Lynna Lai Biography: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist at WKYC
Lynna Lai is an American journalist who serves as an anchor and investigative reporter at WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio.
She joined 3News in April 2012 and anchors the weekday editions of 3News at 5 p.m. and the Sunday edition of 3News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Additionally, she is the Weekend Evening Managing Editor and part of the 3News Investigates team.
Lynna joined WKYC in April 2012. Her broadcasting career began at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, followed by stints at KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon, and WJW-TV in Cleveland, where she became the first Asian-American television reporter.
She has also worked at WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida, WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, and served as a freelance correspondent for ABC News and the BBC.
Her energetic personality and storytelling abilities have earned her 5 Emmy Awards for Best Spot News Reporting, along with an Emmy nomination for her investigative reporting.
She has also received two Associated Press awards for Best News Writing and Feature Reporting. Lynna was born in Chicago and grew up in Louisiana before moving to Northeast Ohio.
She is a graduate of Louisiana State University and lives on the west side of Cleveland with her husband and two daughters. If you’re ever chatting about football—college or NFL—Lynna would love to hear from you!
Lynna Lai Age
Lynna Lai was born on July 8, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois. She is around 47 years old as of 2025.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is of Asian ethnicity, specifically Chinese heritage. Lynna is American by nationality.
Lynna Lai Family
Lai was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Louisiana before her parents moved to Northeast Ohio.
While specific details about her family members are not widely available, she likely has supportive parents and possibly siblings.
Unfortunately, further information about her family remains undisclosed.
Lynna Lai Education
Lynna Lai attended and graduated from Louisiana State University.
During her time there, she received the LSU Honor Scholarship and a National Merit Scholarship award. Additionally, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Lynna Lai Wkyc | Channel 3 News
Lynna Lai is an Anchor and Reporter at WKYC studios in Cleveland, Ohio.
She joined 3News in April 2012 and currently anchors the weekday editions of 3News at 5 p.m. and the Sunday editions of 3News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Additionally, she serves as the Weekend Evening Managing Editor and is a key member of the 3News Investigates team as an investigative reporter.
Lynna began as a reporter at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, followed by a year at KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon.
She became the first Asian-American television reporter in Cleveland at WJW-TV before pursuing anchoring and reporting roles at WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida, and WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lynna has also worked as a freelance correspondent for ABC News and the BBC.
WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois
Lynna Lai’s career began at WMBD-TV, a CBS-affiliated station in Peoria, Illinois.
This was her first professional role in broadcasting, where she gained valuable experience in news reporting and storytelling.
At WMBD-TV, Lynna covered a variety of local news stories, honing her skills in live reporting, interviewing, and news writing.
This foundational experience provided her with the necessary skills to advance her career in journalism.
KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon
Lynna moved to KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon, where she continued to build on her reporting skills.
KGW-TV, an NBC-affiliated station, offered her the opportunity to work in a larger market.
Here, Lynna covered a wide range of news topics, from local community issues to significant events impacting the region.
Her work at KGW-TV helped her establish a reputation as a reliable and dedicated journalist.
WJW-TV in Cleveland, Ohio
At WJW-TV, Lynna made history as the first Asian-American television reporter in Cleveland.
This role was significant not only for her career but also for the representation of Asian-Americans in media.
WJW-TV, a Fox-affiliated station, provided Lynna with a platform to cover major news stories and connect with a diverse audience.
Her work at WJW-TV included investigative reporting, live coverage of breaking news, and human-interest stories, showcasing her versatility as a journalist.
WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida
Lynna’s move to WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida, marked another important step in her career.
At WTSP-TV, a CBS-affiliated station, she took on both anchoring and reporting roles.
This position allowed her to develop her on-air presence and further refine her reporting skills.
Lynna covered a variety of stories, from severe weather events to political developments, demonstrating her ability to handle complex and high-stakes news situations.
WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia
Joining WSB-TV in Atlanta, Lynna entered one of the largest news markets in the United States.
WSB-TV, an ABC-affiliated station, provided Lynna with the opportunity to work on major news stories with national significance.
Her reporting at WSB-TV included coverage of significant events such as natural disasters, political campaigns, and social issues.
Lynna’s work in Atlanta showcased her ability to report on diverse topics with depth and clarity.
WOIO-TV in Cleveland, Ohio
Returning to Cleveland, Lynna joined WOIO-TV as an anchor and reporter.
WOIO-TV, a CBS-affiliated station, marked her return to the city where she had previously made history.
At WOIO-TV, Lynna took on a prominent role, anchoring news broadcasts and reporting on key stories affecting the local community.
Her work included investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of significant local issues, reinforcing her commitment to high-quality journalism.
ABC News and BBC (Freelance Correspondent)
As a freelance correspondent for ABC News and the BBC, Lynna expanded her reporting to a national and international audience.
This role allowed her to cover stories of global significance, bringing important issues to the forefront.
Her work as a freelance correspondent demonstrated her ability to adapt to different media organizations and cover a wide range of topics, from international conflicts to global health crises.
WKYC in Cleveland, Ohio
Since April 2012, Lynna has been with WKYC in Cleveland. At WKYC, an NBC-affiliated station, she anchors the weekday editions of 3News at 5 p.m. and the Sunday editions of 3News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
In addition to her anchoring duties, Lynna serves as the lead investigative reporter for 3News Investigates.
Her work at WKYC has earned her multiple Emmy Awards and Associated Press awards, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication to journalism.
Lynna’s investigative reporting has uncovered important issues and brought about positive changes in the community.
Here are some of the anchors and reporters at WKYC Studios in Cleveland, Ohio:
- Dave Chudowsky: Dave Chudowsky anchors the morning show at WKYC.
- Jim Donovan: Jim Donovan is a Sports and News Anchor.
- Laura Caso: Laura Caso is an Anchor.
- Jay Crawford: Jay Crawford is an Anchor.
- Betsy Kling: Betsy Kling is the Chief Meteorologist and an Anchor.
- Matt Wintz: Matt Wintz is a Senior Meteorologist.
- Hollie Strano: Hollie Strano specializes in weather and social media.
- Anthony Copeland: Anthony Copeland is a Meteorologist.
- Monica Robins: Monica Robins is the Senior Health Correspondent, focusing on health and medicine news.
- Danielle Wiggins: Danielle Wiggins anchors the weekend edition of the GO! morning show and leads Education Station reporting
Lynna Lai Leaving Wkyc
As of now, there is no information suggesting that Lynna Lai is leaving WKYC.
She continues to serve as an anchor and reporter at the station, contributing to the 3News team with her energetic personality and storytelling abilities.
If there are any updates, they will likely be announced through official channels or news sources and we will keep you updated.
Lynna Lai Husband
Lynna Lai is happily married to her supportive and caring husband, Phil.
They began dating in 2001 and tied the knot in 2005 in a private wedding attended by family and friends.
Besides being a couple, they are also proud parents to their two beautiful daughters. Interestingly, Lynna’s daughters, who are years apart in age, were both born on the same day—26th.
Lynna Lai Salary | Net Worth
As for her salary, Lynna earns a decent income as a WKYC Channel 3News anchor in Ohio, Cleveland. Her average annual salary is between $70,000 to 160,000.
While specific comparisons to other anchors’ earnings are not readily available, Lynna’s contributions to WKYC highlight her impact and success as a journalist.
Lynna Lai has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million to $5 million. Her primary source of income comes from her successful career in journalism.
Is Lynna Lai Married
Lynna is happily married to her husband, Phil, and they have two beautiful daughters together.
While specific details about their family dynamics are not widely available, Lynna likely balances her busy career as a news anchor with spending quality time with her loved ones.
As a mother and wife, she likely cherishes family moments and strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment for her children.
How Old Is Lynna Lai
Lynna Lai is around 47 years old as of 2025. She was born on July 8, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States.
Where Is Lynna Lai
Lynna Lai currently holds several key roles at WKYC in Cleveland, Ohio.
She is an anchor and reporter, where she anchors the weekday edition of 3News at 5 p.m. and the Sunday edition of 3News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Additionally, Lynna serves as the lead investigative reporter for 3News Investigates.
Her energetic personality and dedication to storytelling have made her a well-respected figure in the news industry.
You can contact her at [email protected] and follow her on Instagram.
