Tom Brokaw is a legendary American broadcast journalist and author. He has a warm voice and trusted delivery style. Viewers relied on him for nightly news for decades. His real name is Thomas John Brokaw. People know him simply as Tom Brokaw.
He was born on February 6, 1940 in Webster, South Dakota. His age in 2026 is 86 years old. He stands 6 feet 1 inch tall. His weight is around 82 kg. Tom works as a retired journalist and author after a long career.
His career began in 1962 at a small TV station. He anchored “NBC Nightly News” for 21 years. His family includes his wife and three daughters. He is married to Meredith Auld since 1962. His net worth is estimated at $85 million. His main income sources include anchoring, books, and speaking fees.
Tom Brokaw Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas John Brokaw |
| Birth | February 6, 1940 |
| Age (2026) | 86 years |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 82 kg (180 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White / Grey |
| Body Type / Build | Slim |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Chest Size | 40 inches |
| Waist Size | 34 inches |
| Biceps Size | 13 inches |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Occupation | Journalist, News Anchor, Author |
| Education | University of South Dakota (BA in Political Science) |
| Career Highlights | NBC Nightly News Anchor (1982-2004), Special Correspondent (2004-Present) |
| Net Worth | $85 million |
| Wealth Sources | NBC Salary, Books, Speaking Engagements |
| Notable Skills | Reporting, Anchoring, Writing |
| Family | Meredith Auld Brokaw (wife), Jennifer, Andrea, Sarah (daughters) |
| Social Presence | Minimal (no active personal accounts) |
Tom Brokaw Real Name
Thomas John Brokaw is the journalist’s complete birth name. He uses Tom Brokaw for all professional work. His middle name “John” honors his paternal grandfather. The name Tom came naturally during college years.
His last name “Brokaw” has Dutch origins. His ancestors immigrated from the Netherlands in the 1800s. He legally kept his birth name unchanged throughout life. He never used a stage name or pseudonym. His full name appears on his books.
The Brokaw name became famous through journalism. Fans recognize “Tom” instantly worldwide. His signature includes “Tom Brokaw” only. He dropped “Thomas” for everyday use. His formal documents still carry Thomas John Brokaw.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Thomas John Brokaw |
| First Name | Thomas |
| Used Name | Tom Brokaw |
| Middle Name | John |
| Last Name | Brokaw |
| Name Origin | Dutch |
Tom Brokaw Early Life and Education
Tom Brokaw was born in Webster, South Dakota on February 6, 1940. He grew up in a small farming community. His family moved to Yankton, South Dakota later. He attended Yankton High School and graduated in 1958.
He joined the University of South Dakota after high school. He majored in political science as his subject. He also played basketball and golf in college. He served as student body president for two years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964.
His first media job was at KELO-TV in Sioux Falls. He worked as a weatherman and news writer there. He also announced farm reports on the station. He later worked at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa. He covered local news and sports events. His early work ethic impressed station managers.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Webster, South Dakota |
| High School | Yankton High School (1958) |
| College | University of South Dakota |
| Major | Political Science |
| Degree | BA (1964) |
| First TV Job | KELO-TV, Sioux Falls (weatherman) |
Tom Brokaw Parents and Siblings
Tom’s father was Anthony “Red” Brokaw. He worked as a construction worker and post office clerk. His mother was Eugenia “Jean” Brokaw. She was a homemaker and store clerk. His parents had modest incomes during his childhood.
He has two younger brothers. Their names are Michael and William Brokaw. Michael is a realtor in South Dakota. William works as a business executive elsewhere. The family lived in small rented homes while growing up.
His father fought in World War II. The family moved frequently for work. His mother encouraged his curiosity about the world. She bought him newspapers and magazines often. His parents divorced when he was young. He remained close to both parents separately.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Anthony “Red” Brokaw |
| Mother Name | Eugenia “Jean” Brokaw |
| Father’s Job | Construction worker, Post office clerk |
| Mother’s Job | Homemaker, Store clerk |
| Brothers | Michael Brokaw, William Brokaw |
| Parents’ Status | Divorced |
Tom Brokaw Wife or Girlfriend
Tom Brokaw is married to Meredith Lynn Auld. The couple tied the knot on August 18, 1962. They have been married for over 63 years. Meredith worked as a former teacher and author. She co-wrote a cookbook with Tom later.
They met at the University of South Dakota. Tom was a student and campus leader. Meredith was a student and sorority member. They dated for two years before marriage. Their wedding was a small ceremony in South Dakota.
Tom has no past divorces or affairs. He has no public dating history before Meredith. Their marriage is one of TV’s longest. He credits Meredith for his career stability and success. She helped him raise their three daughters while he traveled.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife Name | Meredith Lynn Auld |
| Marriage Year | August 18, 1962 |
| Wife’s Job | Former teacher, Author |
| Marriage Length | 63+ years |
| Met At | University of South Dakota |
Tom Brokaw Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Tom Brokaw turns 86 years old in 2026. His birthday is February 6 every year. He looks older but distinguished now. His white hair is his signature look. He maintains a slim and healthy frame.
His height is 6 feet 1 inch tall. He weighs around 82 kilograms or 180 pounds. His body type is slim and lean. He has blue eyes and white-grey hair. He wears a shoe size 11 in US measurements.
He maintains his health through walking and outdoor work. He had cancer in 2013 but recovered. He now exercises moderately every day. His on-screen presence remains sharp. He wears suits and ties for appearances. His voice is still recognizable to fans.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 86 years |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 82 kg (180 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White / Grey |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Tom Brokaw Before Fame
Before fame, Tom worked odd jobs in South Dakota. He was a paperboy and grocery clerk as a teen. He also cut hay on farms for summer money. He played basketball in high school and college. His coach taught him discipline and hard work.
He failed his first TV audition in 1962. The station manager said he lacked “on-air polish” . He practiced reading scripts for weeks. He eventually got hired at KMTV in Omaha. He earned just $85 per week there.
He covered floods and tornadoes in Nebraska. He reported on civil rights protests locally. He learned editing and camera work himself. His big break came in 1965 . He moved to Atlanta’s WSB-TV for better pay. He never looked back after that promotion.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Teen Jobs | Paperboy, Grocery clerk, Hay cutter |
| First TV Audition | Failed (1962) |
| First TV Salary | $85/week at KMTV |
| First Big Story | Nebraska floods |
| Career Break | Move to WSB-TV Atlanta (1965) |
Tom Brokaw Career
Tom Brokaw’s career began at KMTV in Omaha in 1962. He later joined WSB-TV in Atlanta in 1965. He then moved to KNBC in Los Angeles in 1966. He covered the Watts riots and Bobby Kennedy there. He joined NBC News in 1966 as a correspondent.
He became White House correspondent in 1973. He covered Nixon and the Watergate scandal. He co-anchored “Today” show from 1976 to 1981 . He served as NBC Nightly News anchor from 1982 to 2004. He was the sole anchor for 21 years.
He covered fall of Berlin Wall in 1989. He reported on 9/11 attacks live from New York. He interviewed every president from Johnson to Obama. He stepped down as anchor in 2004. He became NBC Special Correspondent after that. He still appears on NBC for major events.
| Era | Network/Role | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1962-1965 | KMTV Omaha (Reporter) | 3 years |
| 1965-1966 | WSB-TV Atlanta (Reporter) | 1 year |
| 1966-1973 | NBC News Correspondent | 7 years |
| 1973-1976 | NBC White House Correspondent | 3 years |
| 1976-1981 | Today Show Co-Anchor | 5 years |
| 1982-2004 | NBC Nightly News Anchor | 21 years |
| 2004-Present | NBC Special Correspondent | Ongoing |
Tom Brokaw Social Media Presence
Tom Brokaw has no active social media accounts. He does not use Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. He believes social media harms journalism. He prefers traditional reporting methods.
NBC News manages his official bio page online. Fans cannot directly message him anywhere. His wife manages his public appearances. He occasionally appears on MSNBC for interviews. He writes op-eds for newspapers sometimes.
He thinks social media spreads misinformation quickly. He told graduates in 2019 to “turn off phones” . He values face-to-face conversations more. His lack of online presence is intentional. He wants to control his own voice always.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| Twitter (X) | None |
| None | |
| None | |
| TikTok | None |
| None | |
| Official Website | NBC Bio Page only |
Tom Brokaw Net Worth and Achievements
Tom Brokaw’s net worth in 2026 is $85 million. He earned this through decades at NBC News. His peak NBC salary was around $10 million yearly. He also earns from book royalties and speaking fees. His books have sold millions of copies.
He won multiple Emmy Awards for reporting. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 . He won the Peabody Award for 9/11 coverage. He received the Walter Cronkite Award in 2006. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010.
He won two DuPont-Columbia Awards for journalism. He received the Paul White Award for lifetime achievement. He has honorary degrees from 30+ universities. He won the NAB Distinguished Service Award in 2008. His “Greatest Generation” book stayed #1 for 36 weeks.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $85 million |
| Peak NBC Salary | $10 million/year |
| Emmy Awards | Multiple (over 20) |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2014 |
| Peabody Award | 2002 |
| Television Hall of Fame | 2010 |
Tom Brokaw Legacy and Impact
Tom Brokaw changed how evening news was presented. He brought a calm, trusted voice to millions. He made complex stories feel personal. He coined the term “Greatest Generation” for WWII vets. This phrase resonated across American culture.
His book “The Greatest Generation” sold 5 million copies. It sparked renewed respect for WWII veterans. Schools used his book in history classrooms nationwide. He also covered civil rights honestly during tense times. He showed fairness without bias on air.
He mentored young journalists like Katie Couric. He helped Brian Williams succeed him as anchor. He donated millions to University of South Dakota. The Brokaw Hall stands on campus today. His legacy includes honest reporting for 60 years.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Cultural Impact | Coined “Greatest Generation” |
| Book Sales | 5+ million copies sold |
| Mentorship | Trained Katie Couric, Brian Williams |
| Philanthropy | Donated millions to USD |
| Journalism Standards | Fair, calm, trusted reporting |
Tom Brokaw Nationality and Religion
Tom Brokaw holds American nationality by birth. He was born in Webster, South Dakota. He is a natural-born US citizen. He has no dual citizenship elsewhere. He represents American journalism globally.
He was raised in a Protestant Christian household. He attended Congregational Church as a child. He now describes himself as spiritual but not devout. He avoids public discussions of faith. He believes religion is private.
He has never endorsed political candidates. He votes but keeps his choice secret. He respects all religious beliefs equally. His foundation gives to secular causes. He once said “good works matter more than prayers” . He keeps faith and journalism separate.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Webster, South Dakota |
| Citizenship | US only |
| Religion | Protestant Christian (raised) |
| Current Faith | Spiritual but not devout |
| Political Party | Independent / Undisclosed |
Tom Brokaw Future Plans and Goals
Tom Brokaw is semi-retired in 2026. He appears on NBC for special events only. He has no plans to fully retire yet. He still writes op-ed columns occasionally.
He may write one more history book. He has not announced a title or date. He wants to spend time with grandchildren. He travels to Montana and South Dakota often. He also plans to donate more archives to his university.
He will likely attend 2028 election coverage if healthy. His role would be special analyst only. He wants to avoid daily news stress. He will celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary in 2027. He has no health emergencies currently after cancer recovery.
| Future Plan | Status |
|---|---|
| Another Book | Possible, undecided |
| NBC Appearances | Special events only |
| Retirement | Semi-retired now |
| 2028 Election | Potential analyst role |
| Anniversary | 65th in 2027 |
Tom Brokaw Awards and Achievements
Tom Brokaw received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 . This is America’s highest civilian honor. He won the Peabody Award for 9/11 coverage in 2002. He received the Walter Cronkite Award in 2006. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010 .
He won two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards. He received the Paul White Award from RTDNA. He won the NAB Distinguished Service Award in 2008 . He has over 20 Emmy Awards for various reports. He received the Edward R. Murrow Award from Syracuse in 2014 .
He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame . He received the Four Freedoms Medal from Roosevelt Institute . He won the George Foster Peabody again in 2020 . He holds honorary degrees from 35 universities. He received the Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2017 .
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Television Hall of Fame | 2010 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 2014 |
| Walter Cronkite Award | 2006 |
| Peabody Award | 2002 |
| DuPont-Columbia Award (x2) | 1994, 2004 |
| Lifetime Achievement Emmy | 2017 |
Tom Brokaw Category Section
Tom Brokaw is primarily a journalist and news anchor. He is also an author and historian. His main category is broadcast journalism. He worked in TV news for over 60 years.
Tom Brokaw Movies / TV Shows
- NBC Nightly News (1982-2004) – Anchor
- Today Show (1976-1981) – Co-Anchor
- Meet the Press – Guest Moderator
- NBC News Special Reports – Anchor
- The Greatest Generation (1999) – Narrator/Host
- Tom Brokaw Reports (2004-2016) – Host
- Decision 2000 – NBC Anchor
- 9/11: As It Happened (2002) – Host
- Fall of Berlin Wall (1989) – Live Correspondent
- The Brokaw Files (2008-2012) – Host
- World War II in HD (2009) – Narrator
- 1968: The Year That Changed Everything – Host
- The Titans (2021) – Host/Producer
- NBC News Documentaries – Various
- The Today Show (guest appearances) – Analyst
- MSNBC Election Coverage – Contributor
- CBS This Morning (interviews) – Guest
- PBS NewsHour (interviews) – Guest
- Larry King Live (recurring) – Guest
Tom Brokaw Hobbies
- Fly fishing in Montana rivers
- Reading American history books
- Playing golf with friends
- Writing historical essays
- Traveling to WWII battle sites
- Collecting presidential memorabilia
- Woodworking in his home shop
- Watching baseball (Yankees fan)
- Cooking with his wife Meredith
- Spending time at his Montana ranch
Tom Brokaw Favorite Things
- Color: Navy Blue
- Food: Steak and potatoes
- Drink: Black coffee
- Book: “The Guns of August” by Barbara Tuchman
- President: Harry S. Truman
- War Movie: “Saving Private Ryan”
- Sport: Baseball
- Team: New York Yankees
- Vacation Spot: Big Sky, Montana
- Music: Classic Jazz and 1960s Rock
Tom Brokaw Interesting Facts
- He started his career as a weatherman.
- He failed his first on-air audition in 1962.
- He coined the term “Greatest Generation” for WWII vets.
- He was the first anchor to report live from the Berlin Wall fall.
- He broke the news of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane crash.
- He has never used a teleprompter for interviews.
- He wrote 6 best-selling books in his career.
- He turned down a role as NBC News President twice.
- He owns a 3,000-acre ranch in Montana.
- He donated his archives to the University of South Dakota.
FAQs
1. What is Tom Brokaw’s real name?
Thomas John Brokaw is his full name. He uses Tom Brokaw professionally.
2. How old is Tom Brokaw in 2026?
He is 86 years old. He was born on February 6, 1940 .
3. Is Tom Brokaw still married?
Yes, he married Meredith Auld in 1962. They have been married over 63 years.
4. Why did Tom Brokaw leave NBC Nightly News?
He stepped down in 2004 after 21 years. He became NBC Special Correspondent instead.
5. What is Tom Brokaw’s net worth?
His net worth is $85 million. He earned this from NBC salary, books, and speaking fees.
Conclusion
Tom Brokaw is an 86-year-old legendary American journalist. He stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 82 kilograms. He is married to Meredith Auld since 1962. They have three daughters together. His net worth in 2026 is $85 million.
He anchored NBC Nightly News for 21 years from 1982 to 2004. He coined the term “Greatest Generation” for World War II veterans. He won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. He received over 20 Emmy Awards during his career.
He remains a special correspondent for NBC News today. His book “The Greatest Generation” sold 5 million copies. He continues to write and appear occasionally on TV. His legacy as a trusted news anchor is secure. He inspired generations of American journalists to follow.
