John Yang Biography: Award-Winning PBS News Weekend Anchor and Journalist
John Eric Yang is a prominent American journalist and commentator. He is known for his work as the anchor of PBS News Weekend and as a national correspondent for PBS NewsHour.
With a career spanning over three decades, Yang has reported on some of the most pivotal stories both in the U.S. and internationally, making significant contributions to broadcast journalism.
Early Life and Education
John Eric Yang was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. He attended Western Reserve Academy, a private boarding school in Hudson, Ohio, and graduated in 1975.
Yang went on to Wesleyan University, where he graduated cum laude in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree.
Journalistic Career
Yang’s career in journalism spans several decades and includes stints at prestigious news outlets:
- The Boston Globe
- Time Magazine
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Washington Post
- ABC News
- NBC News
- PBS NewsHour
He has covered a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, and international affairs. His reporting has taken him across the globe, from the halls of Congress to the Middle East.
Notable Achievements
Yang has been recognized for his exceptional work with several awards, including:
- News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Coverage of a Current News Story – Long Form
- George Foster Peabody Award
- Edward R. Murrow Award
Current Role
- Anchor of PBS News Weekend: Since December 31, 2022, Yang has been the anchor of PBS News Weekend, a role that involves covering major national issues from Washington, D.C., and across the country.
- Correspondent for PBS NewsHour: Yang continues to serve as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour, focusing on the Supreme Court and other significant national issues.
- Board Member at Wesleyan University: Yang also serves as a trustee on the board of trustees at Wesleyan University.
Awards and Honors
Yang’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including two Peabody Awards, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and an Emmy.
John Yang Age
John Yang was born on February 10, 1958, which makes him 66 years old as of 2024. He is an American of Asian descent and holds U.S. nationality. Yang’s zodiac sign is Aquarius.
John Yang Family
John Yang was born and raised in Chillicothe, Ohio, in a Chinese-American family. His parents, who immigrated to the United States, encouraged him to value education and stay connected to his cultural heritage.
Yang has frequently mentioned how his family’s background and experiences as immigrants have influenced his understanding of cultural identity and shaped his empathetic approach to journalism.
His early years in Ohio laid the foundation for a career focused on uncovering diverse stories and addressing complex social issues.
John Yang Education
John Yang attended Wesleyan University, a prestigious liberal arts institution, where he graduated with a degree in government in 1978.
During his time at Wesleyan, Yang developed an interest in politics, international relations, and storytelling, which led him to pursue journalism.
His university years were instrumental in helping him cultivate the skills that would later define his career.
He has credited his academic experiences with nurturing his analytical abilities and sense of curiosity.
John Yang Career
John Yang began his journalism career as a reporter for The Boston Globe before transitioning to broadcast journalism.
He initially worked with NBC News, where he served in various capacities, including as a correspondent and reporter in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
His career at NBC spanned more than a decade and allowed him to cover major political stories and international events.
Yang joined ABC News as a correspondent in 1999, where he reported on numerous high-profile events, including the Iraq War, and provided extensive coverage of presidential campaigns.
His insightful reporting gained widespread recognition, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted journalist.
In 2009, Yang joined PBS NewsHour, where he initially served as a national correspondent, covering a wide range of stories, including domestic issues, health, and the environment.
In 2022, he became the anchor of PBS News Weekend, a position that allows him to delve into critical issues facing the nation and conduct in-depth interviews with influential figures.
His work with PBS has been lauded for its thoughtfulness, rigor, and depth.
Throughout his career, Yang has received multiple awards, including an Emmy and a Peabody, underscoring his commitment to journalistic excellence.
John Yang has had a distinguished career with numerous notable achievements:
- Peabody Awards: Yang has been part of teams that received two Peabody Awards for their outstanding reporting. One was for ABC News’ coverage of the September 11 attacks, and another for NBC News’ coverage of poverty in America.
- Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards: He has also been part of teams that received two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for their exceptional journalism.
- Emmy Awards: Yang has contributed to broadcasts that have won Emmy Awards for their excellence in news reporting.
- Edward R. Murrow Award: His reporting on tornado devastation in Alabama was included in an NBC Nightly News broadcast that received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.
- Coverage of Major Events: Yang has covered significant events such as the George W. Bush presidential campaign, the Al Gore campaign during the Florida election recount, and the death of Pope John Paul II.
- Middle East Correspondent: While working for ABC News, Yang served as the Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, covering major developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Current Role at PBS: Since December 31, 2022, Yang has been the anchor of PBS News Weekend and a correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, covering major national issues from Washington, D.C., and across the country.
John Yang works with several talented colleagues at PBS NewsHour. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Kate Sullivan: Anchor
- Stephanie Sy: Anchor
- Hari Sreenivasan: Anchor
- Paul Solman: Economics Correspondent
- Lisa Desjardins: Correspondent
These colleagues contribute to the dynamic and collaborative environment at PBS NewsHour, making it a leading source for news and analysis
John Yang Partner
John Yang is openly gay and has been since 2003. However, he keeps his personal life private, and there is no public information about him having a partner. He prefers to keep his personal details away from the media.
John Yang Salary | Net Worth
John Yang’s salary and net worth are estimated based on his extensive career in journalism.
As of 2024, his annual salary as a correspondent at PBS NewsHour ranges from $50,000 to $350,000.
Over the years, Yang has accumulated an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million, primarily through his long-standing career in journalism. His career as a journalist contributed significantly to his income and professional reputation.
Is John Yang Married?
John Yang is openly gay and has been since 2003. However, he keeps his personal life private, and there is no public information about him having a partner.
How Old Is John Yang?
John Yang was born on February 10, 1958, making him 66 years old as of 2024.
Where Is John Yang?
John Yang currently resides in Washington, D.C., where he works as the anchor of PBS News Weekend and a national correspondent for PBS NewsHour.
In his role, Yang continues to cover major national and international stories, lending his perspective and experience to PBS’s highly regarded news programming.
John Yang is active on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where he shares insights on current events, provides updates on his work with PBS NewsHour, and engages with viewers.
While he maintains a professional focus on his social media presence, his posts offer a glimpse into his perspectives on newsworthy topics and current affairs.
