Lauren Petty – NBC 5 Career, Departure, Husband, Education, and More
Who is Lauren Petty?
Lauren Petty is a well-known American journalist and former health and wellness reporter for NBC 5 WMAQ in Chicago. With a career in broadcasting that spanned over two decades, Petty became a familiar and trusted face for viewers in the Chicagoland area. She joined NBC 5 in January 2012 as a reporter and fill-in anchor and remained with the station until her departure in 2024.
Lauren Petty NBC Departure
In 2024, Lauren Petty officially stepped away from the television news industry after 22 years on air. She made the heartfelt announcement on social media, sharing that her last day on the air would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
“After 22 years in television, tomorrow is my last day on the air,” she wrote. “I’m leaving NBC 5 to pursue a new adventure outside of broadcasting. I’m ready for a role that allows me more flexibility to be there for my three daughters and my husband, Doug.”
Though her fans were saddened by the news, her decision was met with admiration and support. Petty’s departure marked the end of an era, especially for those who relied on her health and wellness coverage since 2019. She transitioned into a new role as a Media Relations Manager for Northwestern Medicine in October 2024.
Lauren Petty Education and Early Career
Petty’s passion for journalism took root early in life. She attended Lyons Township High School in Western Springs, Illinois, before heading to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She graduated in May 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Always eager to sharpen her craft, Petty continued her studies at Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There, she earned a master’s degree in journalism in 2001—setting the stage for her successful broadcasting career.
Broadcasting Career Overview
Before her decade-long run at NBC 5 Chicago, Lauren Petty built an impressive résumé:
WVIT (Hartford, Connecticut): From August 2005 to January 2012, Petty served as a weekend anchor and reporter for this NBC-owned station.
WICD News Channel 15 (Champaign, Illinois): Between December 2001 and August 2005, she worked as a reporter and 5 p.m. anchor. She began as the Vermilion County Bureau Chief, covering local government, crime, and community stories.
CNN International (London): Early in her career, Petty also worked behind the scenes as a field producer and desk assistant.
Her time at NBC 5, starting in 2012, solidified her reputation as a compassionate and credible journalist. From breaking news to medical stories, she reported with poise and purpose, especially after pivoting to a health and wellness beat in 2019.
Lauren Petty Personal Life and Family
Lauren Petty is happily married to Doug, her husband of nearly two decades. The two tied the knot in September 2006 and share a beautiful family together. They are proud parents to three daughters:
Elaina (born August 3, 2008) – 16 years old
Lila (born September 14, 2011) – 13 years old
Claire (born August 19, 2013) – 11 years old
The family of five resides in the western suburbs of Chicago, where Lauren continues to focus on family and her new professional endeavors.
Age and Appearance
While Lauren Petty has not publicly shared her exact date of birth, she is estimated to be in her 40s based on her career timeline and family life. She stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches, or about 168 cm.
Lauren Petty Salary and Net Worth
During her time at NBC 5, Petty earned an estimated annual salary between $60,000 and $90,000. Her long-standing career and prominence in journalism helped her build a solid financial foundation.
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million, a figure that reflects her success in broadcast journalism as well as her current work in media relations.
