Micah Materre is a journalist who has received an Emmy award for her work as an anchor on WGN TV in Chicago for many years now! She co hosts news programs on WGN such as the Evening News and News at Nine and Ten after gaining experience in radio at WBEZ and TV at WJBK TV in Detroit before settling down at WGN in 1998. Having grown up in Chicago herself adds a touch to her involvement, in the community where she actively participates by serving on various boards including the esteemed Chicago Children’s Choir!
Micah Materre is still at WGN-TV Chicago. She reportedly had back surgery, which has made her to be off-air for some months now. Materre has not been quite forthcoming about details of her recuperation with members of the public and has not regularly updated her social media pages in recent times. This has led to a lot of speculation, but she remains a WGN-TV anchor.
Micah Materre’s Path, in Broadcasting: Transitioning from Radio to Television
Micah Materre started her career at a radio station called WBEZ in Chicago affiliated with NPR and worked there as a producer and reporter for four years before transitioning to television at WJBK TV in Detroit as an anchor where she excelled in handling varied assignments and leading the news team; her exceptional performance earned her several awards including an Emmy trophy.She later moved to WGN TV in 1998 where she has been anchoring their Morning News show along with the Midday News and News, at Nine broadcasts.
Micah has ties to Chicago that stem from her father Louis Materres background as a respected Korean War veteran who once ran a thriving series of paint shops in the citys South Side before shifting gears to the insurance industry. A true example of perseverance and dedication to others that continues to inspire Micah in her pursuit of achievement. She warmly remembers his passion, for golf and jazz music and his charismatic presence that earned him the nickname “Big Louie” and endeared him to the community.
Juggling the Demands of Being a Mom and Pursuing a Career
Raising two kids while excelling as a journalist isn’t simple all for Micah. She has been vocal about the struggles of balancing family responsibilities and a demanding job.” I’m aiming to excel both as a mother and in my career ” she mentioned in an interview. A sentiment shared by working parents juggling multiple roles like her.Although her days are packed with work commitments she remains committed to being present for her children alongside her husband Kelvin Michael Jackson to steer clear of missing out on parenting duties important, to her.
Key Facts About Micah Materre | |
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Profession | Emmy award-winning journalist, WGN-TV news anchor |
Career Start | Began at WBEZ radio, transitioned to TV at WJBK Detroit before joining WGN |
Notable Roles | Anchor for WGN Evening News, News at Nine, and News at Ten |
Achievements | Emmy Award, Trailblazer Award, featured in New York Times and Glamour |
Community Involvement | Serves on boards for Chicago Children’s Choir, Tutoring Chicago |
Family | Married to Kelvin Michael Jackson, has two children |
Education | Journalism degree from Drake University |
Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
Social Media Presence | Active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook |
Fun Fact | Covered Obama’s historic inauguration and enjoys sharing community stories |
Is Micah Materre Still With WGN?
Micah Materre is still with WGN-TV; however, it is obvious that she is on some form of leave of absence, likely to take care of her health. But make no mistake, she remains an employee of WGN-TV and is not leaving any time soon. She was there in February 2023 as the news channel celebrated its 75th anniversary. She was interviewed on the morning show and asked about her favorite work experience.
She mentioned covering Obama’s historic inauguration as America’s first black president as well as covering a game of bridge between her mom and her friends. It was a wonderful chat; if nothing else, it reassured viewers in Chicago that their favorite anchor is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Where is Micah Materre Now?
Micah Materre is presently in Chicago, where she lives with her family and works, specifically as an anchor at WGN-TV. Micah Materre is a proud Chicago native, and even though she had to leave the city in the early days of her career to places such as Ohio and Detroit, she later fulfilled her dream of returning to a place she loved so much and making her life there.
Micah Materre’s love for Chicago has motivated her to produce and report on a program titled Chicago’s Very Own. It simply highlights the trailblazing individuals from the city who are making a name for themselves.
Of course, Micah is one of such individuals. She is an accomplished broadcast journalist and has received numerous awards for her work, including a Midwest/Chicago Emmy. She has also been spotlighted in many publications such as Glamour, Ebony, and New York Times.
Indeed, it is not out of place to describe Materre as an icon who is inspiring the next generation of journalists and black women in Chicago and beyond.
Is Micah Materre Ill?
Micah Materre is not ill to the best of public knowledge. However, there have been some speculations about her health, and this is due to the fact that she has been absent from her regular anchoring work at WGN-TV. To provide some context, Micah Materre has been with WGN since 1998 and has worked every shift possible (in her own words). She has anchored their various news segments.
She has also been a reporter and covered entertainment and special assignment stories. She is an icon on the channel, and her sporadic appearances from late 2022 till date have caused a lot of concern, but there is nothing to show that Micah Materre is ill at the moment. She is just taking some time off work.
Did Micah Materre Have Back Surgery?
Many sources have it that Micah Materre had back surgery sometime in late 2022. It must, however, be pointed out that it is hard to come by a clip of Materre speaking on the back surgery or any health challenges. There is also no official announcement by her employees to that effect.
However, a look at her social media pages, as well as some online TV and radio forums, has it that Micah suffered from some back issues sometime in 2022 and had to take some time off to have back surgery. She has yet to make it back to full-time work for WGN, and many of her fans have lamented that they miss her. However, they wish her well and express their hope that she will soon return to their screens.
Community Leadership and Awards
Micah is more than a news desk anchor; she also plays a vital role in the community as a leader and volunteer for organizations like the Chicago Children’s Choir and Tutoring Chicagos Advisory Board. Not known for her journalism work but also for her impactful contributions to society and trailblazing efforts in advocating for women and minorities, in the field of journalism as recognized by her 2014 Midwest Emmy award and 2018 Trailblazer Award from Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Further Facts About Micah Materre
How old is Micah Materre?
Micah Materre was born on November 9 in the year 1962, and she is currently 61 years old as of now. Her journey in journalism has been extensive and fruitful for more, than thirty years.
Who is the spouse of Micah Materre?
Micah Materre is wedded to Kelvin Michael Jackson who works as a photographer and editor in the media field with experience at a TV station, in Detroit named as “WJB Tv.” They have two kids and manage to balance their personal and professional lives very well.
What country is Micah Materre from?
Micah Materre is from America and has strong ties to Chicago in Illinois where she grew up and currently resides both personally and professionally. She has spent a part of her career working in her hometown and has become a familiar presence, on Chicago’s television station,WGN TV.
Is Micah Materre of Hispanic descent?
Micah Materre is not of Hispanic descent; rather she comes from an African American background. Her father, Louis Materre was a Korean War veteran and a prosperous businessman based in Chicago. Her family history and her identity, as an African American have significantly influenced her professional journey.
Is Micah Materre Married?
Micah Materre is married. She tied the knot with Kelvin Michael Jackson in June 1995. Together they have two children. Even though her job as a journalist and anchor can be quite demanding, she makes it a point to prioritize family and finds a balance, between her career and being a mother.
Who used to host with Micah Materre?
Micah Materre has shared the hosting duties on WGN TV with well known journalists. Notably she teamed up with Mark Suppels for the anchoring of the 9 p.m. News on WGN. Following Suppels’ retirement, she partnered with Ray Cortopassi. The camaraderie between Materre and her co-host s has added to the vibe that viewers love about the broadcasts, on WGN TV.