Newton Jones Burkett Biography
Newton Jones Burkett, commonly known as N.J. Burkett, is a correspondent for WABC-TV in New York City, the largest ABC television station in the U.S. He joined the Eyewitness News team in July 1989, coming from WFSB-TV in Hartford, Connecticut, where he had been a correspondent since 1986. Burkett is renowned for his coverage of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks.
He was reporting from across the plaza, about a block away, when his camera operator captured the first moments of the South Tower’s collapse. His reporting earned him several prestigious awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Emmy Award for Outstanding On-Camera Achievement from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Newton Jones Burkett age and birthday
N.J. Burkett, was born on May 6, 1962, in Orange, New Jersey, USA. His zodiac sign is Taurus.
Newton Jones Burkett height and weight
He stands at a height of 5 feet, 7 inches (1.7 m) and weighs 67 kg.
Newton Jones Burkett educational background
Jones Burkett grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1980. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University.

Newton Burkett spouse and children
N.J. Burkett has been married to Margie Rice Burkett, a realtor at Douglas Elliman East Norwich, since 1988. The couple, who had a private wedding with close friends and family, live in Huntington, New York. They have two children: a son, Newton-Jones Burkett, born in 1998, and a daughter, Amanda Burkett, born in 2000.
Newton Jones Burkett’s parents and siblings
Unfortunately, Jones has not yet shared details of his parents or siblings, if any. We will update you once we have this data.
Newton Jones Burkett’s career
Jones Burkett III, is a renowned journalist and correspondent for WABC-TV in New York City. His career is distinguished by significant achievements and impactful reporting.
Early Life and Education:
Burkett grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Despite the coincidence, he uses the initials “N.J.” not as a nod to his home state, but because his agent and a station president suggested it to make him appear less “aristocratic.” He graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1980 and went on to Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master’s degree in international affairs.
Career Highlights:
Burkett is best known for his fearless coverage of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Reporting from across the plaza, he documented the collapse of the South Tower, capturing the immediate aftermath and the efforts of first responders. He also witnessed the North Tower’s collapse and sought refuge to avoid the toxic dust. His exceptional reporting on 9/11 earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Emmy Award for Outstanding On-Camera Achievement from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Leadership Roles:
Beyond his reporting, Burkett has held significant leadership positions in the journalism community. He served as the First Vice Chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and was President of its flagship New York chapter. His contributions continue to influence the field of journalism significantly.
Current Role:
Burkett remains a senior reporter for WABC-TV, the largest ABC television station in the United States. His unique storytelling abilities and award-winning international coverage have greatly enriched the station’s reporting on the New York metropolitan area. Burkett’s commitment to journalism and his impactful coverage, particularly of events like 9/11, have left a lasting legacy in the industry.
Newton Jones Burkett’s net worth and salary
He has a net worth of $1 million and receives an annual salary of $120,000.
