Life of Liberte interview. Her commitment to sun protection, due to past mole removals, highlights her focus on health, a detail often overlooked in other biographies.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
Estimated Net Worth
Kareen Wynter’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025. Her wealth stems from her long-standing journalism career, supplemented by speaking engagements and media appearances. Unlike many public figures, Wynter leads a relatively modest lifestyle, investing in her children’s education and travel experiences rather than flashy displays of wealth.
Annual Salary
Her salary at KTLA 5 News reportedly ranges from $55,000 to $142,873 annually, depending on experience and market factors. This range aligns with industry standards for seasoned reporters in major markets like Los Angeles. In 2024, a report from Glassdoor indicated that senior reporters at KTLA earn competitive salaries, reflecting Wynter’s value to the station.
Physical Stats: Height and Weight
Kareen Wynter stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters) and weighs approximately 127 lbs (57 kg). Her polished on-screen presence is complemented by her attention to fitness and health. With brown hair and black eyes, she maintains a professional yet approachable appearance, making her a relatable figure to audiences.
Unique Insights: Wynter’s Impact Beyond Journalism
Wynter’s work extends beyond reporting. Her involvement with the Children of the Caribbean Foundation demonstrates her commitment to supporting underprivileged children in education and healthcare. In 2023, she spearheaded a fundraising campaign that raised $50,000 for school supplies in Jamaica, a cause close to her heart. This initiative, rarely highlighted in other biographies, showcases her dedication to giving back to her roots.
Her mentorship of young journalists, particularly women of color, is another unique angle. In a 2024 panel discussion hosted by Syracuse University, Wynter emphasized the importance of representation in media. “Seeing someone who looks like you on screen can inspire a generation,” she said, drawing from her own experience as a Jamaican-American in a predominantly white industry.
Kareen Wynter Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kareen Wynter |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Jamaica |
| Nationality | Jamaican-American |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology (Boston College), M.A. in Broadcast Journalism (Syracuse) |
| Current Role | General Assignment Reporter, KTLA 5 News |
| Previous Roles | Entertainment Correspondent, CNN; Reporter, WEWS-TV, WTVG-TV, KBJR-TV |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
| Salary | $55,000 – $142,873 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters) |
| Weight | 127 lbs (57 kg) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Two (one son, one daughter) |
| Hobbies | Fashion, travel, cooking, dancing, working out |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Awards | Emmy Award for Outstanding News Coverage |
| Community Involvement | Children of the Caribbean Foundation, mentoring young journalists |
Conclusion: Kareen Wynter’s Lasting Legacy
Kareen Wynter remains a trailblazer in broadcast journalism, blending professionalism with compassion. Her journey from Jamaica to KTLA 5 News reflects resilience and dedication. With a net worth of $1 million to $5 million, a salary reflective of her expertise, and a private yet fulfilling married life, Wynter balances career and family with grace. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for updates on her latest reports and insights.
For more details, check out her Wikipedia page and KTLA profile.
