Monica Kaufman Net Worth, Bio, Age, Family
Monica Jones Kaufman Pearson is a trailblazing American journalist and news anchor, renowned for being the first female and African-American evening news anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta, where she served for 37 years.
Monica Kaufman Net Worth
$7 million
Quick Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Full Name |
Monica Jones Kaufman Pearson |
|
Date of Birth |
October 20, 1947 |
|
Age |
77 (as of May 2025) |
|
Nationality |
American |
|
Ethnicity |
African-American |
|
Height |
5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) |
|
Profession |
Journalist, News Anchor |
|
Known For |
Anchor for Channel 2 Action News at WSB-TV; First female and African-American evening news anchor in Atlanta |
|
Active Years |
1975–2012 |
Early Life
Monica Jones Kaufman Pearson was born on October 20, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. She grew up in a supportive family, with her mother, Hattie Wallace Jones Edmondson, being one of the first African-American women employees at the Louisville Post Office.
Education
Monica earned a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville and later pursued a Master’s in Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, laying a strong foundation for her journalism career.
Career
Monica began her career at local black-owned radio stations in high school, later working at WHAS-TV and the Louisville Times. Her breakthrough came in 1975 when she joined WSB-TV in Atlanta, becoming the first female and African-American evening news anchor. She retired in 2012 after a 37-year career, earning over 30 local and Southern Regional Emmy Awards.
Notable Works
Monica Kaufman’s Closeups (interview segment featuring world leaders and celebrities), University of Georgia Broadcaster of the Year (2001), Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ Citizen Broadcaster (1992), over 30 local and Southern Regional Emmy Awards.
Net Worth
Monica’s estimated net worth is $7 million as of 2024–2025, derived from her journalism career, book deals, public speaking, endorsements, and investments. She reportedly earned a six-figure salary during her tenure at WSB-TV, among the highest-paid anchors in Georgia TV.
Family
Monica was born to Hattie Wallace Jones Edmondson, a pioneering African-American employee at the Louisville Post Office. She married John E. Pearson Sr., a former DeKalb County assistant police chief, in 2005.
Personal Life
Monica is a breast cancer survivor and actively advocates for health awareness. She is recognized as a trailblazer for women and African-Americans in broadcast journalism, serving as a mentor and role model in the industry.
Philanthropy
Monica is deeply committed to health advocacy, particularly in raising awareness for breast cancer, drawing from her personal experience as a survivor. She also supports initiatives promoting diversity and education in journalism.
Recent Updates
Monica continues to engage audiences by hosting a weekly radio show and conducting her Closeups interviews online, maintaining her influence in journalism.
Famous Quote
“Stay true to yourself and your values, because integrity is the foundation of a meaningful career.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
Monica Jones Kaufman Pearson’s pioneering career and dedication to journalism have left an indelible mark on the industry. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women and African-Americans, combined with her ongoing contributions through radio and online platforms, continues to inspire future generations.
