Jo Ling Kent, born on May 11, 1984, is a renowned American journalist currently serving as a senior business and technology correspondent for CBS News. At 41 years old, her career spans major networks like NBC, Fox Business, and CNN, covering high-profile events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the George Floyd protests. Married to Scott Conroy since 2015, she is a mother of two daughters. With an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million, her salary at CBS ranges between $150,000 and $200,000 annually. This article dives deep into her biography, career, personal life, and more, offering fresh insights and updated details for 2025.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Jo Ling Kent’s Path
Jo Ling Kent was born in San Francisco, California, to David L. Kent, an American, and Shean Yen Janice Kent, of Chinese descent, giving her a mixed Asian-American ethnicity. Raised in Minnetonka, Minnesota, she graduated from Hopkins High School in 2002. Her multicultural background fueled her passion for global affairs, leading her to Rice University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History, Asian Studies, and Policy Studies in 2006. She later pursued advanced studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Peking University in 2008 as a Fulbright Scholar and another Master’s from the London School of Economics in 2009.
Her time as a Fulbright Scholar in Beijing was transformative. Kent researched the impact of legal aid on underprivileged women facing sexual harassment and domestic violence, a topic she later reflected on: “Understanding systemic challenges through a global lens shaped my approach to storytelling.” This experience honed her ability to connect human stories with broader societal issues, a skill evident in her journalism today.
Career Journey: From ABC to CBS News
Jo Ling Kent’s career began as a digital reporter for ABC News in Beijing, covering landmark events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Taiwan elections, and the Sichuan earthquake. Her work earned her recognition, and from 2009 to 2011, she served as an associate producer for ABC in Beijing. In 2011, she joined NBC News as a Campaign Embed Reporter, later transitioning to an Investigative and General Assignment Reporter in Connecticut. Her coverage of the Newtown school shooting earned her team a prestigious Peabody Award.
In 2013, Kent moved to Fox Business Network, where she reported on global technology and interviewed industry giants like Jack Ma of Alibaba and Mary Barra of General Motors. She also contributed to Fox News Radio’s podcast Fast Forward with JL. However, in 2016, amid reported professional disagreements, she returned to NBC News. A former colleague noted, “Jo’s drive for impactful storytelling made her a standout, but her ambitions sometimes clashed with network plans.”
Since July 2023, Kent has been a senior business and technology correspondent at CBS News, with her work featured across platforms like CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News. Her reporting on tech innovations, such as AI’s impact on small businesses, has been praised for its depth. In 2020, while covering the George Floyd protests in Seattle, she was struck by a flash-bang grenade live on air, highlighting the risks journalists face. Her work has earned her an Edward R. Murrow Award and three Emmy nominations.
Personal Life: Married, Family, and Relationships
Jo Ling Kent is happily married to Scott Conroy, a senior political reporter for HuffPost and author of books like Vote First or Die. The couple got engaged on May 28, 2014, and married on August 22, 2015, at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, New Hampshire. They have two daughters, Mira Ling Conroy (born December 29, 2018) and Delancey Mei Conroy (born April 2021). In 2023, Kent announced she was expecting her third child, sharing her joy on Instagram: “Our family is growing again, and we’re thrilled!”
Kent’s marriage reflects a partnership rooted in shared professional passions. Both she and Conroy balance demanding careers while raising their family. Her height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) and weight of approximately 54 kg (119 lbs) contribute to her poised on-screen presence, with a body shape of 24-32-34 inches. She maintains her fitness through regular workouts, often starting her day at the gym, as noted in a 2024 interview with CBS News.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights for 2025
Jo Ling Kent’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2025, accumulated through her journalism career. Her current salary at CBS News ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 annually, a significant increase from her earlier NBC salary of around $87,304. While exact figures for her Fox Business tenure are unavailable, her high-profile roles suggest competitive earnings. Kent’s financial success is also tied to her strategic career moves across top networks, positioning her as a leading voice in business and tech journalism.
Social Media Presence and Public Engagement
Jo Ling Kent is active on social media, with over 35,000 followers on Twitter (@jolingkent) and 23,000 followers on Instagram (@jolingkent). She uses these platforms to share professional updates, family milestones, and insights into tech trends. Her posts often blend personal and professional, such as her 2021 announcement of her second pregnancy on The Today Show, which resonated with audiences. Kent’s engagement with followers reflects her commitment to transparency, as she noted, “Social media lets me connect directly with viewers, humanizing the stories I tell.”
Unique Insights: Jo Ling Kent’s Impact on Journalism
Kent’s multicultural background and fluency in Mandarin, English, and conversational French give her a unique edge in covering global stories. Her work as a Fulbright Scholar provided firsthand insights into China’s legal system, which she later applied to her reporting on U.S.-China tech relations. A 2024 case study by the Asian American Journalists Association, where Kent is an active member, highlighted her role in amplifying underrepresented voices in tech journalism. Her board membership at Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government further showcases her dedication to mentoring young journalists.
In a 2025 interview, Kent shared advice for aspiring reporters: “Be curious, stay humble, and build relationships. Journalism is about trust and persistence.” Her career trajectory—from a digital reporter in Beijing to a senior correspondent at CBS—demonstrates the power of resilience and adaptability in a competitive field.
Jo Ling Kent Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jo Ling Kent |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1984 |
| Age | 41 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Ethnicity | Asian-American (Chinese and American descent) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
| Weight | 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 24-32-34 inches |
| Education | BA, Rice University (2006); MS, Peking University (2008); MS, LSE (2009) |
| Occupation | Senior Business and Technology Correspondent, CBS News |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Spouse | Scott Conroy (married August 22, 2015) |
| Children | Mira Ling Conroy (born 2018), Delancey Mei Conroy (born 2021), third child expected |
| Net Worth | $500,000–$1 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $150,000–$200,000 annually (CBS News, 2025) |
| Social Media | Twitter: @jolingkent, Instagram: @jolingkent |
| Awards | Edward R. Murrow Award, Peabody Award, three Emmy nominations |
| Notable Works | Coverage of 2008 Beijing Olympics, George Floyd protests, tech industry |
| Languages | English, Mandarin, conversational French |
| Affiliations | Asian American Journalists Association, Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government |
Why Jo Ling Kent Stands Out in 2025
Jo Ling Kent continues to redefine journalism with her global perspective and fearless reporting. Her ability to navigate complex stories, from tech disruptions to social justice, sets her apart. As she balances her marriage, motherhood, and a high-profile career, Kent remains a role model for aspiring journalists. For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
