Amna Nawaz: Introduction
Amna Nawaz stands as a distinguished figure in American journalism, celebrated for her investigative prowess and contributions to global news coverage. As co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, she has established herself as a formidable journalist, offering in-depth reports on politics, foreign affairs, and cultural issues. Nawaz’s journey, from her early life as a first-generation American to her impactful career in journalism, makes her an inspiring figure for audiences worldwide.
Amna Nawaz: Early Life and Education
Born on September 18, 1979, in Virginia, USA, Nawaz is currently 45 years old. She is the daughter of Pakistani immigrants. Her father, Shuja Nawaz, is a journalist and author, further fueling her passion for storytelling. Nawaz attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she captained the varsity field hockey team and studied abroad at the University of Zimbabwe. She later obtained a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Amna Nawaz: Professional Career
Nawaz’s journalism career began at NBC News in 2003, where she worked on programs like Dateline NBC and Nightly News. As NBC’s Islamabad Bureau Chief, she reported on major global events, including the U.S. war in Afghanistan. She later founded and served as the managing editor of NBC’s Asian America platform, focusing on the stories of diverse communities in the U.S.
In 2015, Nawaz joined ABC News as an anchor and correspondent, covering the 2016 U.S. presidential election and anchoring breaking news. She hosted the documentary Roberts County: A Year in the Most Pro-Trump Town and the podcast Uncomfortable, which delved into polarizing American issues.
Nawaz transitioned to PBS NewsHour in April 2018, where she reported on politics, immigration, education, and foreign affairs. Her role expanded in 2023 when she was named co-anchor alongside Geoff Bennett, succeeding Judy Woodruff. Additionally, she contributes to NBC News and MSNBC.
Amna Nawaz: Notable Coverage and Achievements
Throughout her career, Nawaz has covered major historical events, including:
- The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol
- The U.S. elections and inaugurations of Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama
- The U.S. war in Afghanistan and post-9/11 developments
- The mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
- The 2010 Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Katrina
She has interviewed global leaders, including Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, along with influential figures across industries, such as director Ava DuVernay and country music star Reba McEntire.
Amna Nawaz: Awards and Recognition
Nawaz’s exceptional journalism has earned her numerous awards, including:
- Four Peabody Awards for PBS NewsHour coverage of major global events
- Emmy Award for NBC’s Inside the Obama White House
- A100 Honoree (2023) by Gold House
- Women’s Foreign Policy Group’s Breaking Barriers in Journalism Award (2024)
- Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ Vision Award (2022)
In 2019, she became the first Asian American and first Muslim to moderate a U.S. presidential debate, further cementing her legacy in journalism.
Amna Nawaz: Personal Life and Cultural Heritage
Amna Nawaz is married to journalist Paul Werdel, and they live in Washington, D.C., with their two daughters. While Nawaz’s religious practices remain private, she identifies as a Muslim and embraces her Pakistani-American heritage. Fluent in English and Urdu, she effectively bridges cultures in her reporting. There is no public information about her having any tattoos.
Amna Nawaz: Social Media Presence
Nawaz actively engages with audiences through social media, providing updates on her work and insights into global affairs. You can follow her on:
- Twitter (X): @AmnaNawazPBS
- Instagram: @amnaonpbs
Amna Nawaz: Net Worth and Salary
Although specific figures are undisclosed, Nawaz’s annual salary at PBS NewsHour is estimated to be around $89,637, with a net worth reflecting her extensive journalism career, approximately between $1 million and $3 million.
Amna Nawaz: Future Prospects
As of 2025, there is no indication that Nawaz is leaving PBS NewsHour. She continues to break barriers in journalism and remains a key voice in American media.
Conclusion
Amna Nawaz’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and journalistic excellence. Her contributions continue to shape media narratives and inspire aspiring journalists worldwide.
