Tanja Babich is a well-known television journalist and news anchor based in Chicago. She works with ABC7 Chicago, where she anchors weekday morning and midday newscasts.
Known for her clear reporting and strong community connection, she brings experience, credibility, and empathy to the news.
Who is Tanja Babich?
Tanja Babich is a Canadian-born American journalist who works as a weekday anchor for ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News.
She appears on air from early morning hours and again at midday. She is known for serious reporting, community focus, and strong interview skills.
Tanja became popular due to her ability to explain complex topics in simple words. She is also recognized for cultural awareness.
She is the daughter of immigrant parents and speaks multiple languages. That background helps her connect with diverse audiences.
She stands out due to long-form reporting on civil rights, public health, and financial crimes. Her work on stories linked to the Bernie Madoff case gained national attention.
She also reported on presidential events and global religious visits. Tanja is also a mentor and community advocate.
She supports student programs and nonprofit initiatives in Chicago. Her public role goes beyond television and enters real community impact.
Early Life of Tanja Babich
Tanja Babich was born on June 29, 1980, in Toronto, Canada. She grew up in a household shaped by immigrant values and strong discipline.
Her parents came from Chile and Serbia. They moved to North America with academic goals and long-term plans. Education played a central role during her childhood years.
Tanja spent early years learning about global cultures at home. She heard different languages and traditions daily.
That exposure shaped communication skills at a young age. She developed an interest in government, public service, and international affairs during her school years.
She often took part in debates and academic discussions.
Tanja Babich dreamed of living in the United States from an early age. That goal stayed strong through college years.
She later earned United States citizenship in April 2013. That moment carried emotional value and personal meaning.
Her early life laid the foundation for confidence, resilience, and curiosity that later defined her career.
Tanja Babich Parents
Tanja Babich has not revealed her parents’ and siblings’ information publicly.
She was raised by immigrant parents from Chile and Serbia, whose journey strongly influenced her values and outlook on life.
They came to North America as first-generation college students and placed great importance on education, discipline, and hard work.
Growing up in a multicultural household exposed her to different languages and traditions, which later shaped her interest in public service, communication, and journalism.
She prefers to keep that part of her family life private. This privacy reflects her broader approach to protecting family members who do not live in the public eye.
While still honoring the impact her parents had on her personal and professional growth.
What is Tanja Babich Nationality?
Tanja Babich holds American nationality. She was born in Toronto, Canada, and later moved to the United States for education and career opportunities.
After living and working in the country for several years, she became a naturalized United States citizen in April 2013.
While she is American by nationality, she has a multicultural background.
She is the daughter of immigrant parents from Chile and Serbia, and she often speaks with pride about her heritage and her journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Tanja Babich Age
Tanja Babich is 45 years old as of 2026, having been born on June 29, 1980. Her age reflects more than two decades of professional experience in media and journalism.
Her age reflects personal growth across cultures and countries. She experienced life as a Canadian resident, then as an immigrant student, and later as a United States citizen.
Tanja Babich Education
Tanja Babich attended Cornell University, one of the most respected Ivy League institutions in the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
During this period, she studied political systems, public policy, international relations, and constitutional structures. Her coursework emphasized research, debate, and structured writing.
She developed confidence in public speaking and critical analysis. Professors and peers recognized her ability to explain complex political ideas in simple language.
This academic phase prepared her for roles that required responsibility and ethical judgment.
After graduating from Cornell University, Tanja Babich explored career paths connected to public service.
She nearly entered work related to intelligence and government service. A pivotal moment came during a public speaking engagement.
A city official noticed her clarity, confidence, and natural presence while speaking. That encounter led to a suggestion to consider broadcasting as a career.
She took that advice seriously and researched journalism programs.
Tanja then applied to Northwestern University, specifically the Medill School of Journalism, which is globally respected for broadcast and investigative journalism.
She was accepted into the Master of Science in Journalism program.
At Medill, she received intensive training in news reporting, broadcast ethics, investigative techniques, and on-camera delivery.
The program focused on real-world newsroom experience and strict editorial standards. Her graduate education included hands-on reporting, live presentation practice, and newsroom simulations.
She learned how to handle breaking news, conduct interviews, and report with accuracy under pressure. Faculty mentorship helped refine her storytelling voice and professional discipline.
This academic environment played a key role in shaping her career confidence. In addition to formal degrees, Tanja developed strong language skills.
She speaks French fluently and has conversational ability in Spanish and Serbian. These language skills enhanced her reporting capabilities and cultural understanding.
Tanja Babich Professional Journey
Tanja Babich began her professional journey after completing advanced education in journalism.
Her career reflects steady growth, adaptability, and a strong sense of public responsibility. She built experience step by step and earned trust through consistent performance.
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Early Career Foundations
Tanja Babich entered broadcast journalism shortly after graduating from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism.
She started in smaller media markets where she learned the realities of daily reporting.
These early roles required long hours, fast learning, and the ability to cover many topics in a single day. She handled breaking news, human-interest stories, and political coverage.
This period shaped her newsroom discipline and sharpened her storytelling voice. She learned how to write clearly under deadlines.
She also learned how to remain calm during live broadcasts. These foundational years helped her develop confidence and professional judgment.
WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York
Tanja Babich later joined WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York. This role marked a major step forward in her career.
She served as a morning news anchor for the station’s top-rated morning newscast. The position required waking before dawn, preparing scripts, and leading live broadcasts for a wide audience.
Alongside anchoring, Tanja Babich also hosted Bridge Street, the market’s only weekday morning talk show.
This program focused on community events, local culture, and public conversations. Hosting required direct engagement with guests and viewers.
She balanced serious news with lighter community topics. This dual role strengthened her on-air versatility and audience connection.
Joining ABC 7 Chicago
Tanja Babich joined ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV) in January 2014. She began as a general assignment reporter.
In this role, she covered crime, politics, education, health, and social justice stories across Chicago. She worked in diverse neighborhoods and reported on issues affecting everyday residents.
Her reporting style gained attention due to clarity and empathy. Editors trusted her with complex stories and sensitive topics.
She demonstrated reliability and strong field reporting skills. These qualities led to expanded responsibilities within the station.
Promotion to News Anchor
In September 2016, Tanja Babich earned promotion to morning news anchor. This role placed her in front of a large daily audience during early morning hours.
She anchored Eyewitness News from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The position required leadership, precision, and stamina.
In June 2018, she added the midday newscast to her schedule. She anchored again from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Managing two daily broadcasts demanded preparation, mental focus, and time management. She maintained consistency and professionalism across both programs.
Major Reporting Highlights
Tanja Babich covered several high-profile events during her career. She reported live from President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
She also accompanied Pope Francis during the first official visit to the United States. These assignments required careful coordination and editorial accuracy.
One of her most unique experiences involved an hour-and-a-half flight with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
During the flight, the aircraft reached extreme G-forces. She later shared that the experience tested physical limits but strengthened respect for military pilots.
Investigative and Impact Journalism
Tanja Babich played a key role in reporting related to the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.
Her coverage helped tradespeople and unions understand financial losses nearing half a billion dollars. This reporting demanded research, legal understanding, and accountability.
She also guided Chicago viewers through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her reporting focused on public safety, health guidelines, and social impact.
She covered civil rights movements and community responses during times of national tension.
Leadership and Advocacy Through Journalism
Beyond daily broadcasting, Tanja Babich uses journalism to serve the community. She serves as a board member of HFS Chicago Scholars, supporting education for high school students.
Tanja also founded Lake Affect Chicago, a youth camping initiative developed with nonprofit partners.
She contributes voice work to Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, sharing stories of influential women. She is also an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Tanja Babich professional journey reflects commitment, courage, and growth. Her career continues to evolve through trusted reporting and meaningful community engagement.
What happened to Tanja Babich?
Tanja Babich continues to work as a news anchor at ABC7 Chicago, where she appears on weekday morning and midday newscasts.
In recent years, she has shared parts of her personal health journey to encourage others to seek early screening and preventative care.
In 2025, she shared that a colonoscopy revealed precancerous polyps, which were removed early, and she used the experience to promote colorectal and breast cancer awareness.
She also supports awareness for a rare autoimmune condition that one of her daughters was diagnosed with, helping bring attention to rare disease research.
Professionally, she remains active on air and in the community, occasionally stepping away briefly for health recovery or vacation but returning to her anchor duties.
There has been no major career interruption or permanent departure from journalism.
Her life continues with a focus on family, community work, and her role in television news, showing resilience and ongoing engagement with viewers and causes she cares about.
What does Tanja Babich do now?
Tanja Babich works as a weekday morning and midday news anchor for ABC7 Chicago’s Eyewitness News.
She reports on breaking news, community issues, and major national events, delivering stories with clarity and professionalism.
Along with her on-air role, she supports community outreach, educational causes, and uses her platform to raise awareness about health and social issues.
She continues to balance her journalism career with family life in Chicago.
Is Tanja Babich Married?
Yes, Tanja Babich is married to Paul Lashinski, an Emmy Award–winning photojournalist at ABC7 Chicago.
The couple got married on July 7, 2018, and they live in Chicago with their three daughters.
Tanja Babich Husband
Tanja Babich is married to Paul Lashinski, who is also known professionally as Paul Durbin.
He is an Emmy Award–winning photojournalist at ABC7 Chicago, the same television station where Tanja Babich works as a news anchor.
Their shared careers in journalism create a strong understanding of early mornings, long hours, and the pressure that comes with live television.
They married on July 7, 2018, a date she has referenced with pride and gratitude in later reflections.
By 2026, the couple will have celebrated seven years of marriage, marking a relationship built on trust, teamwork, and mutual respect.
Before this marriage, Tanja experienced a difficult personal chapter.
She has not publicly revealed the name or details of her first husband, and she has chosen to keep that part of her life private.
What is known is that her first marriage ended before she moved from Syracuse to Chicago in 2014.
During that time, she described herself as a single mother raising two young daughters while continuing to build her journalism career.
She has openly shared that this period was emotionally challenging, yet it became a turning point that led to personal strength and a more stable future.
She later reflected that the hardest experience in her life ultimately opened the door to a life she would choose again.
Tanja Babich Children
Tanja Babich is the mother of three daughters. Her two eldest children, Adelaide and Lola, were born from her previous marriage.
Adelaide was born around 2010, and Lola was born around 2012, though their exact birth dates have not been publicly shared.
When she relocated to Chicago, she raised them on her own while establishing herself at ABC7.
After marrying Paul Lashinski, he stepped fully into the role of father. He later legally adopted Adelaide and Lola, a decision that Tanja Babich has spoken about with deep appreciation.
She often emphasizes that family is defined by commitment and care rather than biology, and she considers their household a complete and united family.
In 2019, Tanja and Paul welcomed their daughter together. Their youngest child, Josephine Emily, often called Jo, was born on May 22, 2019. Her birth marked a new chapter in their family life.
Josephine is frequently described as a joyful presence in the household and is followed closely by viewers who remember Tanja Babich sharing her pregnancy journey on air.
By 2026, Josephine is six years old, while her older sisters are moving through their teenage and pre-teen years.
Today, Tanja lives in Chicago with her husband and three daughters. She balances demanding early-morning broadcasts with motherhood and family responsibilities.
While she occasionally shares glimpses of family life on social media, she remains protective of her children’s privacy.
The family dynamic shows how personal resilience, support, and shared values can shape a strong modern family rooted in respect and love.
Tanja Babich First Husband
Tanja Babich has never publicly identified her first legal husband, and no verified details about his name, profession, or background have been shared.
The marriage occurred earlier in her life and ended before her move to Chicago in 2014, a transition she later described as arriving as a newly single mother with two young children.
Her two eldest daughters, Adelaide, born around 2010, and Lola, born around 2012, were born during this first marriage.
Tanja has suggested through later reflections that the end of that relationship was one of the most challenging experiences she faced, both emotionally and personally.
She has chosen not to revisit that chapter publicly, instead focusing on how the experience reshaped her strength, independence, and approach to family life, making it clear that privacy and growth matter more to her than revisiting past circumstances.
Tanja Babich Net Worth 2026
Tanja Babich has an estimated net worth of $3 million USD as of 2026. She makes most of her money through her work as a television news anchor at ABC7 Chicago.
She earns a steady salary for anchoring weekday morning and midday newscasts, which involve live broadcasting, script preparation, interviews, and newsroom leadership.
Her long tenure at the station, combined with experience in a major media market, places her among higher-paid local news anchors.
Benefits tied to this role likely include contract bonuses, retirement contributions, and health coverage, which add to her overall earnings.
In addition to her primary salary, Tanja Babich may earn income through related professional activities.
These can include public speaking engagements, hosting community or nonprofit events, and participating in media panels or journalism initiatives.
Her Emmy Award recognition and public visibility increase demand for these opportunities.
While she does not promote commercial endorsements heavily, her reputation and credibility support occasional supplemental income connected to journalism and community work.
Tanja Babich Salary
Tanja Babich likely earns an annual salary of $180,000 USD from her work at ABC7 Chicago.
She holds a senior anchor position and appears on two daily newscasts, which places her in a higher pay range than entry-level or field reporters.
Chicago is one of the largest television markets in the United States, and anchors with more than a decade at a major network affiliate typically earn six-figure salaries.
Her income reflects nearly 20 years of journalism experience, over 11 years at ABC7, and the credibility that comes with Emmy Award recognition.
In addition to base salary, her total compensation may include performance bonuses, contract renewals, retirement benefits, and health coverage provided through union or network agreements.
Tanja Babich Height and Weight
Tanja Babich stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is equal to 172 centimeters or 1.72 meters.
She weighs around 58 kilograms, which is equal to 127 pounds. She maintains a healthy and professional appearance well-suited to broadcast work.
Her hair color is dark brown, and her eye color is hazel. Her on-camera presence reflects confidence and approachability, helping viewers feel comfortable and engaged.
Styling remains professional and understated, allowing attention to stay on the news rather than appearance.
These physical traits and presentation choices support clear, effective on-air communication without distraction.
Tanja Babich Illness
Tanja Babich has not been diagnosed with any life-threatening illness, but she has been open about several important health experiences that shaped her role as a public health advocate.
In recent years, she has spoken candidly about a significant colorectal health scare.
Through early screening, doctors discovered and removed precancerous polyps during colonoscopies, including another procedure in July 202,5 where additional polyps were found.
She has emphasized that early screening likely prevented cancer, especially since she was younger than the standard screening age.
Her experience led her to actively encourage others to prioritize preventative care rather than delay testing.
In addition to gastrointestinal health awareness, Tanja regularly promotes breast cancer prevention.
She publicly documents her annual mammograms to remind women, especially those over 40, about the importance of early detection.
Her openness is intended to reduce fear around screenings and normalize proactive healthcare.
Tanja has also spoken about health challenges affecting her family. One of her daughters was diagnosed in 2020 with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a rare autoimmune disease.
She has since used her platform to support awareness and research for the condition. She has shared positive updates, noting that her daughter’s disease is currently in remission.
At different times, Tanja has taken short breaks from broadcasting for recovery. In 2022, she stepped away temporarily while recovering from COVID-19 and a related asthma flare-up.
In August 2025, she returned to work after vacation and physical recovery, confirming she was fully back on air.
Overall, her health journey reflects vigilance, transparency, and a strong commitment to prevention and awareness rather than ongoing illness.
Social Media Presence
Tanja Babich maintains active social media accounts and uses these platforms to share professional updates, news coverage, and community stories.
She is present on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, where she connects with viewers and highlights her work at ABC7 Chicago.
Her social media activity focuses mainly on journalism, public awareness, and moments from daily life, while maintaining a professional and respectful tone.
Bottom Line
In the bottom line, Tanja Babich represents dedication, education, and cultural awareness in modern journalism.
Her journey shows how discipline and curiosity shape long-term success. She balances public responsibility with family life and community work.
Readers can learn about persistence, adaptability, and service through her story. Her path shows how listening to opportunity can change direction and create impact.
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