Tanja Babich
The Emmy Award-winning anchor brings a wealth of morning news experience and a rich cultural perspective to Chicago viewers. Babich is the Canadian-born daughter to immigrant parents from Chile and Serbia, and came to the U.S. as a first-generation college student. She proudly spoke about her heritage and living the "American Dream" when she became a United States citizen in April 2013.
Before coming to Eyewitness News, Babich anchored Syracuse, New York's top-rated morning newscast on WSYR-TV for three years. Prior to that, she juggled morning news reporting with hosting the market's only weekday morning talk show, Bridge Street, which highlighted community events, people and trends.
Babich's most exhilarating news experience involved an almost hour-and-a-half-long flight with the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds, at one point, clocking 9.4Gs! Her stomach isn't well-suited for stunt-flying, but her sense of adventure is. Other career highlights include following Pope Francis on his first visit to the U.S., reporting from President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009, and helping thousands of tradesmen and women to track down the person responsible for half-a-billion-dollars of labor union losses in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. Above all, it has been the challenge and honor of her career, helping Chicago-area viewers to navigate the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and modern civil rights movement.
After graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government, Babich - who is fluent in French and speaks conversational Spanish and Serbian - nearly became an intelligence officer. A fortuitously timed public speaking engagement captured the attention of a city official who suggested a career in broadcasting instead. Within weeks, Babich applied, and was ultimately accepted, to the Master's Degree program at Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism.
Babich is acutely aware of the privilege afforded by her work and tries to pay it forward. She is a board member of HFS Chicago Scholars, which provides financial and mentoring support to deserving area high school students, and she is also the founder of Lake Affect Chicago, a kids camping retreat in partnership with The Wood Family Foundation and Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, WI. Babich has also enjoyed lending her voice to narrate the stories of exceptional women in history on two episodes of the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls podcast.
Babich is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three daughters.
Find Tanja on Facebook and Instagram: @tanjababich
Twitter: @BabichABC7
Tanja's Stories
Our Chicago: What to know about the proposed 'bell-to-bell' school cell phone ban
Illinois is moving toward a statewide "bell-to-bell" school cell phone ban with SB 2424, a move proponents say works by eliminating digital distractions and ensuring students remain focused on safety and engagement.
Cardinal Cupich speaks on Trump's recent criticism of Pope Leo, reflects on Pope Francis' legacy
In a one-on-one interview with ABC7's Tanja Babich, Cupich reflected on Pope Francis' legacy and spoke on Trump's criticisms of Pope Leo.
Amazon's new big box prototype Orland Park residents, officials weigh in
Coffee Chat: A massive Amazon development is coming to Orland Park. But not everyone is ready to sign off on that big box delivery just yet.
Former Joliet bishop Ronald Hicks installed as new archbishop of New York Archdiocese
Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks became the new leader of the New York Archdiocese on Friday.
Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks prepares for installation Mass, to lead New York Archdiocese
Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks will officially take over as Archbishop of New York during an installation Mass Friday afternoon.
Chicago-area native Bobbi Brown talks finding way to makeup industry while navigating motherhood
She built a beauty empire, creating makeup that enhanced women's beauty instead of trying to change the way they look.
South Loop's Game Changer: Inside 'The 78', Chicago Fire Stadium
Coffee Chat: What's brewing in the South Loop? Tanja visits Overflow at 14th and Michigan for all the tea and hot topics.
Chicago radio personality Paulina Roe reclaiming shameful 'no sabo' label
"No sabo" kids? If you know, you know the cultural baggage that label carries. Chicago radio personality and mom Paulina Roe is clapping back and changing the conversation.
ABC7 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with 'Our Chicago: El Sueño Americano'
ABC7 Chicago's Hispanic Heritage Month special "El Sueño Americano" explores the meaning of the "American Dream" through the lens of Hispanic and Latin communities.
Our Chicago: New film office commissioner wants to keep talent in the Windy City
Our Chicago: No need to go Hollywood for your big break. Chicago's movie scene is growing and creating home-grown stars in front and behind the camera.