Heather Childers, a prominent American television news anchor, is best known for her work with Fox News Channel (2010–2020) and her current role at Newsmax TV, where she co-anchors American Agenda with Bob Sellers. Born on January 7, 1969, in Charlotte, North Carolina, she is 56 years old as of 2025. With a net worth estimated at $6 million, she has built a successful career in journalism. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing approximately 141 pounds, Childers is recognized for her engaging presence. Currently married to Tom Zban, her journey includes overcoming a serious car accident.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Heather Childers’ Path
Born in Hartsville, South Carolina, and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Heather Childers grew up in a supportive family with parents Tobe and Barbara Childers and sister Scarlett, an elementary school teacher. At 16, she survived a life-altering car accident, crashing her 1964 Chevrolet Corvair into a tree, leading to years of reconstructive facial surgeries due to cervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy. Despite this, she excelled, graduating from Myers Park High School in 1987 and earning a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her resilience shaped her disciplined approach to journalism.
Her early interests in storytelling and current events were evident. As a former Miss Charlotte Mecklenburg (1993) and Miss North Carolina Preliminary Winner, she balanced beauty with intellect, showcasing her multifaceted talents. These experiences honed her ability to connect with audiences, a skill she later applied to her broadcasting career.
Career Journey: From Local News to National Fame
Heather Childers’ journalism career began in the early 1990s at WCNC-TV in Charlotte as a producer and reporter. She later served as a weekday anchor and news director at WFXL-TV (Fox affiliate) in Albany, Georgia, and worked at WLOS-TV (ABC affiliate) in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2002, she joined News 14 Carolina as an anchor, spending eight years building her reputation.
In November 2010, Childers joined Fox News Channel as a general assignment reporter, becoming an anchor for America’s News Headquarters in 2011 and co-hosting Fox & Friends First from 2017 to 2020. Her tenure at Fox was marked by awards like the National Academy of Television Journalists’ Best Female News Anchor and Best Documentary Readers Choice Award. However, in March 2020, she was taken off air after appearing ill during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to her contract’s termination in July 2020. She tested negative for COVID-19 but faced challenges returning to Fox.
Since November 2020, Childers has co-anchored American Agenda on Newsmax TV, bringing her seasoned perspective to a new audience. Her ability to adapt and thrive reflects her resilience, a trait I’ve observed in top journalists who navigate career transitions with grace.
Personal Life: Is Heather Childers Married? Dating History and Family
Is Heather Childers married? Yes, Heather Childers is married to Tom Zban, a radiologist and former Virginia Tech football player, since June 2022. They got engaged on March 5, 2022, after meeting in Charlotte. Their relationship, often shared on Instagram, reflects a deep bond. Previously, rumors linked her to Rick Carlson, SharpSpring’s CEO, but Childers never confirmed this.
Her family remains close-knit, with her sister Scarlett and parents frequently mentioned in interviews. Childers’ love for adventure—hiking, rafting, and beach walks—complements her professional life. She’s also a vocal supporter of health awareness, sharing her recovery story from a spinal surgery in 2018 to prevent paralysis, emphasizing the importance of heeding medical warning signs.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
Heather Childers’ net worth is estimated at $6 million in 2025, amassed through her extensive journalism career. Her salary at Newsmax TV is approximated at $80,000–$100,000 annually, though exact figures remain undisclosed. At Fox News, her salary reportedly ranged from $120,000 to $280,000 per year, reflecting her high-profile roles. Her financial success underscores her status as one of America’s respected journalists, with earnings from anchoring, reporting, and media appearances.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Appearance
Heather Childers stands at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) and weighs approximately 141 pounds (64 kg). Her body measurements are 37-25-36 inches, with blonde hair and grey eyes, contributing to her striking on-screen presence. Despite her teenage accident, she maintains a polished appearance, often praised for her elegance. Her commitment to fitness, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, keeps her in top form.
Controversies: Navigating Public Scrutiny
Childers faced controversy in April 2012 for a tweet linking to a “birther” conspiracy article suggesting the Obama campaign threatened Chelsea Clinton. She clarified she was “asking for an opinion,” but the backlash led to an apology. In 2016, she questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, aligning with some Fox News narratives. These moments highlight the challenges journalists face in balancing personal views with professional responsibilities. Reflecting on similar cases, I’ve seen how public scrutiny tests resilience, yet Childers has consistently rebounded.
Unique Insights: Resilience and Impact
Having followed Childers’ career, her ability to overcome personal and professional setbacks is inspiring. Her recovery from a near-paralyzing spinal condition mirrors her career tenacity. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center noted that 62% of journalists face online harassment, yet Childers has maintained a strong social media presence, engaging 55k Instagram followers and 197k on Twitter. Her move to Newsmax TV reflects a growing trend of journalists seeking platforms aligning with their values, a shift I’ve observed in the evolving media landscape.
Heather Childers Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Heather Star Childers |
| Age | 56 (Born January 7, 1969) |
| Birthplace | Hartsville, South Carolina, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Weight | 141 pounds (64 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 37-25-36 inches |
| Net Worth | $6 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $80,000–$100,000 (Newsmax TV, estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to Tom Zban (since June 2022) |
| Education | Bachelor’s in English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Parents | Tobe and Barbara Childers |
| Sibling | Scarlett Childers (elementary school teacher) |
| Career Start | 1992, WCNC-TV (producer/reporter) |
| Major Roles | Fox & Friends First (2017–2020), American Agenda (Newsmax TV, 2020–present) |
| Awards | National Academy of Television Journalists’ Best Female News Anchor |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Controversies | 2012 “birther” tweet, 2016 climate change comments |
| Health Challenges | Car accident at 16, spinal surgery in 2018 |
Conclusion: A Resilient Voice in Journalism
Heather Childers remains a compelling figure in broadcast journalism, blending resilience, talent, and adaptability. From her early days in Charlotte to her national prominence at Fox News and Newsmax TV, her journey reflects dedication. Her marriage to Tom Zban, $6 million net worth, and recovery from a serious accident add depth to her story. For more on her career, visit Wikipedia or follow her on Instagram. Her story inspires aspiring journalists to persevere through challenges.
