Dawna Friesen: Husband, Children, Age, Salary, Career, Biography & More
Inside Dawna Friesen’s Life: Marriage, Family, and Journalism Career
Dawna Friesen is one of Canada’s most respected journalists, known for her role as the Chief Anchor and Executive Editor of Global National. With decades of experience in broadcasting and international reporting, she has become a familiar and trusted face on Canadian television.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dawna Friesen — including her age, husband, son, career, salary, and net worth.
Quick Facts About Dawna Friesen
● Full Name: Dawna Friesen
● Date of Birth: October 8, 1964
● Age: 61 years
● Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
● Nationality: Canadian
● Education: Red River College
● Occupation: Journalist, Anchor
● Husband: Rick Anderson (m. 2018), formerly Tom Kennedy
● Children: One son, Lucas
● Net Worth: $1–5 million (estimated)
● Salary: $250,000–$350,000 (estimated)
● Employer: Global News (Global National)
● Awards: Emmy Award, Gemini Award
Early Life and Background
Dawna Friesen was born on October 8, 1964, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and grew up on a farm west of the city. Her parents were non-observant Mennonites, and she learned the value of hard work from an early age — driving a tractor by age six and helping on the family farm.
She attended Paul Kane High School in Alberta and later studied Creative Communications at Red River College in Manitoba, where her passion for journalism began.
Career Journey
Friesen began her broadcasting career in 1985 at a small radio and television station in Brandon, Manitoba. Over the years, she worked in various Canadian cities, including Saskatoon, Thunder Bay, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, steadily building her reputation as a sharp and reliable journalist.
In 1999, she joined NBC News in London as a foreign correspondent, covering major international stories such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl.
In 2010, Dawna Friesen made history by becoming the first woman in English Canada to anchor a national nightly newscast full-time when she was named Anchor and Executive Editor of Global National, succeeding Kevin Newman.
Her professionalism and ability to handle breaking news have earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for NBC’s coverage of Barack Obama’s 2008 U.S. presidential victory and a Gemini Award for Best News Anchor in 2011.
Age
Dawna Friesen is 61 years old. Despite decades in journalism, she continues to bring energy, grace, and authority to Canadian television screens.
Husband
Dawna Friesen has been married twice. She was previously married to Tom Kennedy, a fellow journalist, with whom she shares a son. After their divorce, she found love again and married Rick Anderson on July 28, 2018. Anderson is a communications strategist and political commentator.
The couple keeps their personal life private, but Dawna occasionally shares glimpses of her family life on social media.
Children
Dawna Friesen has one son, Lucas, from her first marriage to Tom Kennedy. Although she is very private about her family, she has mentioned how balancing motherhood and journalism taught her the importance of time and perspective.
Salary and Net Worth
As one of Canada’s most prominent news anchors, Dawna Friesen’s salary is estimated to be among the highest in Canadian journalism. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest she earns between $250,000 to $350,000 per year.
Her net worth is believed to range between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through her long career in broadcasting, endorsements, and speaking engagements.
Awards and Achievements
● Emmy Award (2009) – for NBC’s U.S. election coverage.
● Gemini Award (2011) – Best News Anchor, Canada.
● First female lead anchor of a national English-language newscast in Canada.
Friesen has also received recognition for her advocacy on dementia awareness, inspired by her parents’ health challenges.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Both of Dawna’s parents suffered from dementia, an experience that led her to speak publicly about the struggles of caregiving and mental health. Her openness has helped raise awareness and support for families affected by similar issues.
Beyond journalism, she is admired for her resilience, authenticity, and dedication to storytelling that reflects real Canadian experiences.
Conclusion
From the prairies of Manitoba to anchoring one of Canada’s leading newscasts, Dawna Friesen’s story is one of determination, humility, and journalistic excellence. She continues to inspire a new generation of reporters while balancing her professional success with a fulfilling personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Dawna Friesen still married to Tom Kennedy?
No. Dawna Friesen is not still married to Tom Kennedy. She and Tom Kennedy divorced, and she later married political strategist Rick Anderson in July 2018.
2. Why is Farah Nasser not on Global News anymore?
Farah Nasser left Global News in 2023 after more than a decade. She joined Al Jazeera English as a presenter, marking a career move to international journalism.
3. Where is Dawna Friesen located?
Dawna Friesen is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she anchors Global National and works on national and international news coverage.
4. What awards has Dawna Friesen won?
Dawna Friesen has won multiple Canadian Screen Awards, including Best National News Anchor, recognizing her work on Global National and her excellence in broadcast journalism.
About the Creator
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