Marty Griffin Bio, Age, Wife, Career, Health & KDKA Radio Show

Marty Griffin: The KDKA Journalist and Radio Host | Biography

Marty Griffin is an American investigative reporter and radio talk show host based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is known for his work on both KDKA-TV and KDKA-AM radio, where he focuses on community issues and helping people with his “Get Marty” segment.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Griffin grew up in the Shadyside neighborhood. He attended Ohio University, where he pursued his education in journalism.

Career

Griffin began his journalism career in Wichita Falls, Texas, before advancing to Dallas, where he served as an investigative reporter for the NBC affiliate KXAS-TV. During his time in Dallas, he gained recognition for breaking high-profile stories, including scandals involving Dallas Cowboys players.

In 2003, he returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh to join KDKA-TV and KDKA-AM radio, where he has remained a prominent figure. He hosts “The Inside Story with Marty Griffin” on KDKA Radio and is known for his “Get Marty” segment, which focuses on consumer advocacy and helping community members resolve issues.

As of 2022, Griffin transitioned from his mid-morning slot to the morning show on KDKA, initially airing from 9 a.m. to noon, though recent broadcasts indicate an expanded time slot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He continues to be active in broadcasting, with live shows documented as recently as August 2025. Griffin is also the founder of Sparkt.com, a platform aimed at sparking community change.

Achievements and Awards

Over his career spanning more than two decades, Griffin has been recognized for his investigative work. He is a past recipient of three Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Golden Quill Award, and an Anchor Award.

Controversies

Griffin’s career has included several notable controversies. In 1997, while at KXAS in Dallas, he reported on an alleged rape involving Dallas Cowboys players Michael Irvin and Erik Williams, based on claims by a woman named Nina Shahravan. The story led to police searches and significant media attention, but Shahravan later recanted, admitting the allegations were false.

She was charged with perjury, and Williams filed a lawsuit against Griffin and the station, alleging involvement in a hoax. The incident damaged Griffin’s reputation, leading to public backlash, professional scrutiny, and a temporary sidelining from on-air duties, though he remained under contract.

Griffin was convicted of defiant trespass in 2005 during an investigative report on security lapses at a Port Authority bus garage in Allegheny County, but the charge was overturned in 2006 on free speech grounds. In November 2006, a minister named Brent Dugan committed suicide after Griffin confronted him about visiting an adult bookstore; the report was not aired, and Griffin faced criticism for his approach.

In May 2020, during a virtual Q&A, Griffin repeatedly misgendered Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, the state’s first openly transgender official, prompting a public apology from him on social media.

Marty Griffin Age:

Marty Griffin was born on June 12, 1959, which makes him 66 years old in 2025. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He is American by nationality.

Upbringing and Early Life

• Marty Griffin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city that has remained central to his personal and professional identity.

• He attended Ohio University, where he earned a degree in journalism before launching his career in Texas and eventually returning to Pittsburgh.

Parents and Siblings

• Marty has described his parents as loving and supportive, but he has intentionally kept details about his family private.

• As of now, there is no verified public information about his parents’ names, professions, or any siblings he may have.

Marty Griffin Wife:

Marty Griffin is married to Kristine Sorensen, a well-known anchor at CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV). The couple lives in Pittsburgh and has three children together.

Marty Griffin Height, Weight:

Griffin is estimated to stand around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weigh approximately 175–185 pounds (79–84 kg).

Marty Griffin Pittsburgh Career and Background:

A native of Pittsburgh, Marty Griffin’s career began after he attended Ohio University. He worked as a journalist in Wichita Falls, Texas, and then as an investigative reporter for NBC affiliate KXAS in Dallas, Texas. In 2003, he returned to Pittsburgh to join KDKA-TV and KDKA Radio, where he has been a prominent figure ever since.

Career Timeline & Station Affiliations

• Undercover Work: Griffin’s bold reporting style included hidden-camera investigations, such as his exposé on Michael Irvin and the Dallas Cowboys, which earned him a Broadcast Achievement Award.

• Regional Emmy Awards: He received three Regional Emmys for Outstanding Investigative Reporting, recognizing his commitment to uncovering corruption and systemic failures.

• Pittsburgh AIR Awards: In 2008, he was named Best Talk Show Host at the Achievement in Radio Awards, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in Pittsburgh media.

Radio Personality & Community Impact

• The Inside Story: His long-running radio show became a platform for consumer advocacy, local accountability, and public service.

• “Get Marty” Segments: These community-focused stories helped resolve disputes, highlight injustices, and connect people with resources—often leading to real-world change.

• Public Engagement: Griffin is known for his direct listener interaction, often taking calls and responding to community concerns live on air.

Recent Career Shift (2024)

• Health-Driven Transition: In early 2024, Griffin was hospitalized with severe throat pain and pneumonia, prompting concerns about a recurrence of his previous HPV-related throat cancer.

• Schedule Adjustment: To accommodate recovery and reduce stress, he stepped away from the early-morning slot and now hosts a midday show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Clarification on Departure: While joking on-air that he was “fired,” Griffin clarified that the move was voluntary and based on health needs—not disciplinary or corporate downsizing.

Marty Griffin Show, KDKA:

Marty Griffin is a longtime Pittsburgh journalist and the host of “The Marty Griffin Show” on KDKA NewsRadio (1020 AM / 100.1 FM), airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program combines investigative reporting, community-driven discussions, and the well-known “Get Marty” segment, which highlights local issues and provides direct help to people in need.

Earlier in his career, Griffin also hosted “The Inside Story with Marty Griffin.” He joined KDKA-TV and KDKA Radio in 2003 after working as an investigative reporter in Texas. Although he stepped away from the KDKA-TV newsroom in 2018, he remains a central voice on KDKA Radio and one of the station’s most recognized personalities.

Marty Griffin Fired:

Despite rumors and playful on-air banter, Marty Griffin was not fired from KDKA-AM. Instead, his departure from the morning show was self-initiated, largely due to health concerns:

• Health Scare: In early 2024, Griffin was hospitalized with severe throat pain and pneumonia, raising concerns about a possible recurrence of throat cancer, which he had previously battled and overcome.

• Schedule Change: Following recovery, Griffin requested a less demanding schedule, stepping away from the early-morning slot. He now hosts the “Get Marty” show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing for better work-life balance and health management.

• On-Air Humor: During a broadcast, Griffin jokingly said co-host Larry Richert “had him fired,” but quickly clarified that his health was the real reason for the change.

Context Behind the Transition

• Griffin had been a morning show sidekick since Kevin Battle’s exit, working alongside Larry Richert.

• His move to the mid-day slot reflects a strategic pivot rather than a disciplinary action or termination.

• The station, owned by Audacy, has undergone broader staffing changes, but Griffin’s shift was voluntary and health-driven, not part of corporate downsizing.

Marty Griffin Podcast:

Marty Griffin hosts a daily podcast that features on-demand selections from his radio show, “The Marty Griffin Show” on Newsradio 1020 KDKA. The podcast is a great way for listeners to catch up on the show’s segments, including his investigative reporting, community-focused content, and “Get Marty” features.

Marty Griffin Podcast Overview

You can listen to Marty Griffin’s podcast on various platforms, including:

• Apple Podcasts

• Podbean

• TuneIn

• Podchaser

Marty Griffin Health:

In 2018, Marty Griffin was diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer. He publicly shared his diagnosis and his treatment journey, which included seven weeks of daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. During his treatment, he lost a significant amount of weight and experienced constant pain and loss of taste. He returned to the radio airwaves in November of 2018.

Griffin used his public platform to advocate for the HPV vaccine, urging parents to get their children vaccinated to prevent similar cancers in the future. He was treated at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. In January 2019, he announced that he was officially cancer-free.

Health Timeline & Challenges

Throat Cancer Diagnosis

• Marty Griffin was diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer several years ago.

• He underwent seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, a grueling treatment regimen that temporarily took him off the air.

• After completing treatment, he was declared cancer-free, sharing the news publicly with gratitude and optimism.

2024 Health Scare

• In February 2024, Griffin was hospitalized at UPMC Shadyside Hospital with severe throat pain and pneumonia.

• He described the pain as “12 on a scale of 1–10,” unable to speak, swallow, or move comfortably.

• Doctors feared a possible recurrence of throat cancer, though later evaluations suggested a very low risk.

Recovery & Return

• After treatment for pneumonia and throat inflammation, Griffin returned to radio broadcasting.

• He credited his recovery to the medical team at Hillman Cancer Center and the unwavering support of his wife, Kristine Sorensen, calling her his “guardian angel”.

Impact on Career

• Griffin’s health scare prompted a schedule change: he stepped away from the early-morning slot and now hosts a midday show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The move was voluntary, driven by health needs—not disciplinary action or corporate downsizing.

Marty Griffin Political Party:

Marty Griffin is a journalist and radio host, and as a public figure in that role, he does not publicly align himself with a specific political party. His job is to report the news and host a show that addresses community issues, and publicly declaring a political affiliation could be seen as a conflict of interest.

However, some online forums and news sources have described his work as having a “right-leaning tilt” or a “reactionary” style. These characterizations are subjective and are typically based on the topics he covers, his on-air commentary, and his overall approach to his show. It’s important to note that these are not official declarations of a political party affiliation from Marty Griffin himself.

Marty Griffin Net Worth and Salary:

Marty Griffin’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed. It is important to note that many public figures’ net worth is speculative and often based on various factors that are not officially verified.

• KDKA-AM Radio: Hosting The Marty Griffin Show and Get Marty segments.

• KDKA-TV (2003–2024): Former investigative reporter and anchor.

• Speaking Engagements & Appearances: Occasionally participates in public forums and charity events.

• Awards & Recognition: His Emmy-winning work has elevated his market value and credibility.

Contextual Notes

• Griffin’s salary has fluctuated over the years, especially following his transition from TV to radio-only in 2024.

• Some sources cite a higher salary range ($300,000–$340,000), likely factoring in bonuses, tenure, and syndication value.

• His net worth reflects not just salary but also long-term investments, real estate, and residuals from media work.

Who is Marty Griffin married to?

Marty Griffin is married to Kristine Sorensen, a respected journalist and anchor at KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh). The couple has three children and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How Old Is Marty Griffin?

Marty Griffin was born on June 12, 1959, and is 66 years old as of 2025.

What happened to Marty Griffin?

In 2018, Marty Griffin was diagnosed and treated for HPV-related throat cancer. He has been open about his health journey and has used it to advocate for public health awareness.

Is Marty Griffin Still on KDKA?

Yes—Marty Griffin is still on KDKA-AM Radio, hosting his weekday show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. He left KDKA-TV in July 2024 but remains active on air, focusing on community issues and listener engagement. His shift to a later time slot was due to health concerns, not termination.

Where Is Marty Griffin?

Marty Griffin: Biography Overview