Geoff Bennett Biography: Chief Washington Correspondent and PBS News Weekend Anchor
Geoff Bennett is an American broadcast journalist and a co-anchor of the PBS NewsHour alongside Amna Nawaz. He has worked as an editor, reporter and news anchor on radio, cable and broadcast television, and online
Here’s a detailed look at his career and background:
Early Life and Education
Geoff Bennett was born on April 25, 1980, in Voorhees, New Jersey. He grew up in a family where his father, Gary Bennett Sr., was a school administrator, and his mother, Lynnca, taught kindergarten.
He has an older brother, Gary Bennett Jr. Bennett graduated with honors from Morehouse College with a BA in English in 2002.
Career
Bennett began his journalism career with an internship at ABC News during his senior year at Morehouse College.
This internship led to his first job as an off-air production assistant at World News Tonight. He later became an associate producer at ABC News.
In 2007, Bennett joined NPR in Los Angeles as a digital producer and editor for News & Notes, and was regularly heard on-air.
He moved to Washington, D.C. in 2009 to work as an editor for Weekend Edition. Starting in 2013, he reported on-camera from Washington, D.C., for NY1 News and other Time Warner Cable news channels.
Bennett returned to NPR in 2017 as an on-air reporter based in Washington, D.C., covering Congress and the White House.
In November 2017, he became a White House correspondent for NBC News and a substitute anchor for MSNBC.
In November 2021, he joined PBS NewsHour as the Chief Washington Correspondent and anchor of PBS News Weekend.
Achievements and Awards
Bennett has reported from the White House under three presidents and covered six presidential elections.
His work has earned him recognition, including being part of the team honored with a Peabody Award in 2024 for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.
He also contributed to NBC’s team that won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in 2022.
Personal Contribution
Bennett has also contributed to the future of journalism by establishing a scholarship in January 2023 at Morehouse College for students majoring in English and journalism.
This scholarship reflects his commitment to supporting and mentoring the next generation of journalists.
Geoff Bennett’s career is marked by his dedication to journalism, his ability to cover complex political issues, and his commitment to ethical reporting.
His journey from an intern at ABC News to a prominent role at PBS NewsHour showcases his talent and perseverance
Geoff Bennett Age
Geoff Bennett, born on April 25, 1980, is 44 years old. He is of African-American ethnicity and holds American nationality. His zodiac sign is Taurus.
Geoff Bennett Family
Geoff Bennett was born and raised in Voorhees, New Jersey, to Gary George Bennett Sr. and Lynnca Robinson Bennett.
His father was a school administrator and a retired Army captain, while his mother taught kindergarten.
Geoff has an older brother named Gary Bennett Jr., who is the vice provost of undergraduate education at Duke University.
Growing up in a family with a strong emphasis on education and public service, Geoff was inspired to pursue a career in journalism.
His upbringing in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment played a significant role in shaping his professional path.
Geoff Bennett Education
Geoff Bennett attended Morehouse College, a historically Black college known for cultivating leaders in various fields.
Here are the details:
High School
Geoff Bennett attended Voorhees High School in New Jersey, where he developed an early interest in writing and journalism.
College
He went on to attend Morehouse College, a prestigious historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. Bennett graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 2002.
During his time at Morehouse, he honed his skills in communication and storytelling, which would become crucial in his journalism career.
Professional Development
Bennett’s education didn’t stop at college. His career at major news organizations like ABC, NPR, and NBC News provided him with valuable on-the-job training and experience.
These roles helped him refine his reporting skills and gain in-depth knowledge of political and national affairs.
Scholarships and Support
In January 2023, Bennett established a scholarship at Morehouse College for students majoring in English and journalism, highlighting his commitment to supporting the next generation of journalists.
Geoff Bennett Career
Bennett began his career covering Capitol Hill and other critical political beats, building a reputation as a thoughtful and thorough journalist.
He joined NBC News as a White House Correspondent, covering major political developments.
In 2022, Bennett took on the role of Chief Washington Correspondent for PBS NewsHour and anchor for PBS News Weekend.
His work on PBS allows him to delve into investigative reporting and detailed interviews with key figures in American politics, making him a trusted voice in public affairs.
Here’s a detailed look at his career journey:
Early Career
Geoff Bennett began his journalism career with an internship at ABC News during his senior year at Morehouse College.
This opportunity led to his first job as an off-air production assistant for World News Tonight, where he gained valuable experience in news production.
ABC News
Bennett’s early career at ABC News laid the foundation for his future success.
He worked his way up to become an associate producer, contributing to various news programs and honing his skills in journalism.
NPR
In 2007, Bennett joined NPR in Los Angeles as a digital producer and editor for the program News & Notes.
His role involved producing content and occasionally appearing on-air. He then moved to Washington, D.C. in 2009 to work as an editor for Weekend Edition, further expanding his experience in radio journalism.
Time Warner Cable News Channels
Starting in 2013, Bennett reported on-camera from Washington, D.C., for NY1 News and other Time Warner Cable news channels.
His coverage included significant political events and provided him with extensive experience in front of the camera.
Return to NPR
In 2017, Bennett returned to NPR as an on-air reporter based in Washington, D.C.
He covered Congress and the White House, offering insightful analysis and reporting on key political developments.
His time at NPR solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable journalist.
NBC News
Later in 2017, Bennett joined NBC News as a White House correspondent.
He reported on the Trump administration and significant political events, contributing to both NBC News and MSNBC.
His work included coverage of presidential elections, policy changes, and other critical national stories.
PBS NewsHour
In November 2021, Bennett made a significant move to PBS NewsHour, where he took on the role of Chief Washington Correspondent and anchor of PBS News Weekend.
His responsibilities include leading the network’s coverage of political events and providing in-depth reporting and analysis.
Geoff Bennett has reported on numerous significant stories throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable and significant reports:
- Israel-Hamas War: Bennett and the PBS NewsHour team were honored with a Peabody Award in 2024 for their coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. His reporting provided in-depth analysis and human stories from the conflict zone.
- U.S. Postal Service Delivery Delays: While at NBC News, Bennett earned recognition for his exclusive and in-depth reporting on the delivery delays at the U.S. Postal Service during the Trump administration. His coverage highlighted the impact of these delays on the American public.
- First Trump Impeachment Inquiry: Bennett provided extensive coverage of the first impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump, offering detailed analysis and insights into the political and legal proceedings.
- Migrant Family Separation Policy: He reported on the controversial migrant family separation policy under the Trump administration, shedding light on the human impact and legal challenges of the policy.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: During his time at NBC, Bennett covered the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the challenges faced by healthcare systems and the distribution of vaccines.
- Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cuts: Bennett reported on the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates amid economic challenges, providing analysis on how these changes would affect the economy and the public.
- Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: In 2024, Bennett spoke with Jeremy Konyndyk, president of Refugees International, about the difficulties of getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and the devastating impact of the conflict on the local population.
These stories showcase Bennett’s commitment to in-depth reporting and his ability to bring critical issues to the forefront.
Geoff Bennett works with a talented team of journalists at PBS NewsHour. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Yamiche Alcindor: White House Correspondent, known for her insightful reporting on political and social issues.
- William Brangham: Correspondent, who covers a wide range of topics including health, science, and international affairs.
- Jeffrey Brown: Chief Correspondent for Arts, Culture, and Society, providing in-depth coverage of cultural and artistic developments.
- Lisa Desjardins: Capitol Hill Correspondent, focusing on the intricacies of legislative processes and political developments.
- Nicole Ellis: Digital Anchor and Correspondent, who brings stories to life through digital platforms.
- Ali Rogin: Producer, who plays a crucial role in shaping and presenting news stories.
- Hari Sreenivasan: Senior Correspondent, known for his versatile reporting across various beats.
- Stephanie Sy: Anchor and Reporter, who covers a range of topics from breaking news to in-depth features.
This team of dedicated journalists collaborates to provide comprehensive and reliable news coverage.
Geoff Bennett with Hair
Geoff Bennett is known for his clean-shaven look, as he shaves his head completely bald. This has become his signature style, and he maintains it consistently.
There isn’t much information available about why he chooses to shave his head, but it’s a look that he’s comfortable with and has become part of his public persona.
Geoff Bennett’s Weight Loss
Geoff Bennett has not publicly shared details about his weight loss journey, so there isn’t specific information available about any weight loss he may have undergone.
However, he has covered stories related to weight loss and obesity, including the surge in demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
His reporting on these topics highlights the challenges and successes people face in their weight loss journeys.
Geoff Bennett Wife
Geoff Bennett is married to Carolyn Elizabeth “Beth” Bennett (née Perry). They exchanged vows on July 24, 2010, at Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia. The couple has one son, and they reside in the Washington, D.C. area.
As for hobbies, Geoff and his family enjoy spending time together, often engaging in outdoor activities and exploring the cultural offerings of the D.C. area. They also share a love for reading and staying informed about current events.
Geoff Bennett Salary | Net Worth
Geoff Bennett’s annual salary is estimated to be in the range of $100,000 to $150,000, reflective of his senior role at PBS.
His net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, largely accrued from his years in journalism and his current role at PBS NewsHour.
This wealth also has been accumulated through his extensive career as a reporter, anchor, and correspondent for various reputable news organizations.
Is Geoff Bennett Married?
Yes, Geoff Bennett is married to Carolyn Elizabeth “Beth” Bennett (née Perry). They have one son and live in the Washington, D.C. area.
Does Geoff Bennett Have Cancer?
There is no public information indicating that Geoff Bennett has cancer. He appears to be in good health and continues to actively work as a journalist at PBS NewsHour.
How Old Is Geoff Bennett?
Geoff Bennett is 44 years old, having been born on April 25, 1980.
Where Is Geoff Bennett?
Geoff Bennett is based in Washington, D.C., where he serves as the Chief Washington Correspondent for PBS NewsHour and anchors PBS News Weekend.
At PBS NewsHour, Geoff enjoys diving into the digital front pages of major newspapers, flipping through morning shows, and scrolling through Beltway newsletters to stay updated.
He also finds his one-mile run in Northern Virginia to be a great way to generate ideas and start his day productively
His work keeps him in the heart of U.S. politics, where he provides in-depth coverage of national issues.
Geoff Bennett is active on social media, where he engages with audiences on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
He often shares updates, insights into his work, and perspectives on current events, helping him connect with viewers beyond the newsroom.
