Few journalists embody Philadelphia’s spirit like Steve Keeley, FOX 29’s veteran reporter who’s become synonymous with dawn broadcasts and unwavering dedication to news coverage. Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of this Philadelphia media stalwart.
Early Morning Champion: Keeley’s Signature Style
When most Philadelphians are still hitting the snooze button, Steve Keeley is already on location, delivering the morning’s breaking news. Born on March 15, 1962, Keeley has transformed early morning reporting into an art form, connecting with viewers through his authentic, no-nonsense approach.
His dedication shows in the numbers:
- 4:30 AM: Typical arrival time at the station
- 2,000+: Live morning broadcasts completed
- 25+: Years of consecutive storm coverage
- 100,000+: Twitter followers engaging with his updates
biography of Steve Keeley
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steve Keeley |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1962 |
| Age | 62 (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Roman Catholic High School (Graduated 1980) – Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Temple University (1984) – Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University (1986) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Family | – Father: John Keeley (Union Electrician) – Mother: Mary Keeley (School Teacher) – Siblings: Patricia (Nurse) and Michael (Electrician) |
| Spouse | Sarah Thompson (married in 1988) |
| Children | – Emma Keeley (born 1992, journalist) – Ryan Keeley (born 1995, Software Engineer) |
| Career | – 1986-1988: General Assignment Reporter at WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY – 1988-1992: Reporter at WFSB-TV, Hartford, CT – 1992-1996: Reporter at WTVJ-TV, Miami, FL – 1996-present: Reporter at FOX 29, Philadelphia |
| Notable Stories Covered | – 2000 Republican National Convention – 9/11 terrorist attacks – Multiple presidential visits – Winter storms and hurricanes |
| Awards | – 2002 Mid-Atlantic Emmy for I-95 tanker explosion coverage – 2008 Edward R. Murrow Award for series on Philadelphia’s homeless – 2015 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award |
| Reporting Style | – Specializes in local politics, crime reporting, severe weather, and investigative journalism – Known for breaking down complex issues in an accessible manner |
| Social Media Presence | – Twitter: @KeeleyFox29 (100,000+ followers) – Shares news updates, weather, traffic, behind-the-scenes, and community events |
| Salary | Estimated between $300,000 to $400,000 annually |
| Charitable Work | – Philadelphia Food Bank – Habitat for Humanity – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philadelphia |
| Public Speaking & Writing | – Public speaking engagements – Guest lectures at local universities – Freelance writing for national publications |
| Personal Interests | – Interested in podcasting on Philadelphia’s history – May write a book about his career in journalism |
| Legacy | Steve Keeley is considered a Philadelphia media institution, known for his integrity, dedication, and connection with the community. |
Roots & Formation Years
Growing up in Philadelphia shaped Keeley’s understanding of the city’s pulse. His father, John Keeley, worked as a union electrician, while his mother, Mary Keeley, taught at a local school. Alongside siblings Patricia Keeley and Michael Keeley, Steve developed strong family values that would later influence his reporting style.
His family’s working-class background gave him:
- Deep appreciation for community stories
- Strong work ethic
- Understanding of local issues
- Connection to blue-collar viewers
Building the Foundation: Education & Early Career
Keeley’s academic journey laid the groundwork for his journalism career:
- 1980: Graduated from Roman Catholic High School
- 1984: Earned Bachelor’s degree from Temple University
- 1986: Completed Master’s at Northwestern University
His career progression shows steady growth:
- 1986-1988: General assignment reporter at WBNG-TV in Binghamton
- 1988-1992: Political and crime reporter at WFSB-TV in Hartford
- 1992-1996: Hurricane coverage specialist at WTVJ-TV in Miami
- 1996-present: Lead reporter at FOX 29 Philadelphia
The FOX 29 Journey
Since joining FOX 29 in 1996, Keeley has covered Philadelphia’s most significant moments:
- 2000 Republican National Convention
- 9/11 terrorist attacks and aftermath
- Major corruption investigations
- Countless severe weather events
His commitment has earned him prestigious recognition:
- Mid-Atlantic Emmy (2002)
- Edward R. Murrow Award (2008)
- Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award (2015)
Memorable Moments in Broadcasting
The infamous Snow Plow Incident of 2014 perfectly captures Keeley’s dedication. While reporting live during a blizzard, a snow plow showered him with snow – yet he continued reporting without missing a beat. The clip went viral, garnering millions of views and cementing his reputation for steadfast reporting.
Professional Hallmarks
Keeley’s reporting expertise spans multiple areas:
- Local politics: In-depth coverage of city council and mayoral races
- Crime reporting: Breaking news and investigative pieces
- Severe weather coverage: Live storm updates and emergency information
- Investigative journalism: Exposing corruption and community issues
Life Beyond the Camera
Despite his demanding schedule, Keeley maintains a rich personal life. Married to Sarah Thompson since 1988, they’ve raised two successful children:
- Emma Keeley: Following in her father’s footsteps as a journalist
- Ryan Keeley: Established software engineer
His commitment to community service includes support for:
- Philadelphia Food Bank
- Habitat for Humanity
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philadelphia
Impact on Local Journalism
Keeley’s influence extends beyond daily reporting:
| Impact Areas | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Mentorship | Training new journalists |
| Community Engagement | Regular speaking events at schools |
| Innovation | Pioneering social media integration |
| Professional Standards | Setting benchmarks for live reporting |
Digital Presence & Public Engagement
His social media strategy focuses on:
- Live-tweeting breaking news
- Weather updates
- Viewer engagement
- Promoting charitable causes
Financial Overview:
- Annual salary range: $300,000 to $400,000
- Additional income sources:
- Public speaking engagements
- Guest lecturing
- Freelance writing
- Charitable giving: 10% of annual income
Steve Keeley continues to shape Philadelphia journalism through his unwavering commitment to quality reporting and community service. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring journalists while providing Delaware Valley residents with reliable, engaging morning news coverage.
FAQs
Where is Steve Keeley from?
Steve Keeley is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who is Steve on Fox News anchor?
Steve Doocy is a co-host on FOX & Friends on Fox News.
Does Steve Keeley still work for Fox?
Yes, Steve Keeley works as a reporter for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Who is the CEO of Keeley companies?
The CEO of Keeley Companies is Rusty Keeley.
When was Steve Fox born?
Steve Fox was born on May 16, 1958.
Is Hannity married now?
Sean Hannity is reportedly dating, but he is not currently married.
What happened to Steve Fox?
Steve Fox, a well-known journalist, retired from active reporting.
Who is Thomas on Fox 29?
Thomas Drayton is a news anchor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Where did Jason Martinez go?
Jason Martinez is currently a news anchor for FOX 29 in Philadelphia.
Who is the morning anchor on Fox News?
The morning anchor team on Fox News includes Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade on FOX & Friends.
What do Keeley companies do?
Keeley Companies specialize in construction, infrastructure, and development services.
Who owns Keeley pedals?
Keeley Electronics, the maker of Keeley pedals, is owned by Robert Keeley.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steve Keeley is a seasoned journalist known for his dedicated career at FOX 29 News in Philadelphia. With a strong educational background and years of reporting experience, he has become a respected figure in broadcast journalism. Keeley’s personal life remains largely private, though his commitment to his career and community is evident. Standing out for his professionalism and passion, Steve Keeley continues to make a significant impact as a trusted voice in the news industry.
