Cheryl Burton Bio: Net Worth, Career, And Life Journey

Cheryl Burton is an award-winning American television news anchor best known for her decades-long tenure at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV). Born on December 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, she has built a prominent media career spanning over thirty years. Her professional trajectory bridges early roles as a Chicago Honey Bears cheerleader and cable television host to becoming a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist anchoring high-profile evening and digital newscasts.

Financial estimates place Cheryl Burton's net worth between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated primarily through her long-standing role as a top-tier news anchor in America's third-largest media market. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, her public profile extends beyond news desks into extensive community advocacy, youth mentoring, and health awareness campaigns.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Born at Provident Hospital on the South Side of Chicago, Burton grew up in a civically engaged household. She was the fourth of five children born to Hattie Burton, a Chicago Public Schools teacher, and Simpson Burton, a United States Air Force veteran.

• Secondary Education: She attended Lindblom Technical High School (now Lindblom Math and Science Academy), graduating in 1980 with a record of perfect attendance and serving as cheerleading captain.
• Higher Education: She enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology.
• Affiliations: During her undergraduate years, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 2007, she became the first alumna inducted into her high school's hall of fame.

Transition from Entertainment to Broadcast Journalism

Before entering daily television newsrooms, Burton explored multiple facets of the entertainment and performance industries. In the early 1980s, she performed as a professional dancer and cheerleader, joining the Chicago Honey Bears squad for the Chicago Bears football team from 1983 to 1986. She also appeared as a contestant on the popular television show Star Search and hosted a local cable program titled Simply Elegant.

Her official transition to broadcast journalism began in the late 1980s:

1. WGN-TV (1989): Co-anchored MBR: The Minority Business Report, a nationally syndicated weekly series focusing on business and minority enterprise.
2. WMBD-TV (1990): Worked as a general assignment reporter in Peoria, Illinois.
3. KWCH-DT (1990–1992): Served as a weeknight news anchor for the CBS affiliate in Wichita, Kansas, sharpening her live-anchoring capabilities.

The ABC7 Chicago Legacy

In 1992, Burton returned to her hometown to join WLS-TV (ABC7 Chicago) as a weekend co-anchor and reporter. Over the next three decades, she cemented her status as a fixture of Chicago media.

She covered major historical milestones, including the inauguration of President Barack Obama and the local impact of national crises. In 2003, station executives promoted her to weekday co-anchor for the 5 p.m. newscast alongside veteran anchors like Ron Magers and Kathy Brock. Following Kathy Brock's retirement in 2018, Burton expanded her anchor duties, eventually taking on prominent roles across the station's evening broadcasts and digital platforms alongside colleagues like Rob Elgas and Ravi Baichwal.

Throughout her career, she earned widespread peer recognition, collecting multiple regional Emmy Awards and accolades from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for her sensitive reporting on complex community events, such as her coverage of the Million Man March.

Net Worth and Lifestyle Factors

While precise private financial disclosures aren't public record, industry analysts and media profiles estimate Cheryl Burton's net worth to fall in the $1 million to $5 million range.

• Primary Income Source: Long-term contracts as a lead anchor for an ABC-owned television station in a major media market.
• Secondary Ventures: Paid public speaking engagements, appearances for local charitable fashion shows, and contributions to regional educational initiatives.
• Personal Life: She was previously married to fellow media personality Jim Rose. Outside the studio, she maintains a private personal life while remaining visible through her community work.

Community Leadership and Advocacy

Burton dedicates significant time outside the newsroom to civic organizations across Illinois. Her philanthropic footprint concentrates on health advocacy, youth development, and mentorship.

• Life with Lupus Guild: She serves as a board member, raising awareness and funding for lupus research and patient support.
• Chicago Public Schools: She frequently speaks to students, encouraging literacy, discipline, and career readiness.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: She participates in outreach programs aimed at providing safe after-school environments for at-risk youth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheryl Burton's current role at ABC7?

She anchors weekday evening and digital newscasts for ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV), partnering with co-anchors on broadcasts such as the 5 p.m. and digital news segments.

Where did Cheryl Burton go to college?

She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology.

Did Cheryl Burton work as a cheerleader?

Yes. Before her career in news broadcasting, she cheered for the Chicago Bears as a member of the Chicago Honey Bears squad from 1983 to 1986.

How many Emmy Awards has she won?

She is a multiple-time regional Emmy Award winner, reflecting decades of excellence in live news broadcasting and investigative reporting.