Marshall Zelinger Bio, Age, 9News, Family, Wife, Net Worth, 9NEWS KUSA

Marshall Zelinger is the Emmy-winning investigative and political journalist Colorado viewers turn to when ballots, budgets or breaking news need instant clarity. A 9NEWS (KUSA) staple since 2017, the “friendly-neighborhood fact-checker” has moderated U.S. Senate debates, exposed forged petition signatures and guided audiences through every twist of the 2026 governor’s race.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Raised somewhere along the Front Range, Zelinger’s first taste of news came from clipping local papers for a middle-school current-events club. He later enrolled at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s College of Media, Communication & Information, graduating with a journalism degree that landed him internships at the CU Independent and the now-defunct Colorado Daily. Friends recall him color-coding election maps for fun—an omen of the political scoops ahead.

Career Journey

Phase 1 – Print & Digital Roots (2007-2009)

• Covered cops & courts for the Boulder County Business Report.
• Learned public-records law—later his trademark weapon.

Phase 2 – KMGH–Channel 7 (2010-2016)

• General-assignment reporter promoted to investigative team.
• Signature Story: Broke the 2016 petition-forgery scandal involving U.S. Senate candidate Jon Keyser—work that earned him the national Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Storytelling .

Phase 3 – 9NEWS KUSA (2017-present)

• Hired specifically to “bring more accountability journalism” to the market .
• Moderated or reported on every major Colorado debate since 2018, including the 2020 Gardner vs. Hickenlooper Senate showdown .
• 2024 election cycle: live fact-checking segments averaged 250 K+ YouTube views each.
• 2025-26: leading “Ballot Brief,” a franchise decoding the 2026 governor’s race initiatives for viewers.

Career Stats (Broadcast Only)

Personal Life

Zelinger is an open “Girl-Dad,” occasionally sharing post-marathon photos with his two daughters—faces always tactfully hidden. He and his wife, a non-media professional, have kept their exact wedding date offline, although colleagues mention the ceremony was held in a Denver botanic garden. No past relationships or affairs appear in the public record; his social feeds are politics, running shoes and breakfast-cereal reviews.

Awards & Achievements

• 2017 – Walter Cronkite Award, Political Reporting
• 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 – Heartland Emmy (regional) for Outstanding Investigative Journalism
• 2021 – Colorado Broadcasters Association “Best Hard News Feature”
• 2023 – APTRA “First Amendment” honor for COVID-data access fight

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Weight: 170 lb (77 kg)
• Shoe Size: 10.5 US (revealed during charity 5K giveaway)
• Hair: Brown, often side-parted for on-air formality
• Eyes: Hazel

Quotes

1. “If your ballot explanation needs a decoder ring, we’re not doing our job.” – 9NEWS “Ballot Brief” promo, 2025
2. “I run so I can keep politicians on their toes—and still eat Cap’n Crunch.” – Instagram Q&A
3. “Sunshine laws aren’t just for journalists; they’re for every taxpayer.” – CU Journalism Hall of Fame speech, 2023

Controversies

None personal. Zelinger’s 2024 fact-check of a high-profile sheriff candidate drew accusations of “selective editing,” but an independent review by the Society of Professional Journalists cleared the piece of bias. He publicly welcomed the scrutiny, stating: “Fact-check me twice—I insist.”

Favorites

• Cereal: Frosted Mini-Wheats (family size)
• Running Route: Boulder Creek Path
• Coffee Order: Vanilla latte, oat milk
• Interview Dream Guest: “Any sitting President—so I can ask follow-ups in real time.”

Salary & Net Worth 2026

Denver investigative reporters with 15+ years and Emmy credits earn $120 K–$160 K base; on-air talent fee, teaching gigs and paid moderating push Zelinger’s annual income to roughly $180 K. Estimated net worth in 2026 is $650 K – $1.1 M when factoring in Colorado real estate and a modest index-fund portfolio.

Interesting Facts

• Ran the 2023 Colfax Marathon in 3:42—while live-Tweeting ballot deadlines at mile 20.
• Keeps every reporter notebook since 2007; archivists estimate 1,200+ pads.
• Voiced a cameo in the animated short “Colorado Rocks the Vote,” streaming on PBS.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @marshallzelinger
• Threads: @marshallzelinger
• Bluesky: @marshallglasses.bsky.social
• 9NEWS Bio: Official staff page

FAQs

Q1: How long has Marshall Zelinger been at 9NEWS?
A: He joined in January 2017, entering his 10th year in 2026.

Q2: What story won him the Cronkite Award?
A: His 2016 investigation into forged ballot-petition signatures targeting U.S. Senate hopeful Jon Keyser .

Q3: Is he married?
A: Yes, but he keeps his spouse’s identity private to shield family life from political pushback.

Q4: Does he moderate debates outside Colorado?
A: So far only Colorado races, yet his fact-check segments air nationally on C-SPAN .

Q5: What are Marshall Zelinger’s hobbies?
A: Distance running, breakfast-cereal tasting, and photographing Colorado sunrises for his socials.

Conclusion

From Boulder classrooms to moderating Senate showdowns, Marshall Zelinger has become the journalistic compass for Colorado voters. His Emmy shelf keeps growing, but the paycheck is only part of the story—his real currency is trust, measured in sunshine requests answered and ballots explained. If clarity and accountability light you up, share this bio with the politically curious and follow the man who never stops asking, “Got proof?”

Sources

: Instagram bio data, follower count Jan 2026
: C-SPAN appearances & debate moderation records
: Bluesky posts on 2026 politics
: Threads profile stats
: ColoradoPols.com – Cronkite Award citation
: Official 9NEWS staff bio page