• Cheryl Burton is an American journalist and news anchor for WLS-TV and ABC affiliated television.
• She was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1962 and attended Lindblom Technical High School and University of Illinois.
• She started her career in media in an unconventional way through the national talent show “Star Search”.
• She has been nominated and won various awards such as the 2005 Sisters in the Spirit Award, the National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence International and the 2009 Procter & Gamble Award.
• Her net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
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Who is Cheryl Burton?
Cheryl Burton is an American journalist and news anchor working for WLS-TV, an ABC affiliated television. She is best known for anchoring the 5 p.m. news beside Alan Krashesky, her fellow journalist.
Cheryl Burton – Age, Early Life, Family, and Education Background
Cheryl was born under the Capricorn Zodiac sign on 25 December 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, USA , so an American by nationality and of white ethnicity. She’s the daughter of Neil Peter Burton, an advocate consultant. and Lilian Burton, a house decorator. Cheryl was brought up alongside her three siblings, brother William and two sisters, ino a religious family, and Cheryl is still a staunch Christian.
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Regarding her educational background, Sheryl was enrolled into Lindblom Technical High School in Illinois from where she matriculated in 1981. She was more talented in athletics rather than in class, and took part in sports such as running and high jump in her school team. Afterwards, Sheryl joined the University of Illinois to study Biology, and graduated with a minor in Psychology. In 2007, she had her name listed in her school’s hall of fame.
Burton Professional Career and Rise to Stardom
Cheryl got into media in an unconventional way. She went for the national talent show “Star Search” as a contestant, being broadcast throughout the country, and featuring some of the most talented performers of all ages and from all backgrounds; it served as the perfect way for starting the careers of many stage performers and musicians. Cheryl used this opportunity to help boost her career, and become one of the most popular television journalists. She began her career as a broadcaster in 1989 in Chicago, when she started working with WGN-TV as the Minority Business Report (MBR) co-anchor.
#HappyMonday Its Fall Y'all🍁🍁#FirstDayofFall🍁
Welcome to a new week and a new season filled with unlimited possibilities! Fall in love with #Autumn🍁🍂🍁🍂🧡🧡 See you at 5 & 10 on @ABC7Chicago📺📺
Have a blessed week!🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/auXvcbtJFx— Cheryl Burton (@BurtonABC7) September 23, 2019
Later, Cheryl joined KWCH-DT in Wichita, Kansas where she worked for two years from 1990 to 1992, when she moved to join WLS-TV as their weekend co-anchor and reporter. Somewhat unusually for a broadcast journalist, she’s remained at the same station for more than 20 years now. In 2003 she was promoted to 5 p.m. co-anchor on weekdays, and 10 p.m. as a contributing anchor alongside Kathy Brock and Ron Magers. Eventually in 2018, she became the anchor in the late night time slot. Apart from working on television, Cheryl was also a cheerleader, and worked with Chicago Honey Bears squad for the Chicago Bears American Football team between 1983 and 1986.
This award-winning journalist also worked as a special education teacher. Although she’d been offered numerous job opportunities, Cheryl decided on WLS-TV as it was regarded as the best network in that area. Initially, when Cheryl joined college, she wanted to become a doctor, studying everything she needed to pursue a career in medicine and earned good grades.
However, her dreams took a different path when she found herself working with WGN-TV as a co-anchor, and has also been working as a reporter/anchor for over two decades. Cheryl is known to have a heart of gold.
She was the first one to receive the 2005 Sisters in the Spirit Award. Also, in 2008, Sheryl won the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) Salute to Excellence International. Due to Cheryl continued support in community service, she was rewarded with the 2009 Procter & Gamble Award. Over the years, she’s also received various other awards for her exceptional work as a journalist.
Cheryl is a Chicago Public Schools students’ public speaker too, and as a fashionista, has participated in various fashion shows, including the Rush-Presbyterian/St. Luke’s fashion show. Cheryl is also a Life with Lupus Guild board member.
Cheryl Burton Personal Life, Married, Divorce, and Children
Regarding her dating life, Cheryl dated Jim Rose, an ABC7 sports reporter, from the early 1980s when working as a Chicago Bears cheerleader. In 1986, Jim proposed to Cheryl with an engagement ring. They married the same year in a low-key wedding that was attended only by their family and close friends. However, after nine years, their once blissful marriage became sour, and they filed for a divorce in 1995, without disclosing what caused their rift.
As of now, Burton is believed to be unmarried and living a single life. She seems to be dedicating all her life and energy to her career.
On the other hand, Jim re-married to Lekesha Draine in 2011, with whom he has two children. Cheryl doesn’t have any children.
On 23 April 2008, Cheryl was physically assaulted while on her dinner break. As she was walking near the State Street and Washington St., a man identified as Gregory Perdue, punched Cheryl and knocked her to the ground injuring her head in the process. At first, Cheryl thought she had been shot. A CAT Scan and an X-Ray showed no extensive damage. However, following the attack, Cheryl suffered from headaches for several months. Perdue was charged with five counts of assault, including of four other women, and was subsequently sent to the Department of Mental Health.
Cheryl Burton Body Measurements and Features
Cheryl is 5ft. 7in. tall with a great physique, however, she hasn’t disclosed her weight, but she is known for her slim figure and strong legs. Cheryl’s hair is dark brown and her eyes are brown too.
Cheryl Burton Salary and Net Worth
Cheryl is among the long-standing and most experienced WLS-TV employees, which means that she earns more than most journalists working in the same station. The average salary of an ABC news anchor is estimated to be $83,300. According to reputable sources, Cheryl Burton’s net worth is estimated to be over $1 million, as of mid-2024.
