50 Facts About Katy Tur

Early Life and Education

Katy Tur's journey into journalism began early, influenced by her family's background and her own academic pursuits.

1. Early Life: Born on October 26, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, Katy Tur grew up in a household deeply rooted in journalism. Her parents, Zoey Tur and Marika Gerrard, were both journalists.
2. Education: Tur graduated from Brentwood School in 2001. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2005.
3. Family Background: Tur is of Jewish descent. She has spoken publicly about her complex relationship with her parents, particularly her father, Zoey Tur, who is also a journalist.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Tur cut her teeth in local television and took on adventurous roles.

4. Career Beginnings: Tur started her career in local television, working at stations like KTLA, HD News/Cablevision, News 12 Brooklyn, WPIX-TV, and Fox 5 New York.
5. The Weather Channel: She worked as a storm chaser for The Weather Channel on the network's VORTEX2 team, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
6. NBC News: In 2009, Tur joined NBC's local station in New York City, WNBC-TV. She quickly rose to prominence with her coverage of significant events like the March 2008 crane collapse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
7. AP’s Best Spot News Award: Tur was awarded the AP’s Best Spot News Award for her coverage of the crane collapse.

National and International Reporting

Tur's career took a significant leap as she transitioned to national and international reporting.

8. National Coverage: Tur's work at NBC News transitioned to national coverage, where she reported on high-profile stories including the death of Cory Monteith and the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.
9. Trump Campaign Correspondent: In 2016, Tur was embedded with the Donald Trump presidential campaign as a reporter for NBC News. This assignment made her a target for Trump's criticism during campaign rallies.
10. Verbal Harassment: During her time covering the Trump campaign, Tur faced verbal harassment from Trump supporters on several occasions, including an event in Florida where she was booed by the crowd.
11. Walter Cronkite Award: In 2017, Tur received the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism for her reporting on Donald Trump’s first campaign for President.
12. Edward R. Murrow Award: In 2022, Tur received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage of the January 6th insurrection.
13. Gracie Award: Tur has also received a Gracie Award for her reporting on the Sandy Hook massacre.
14. Emmy Award: Additionally, she has been awarded an Emmy for her coverage of Hurricane Irene.

Author and Anchor

Tur's career expanded beyond reporting as she became an author and a prominent anchor.

15. Author: Tur is a New York Times bestselling author, having written two books: “Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History” and “Rough Draft: A Memoir.”
16. MSNBC Anchor: Since 2021, Tur has anchored “Katy Tur Reports” weekdays at 3 p.m. eastern on MSNBC.
17. International Reporting: Before focusing on domestic politics, Tur worked as a foreign correspondent for NBC News based in London. She covered international affairs, terrorism, natural disasters, human interest stories, and tragedy across various countries.

Personal Life

Tur's personal life has also been a subject of public interest, from her relationships to her family dynamics.

18. Writing Contributions: Tur’s writing has appeared in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine’s The Cut, and Marie Claire.
19. Personal Life: Tur was in a relationship with MSNBC political commentator and sportscaster Keith Olbermann from 2006 to 2009. During this time, Olbermann played a significant role in her career, editing and advising many of her reports.
20. Marriage and Children: In October 2017, Tur married Tony Dokoupil, a correspondent for CBS News. They have two children together: Theodore Dokoupil and Eloise Judy Bear Dokoupil.
21. Stepchildren: Dokoupil has two stepchildren from his previous marriage.
22. Language Skills: Tur is fluent in Spanish, which has been an asset in her international reporting assignments.

Community and Ethical Reporting

Tur's commitment to community engagement and ethical reporting has been a cornerstone of her career.

23. Community Engagement: Tur has been involved in various community activities and has spoken about the importance of community engagement in her work and personal life.
24. Philosophical Background: Her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy has influenced her approach to journalism, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical reporting.
25. Journalistic Ethics: Tur has spoken publicly about the challenges of maintaining journalistic ethics in the face of intense public scrutiny and political pressure.
26. Parental Influence: Growing up with journalist parents, Tur was exposed to the demands and risks associated with the profession from an early age.
27. Family Farm Experience: Although Tur did not grow up on a farm herself, her husband Tony Dokoupil has a background in farming, which they have discussed in interviews about their family life and values.
28. Community Commitment: Tur’s commitment to community is evident in her work and personal life, reflecting her parents' values of community service and public interest journalism.
29. Agricultural Business: The Earth Art Nursery & Tree Farm, owned by Gary and Diana Wesley, is an example of a community-driven agricultural business that Tur might appreciate for its commitment to preserving rural character and providing green spaces.

Coverage of Major Events

Tur has reported on some of the most significant events of our time, showcasing her versatility and dedication.

30. Natural Disasters Coverage: Tur’s experience covering natural disasters such as Hurricane Irene has highlighted her ability to report on critical and often traumatic events with sensitivity and professionalism.
31. Terrorism Reporting: Her coverage of terrorism has demonstrated her capacity to handle complex and sensitive topics with accuracy and respect for the victims and their families.
32. Human Interest Stories: Tur has also reported on numerous human interest stories, showcasing her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and tell compelling narratives.

Reflections and Awards

Tur's reflections on her career and the numerous awards she has received highlight her impact on journalism.

33. Trump Campaign Reflections: In her book “Unbelievable,” Tur reflects on her experiences covering the Trump campaign, including the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned about the role of the press in a democratic society.
34. Journalistic Awards: Tur’s numerous awards and recognitions, including the Walter Cronkite Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award, underscore her dedication to excellence in journalism.
35. Public Speaking: Tur is an accomplished public speaker, often sharing her insights on journalism, ethics, and her personal experiences at various forums and events.
36. Media Appearances: Beyond her work on MSNBC, Tur has appeared on other media platforms such as CNN and The New York Times, further expanding her reach and influence.
37. Writing Style: Tur’s writing style, as evident in her books, is characterized by her candid and reflective approach to storytelling, making her work relatable and engaging for a wide audience.

Professional Network and Ethics

Tur's professional network and commitment to ethical reporting have been crucial to her success.

38. Professional Network: Tur’s professional network includes prominent figures in journalism and politics, reflecting her extensive experience in the field and her ability to build strong relationships with sources and colleagues.
39. Ethical Reporting: Tur emphasizes the importance of ethical reporting, often discussing the challenges of maintaining objectivity in a polarized media environment.
40. Community Impact: Through her work and public appearances, Tur has made a significant impact on various communities, inspiring young journalists and promoting the value of community-driven reporting.

Personal Growth and Family Dynamics

Tur's personal growth and complex family dynamics have shaped her career and personal life.

41. Personal Growth: Tur’s journey from a local television reporter to a national anchor has been marked by personal growth and professional development, reflecting her resilience and adaptability in the face of changing media landscapes.
42. Family Dynamics: Tur’s relationship with her parents, particularly her father Zoey Tur, has been a subject of public interest. Her book “Rough Draft” provides a detailed account of their complex family dynamics and her experiences growing up as a journalist’s daughter.
43. Media Criticism: Tur has faced criticism from some quarters for her coverage of the Trump campaign and her handling of certain situations during her reporting. However, she has consistently maintained that her role is to report the facts accurately and fairly.
44. Public Perception: Despite the challenges she has faced, Tur remains a respected figure in the media landscape, known for her professionalism and dedication to her craft.
45. Journalistic Integrity: Tur’s commitment to journalistic integrity is evident in her reporting style, which prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

Adapting to Media Evolution

Tur has successfully navigated the evolving media landscape, maintaining her core values while adapting to new challenges.

46. Media Evolution: Tur has navigated the evolving media landscape with ease, adapting to new technologies and changing audience preferences while maintaining her core values of ethical reporting.
47. Public Engagement: Through social media and public appearances, Tur engages with her audience, fostering a sense of community and encouraging dialogue about important issues.
48. Educational Background: Tur’s educational background in Philosophy has influenced her approach to journalism, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
49. Community Involvement: Tur’s involvement in various community activities reflects her commitment to using her platform for positive change and community service.
50. Legacy in Journalism: As a pioneering female journalist in a male-dominated field, Katy Tur has left a lasting legacy in journalism, inspiring future generations of reporters and anchors with her dedication and perseverance.

Katy Tur's Impact on Journalism

Katy Tur has made a lasting mark on journalism. From her early days at local TV stations to her role as an MSNBC anchor, she's shown resilience and dedication. Covering major events like the Trump campaign and natural disasters, Tur has faced challenges head-on, earning respect and numerous awards along the way.

Her books, "Unbelievable" and "Rough Draft," offer a candid look at her experiences, both personal and professional. Tur's commitment to ethical reporting and community engagement sets her apart in a crowded field. Her journey from a local reporter to a national figure is a testament to her hard work and adaptability.

As she continues to anchor "Katy Tur Reports" and contribute to major publications, Tur's influence in journalism will undoubtedly grow. Her story inspires future journalists to pursue truth and integrity in their work.