Margaret Jane Pauley, professionally known as Jane Pauley, was born on October 31, 1950, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. She is the daughter of Richard Pauley and Mary Pauley and grew up in a modest, middle-class household. From a young age, Pauley showed a strong interest in public speaking and was actively involved in debate tournaments during her school years. Known for her inquisitive nature, she preferred facts over emotions, a trait that would later define her journalistic approach.
Pauley attended Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, where she excelled academically and graduated near the top of her class in 1968. Her passion for journalism was evident even in her teenage years, and she was determined to pursue it as a lifelong career. She enrolled at Indiana University, where she majored in political science. Pauley graduated in 1972 with high honors, further reaffirming her reputation as an outstanding student.
Following her graduation, Pauley began her professional career at WISH-TV in Indianapolis in 1972. Starting as a journalist, she quickly earned a reputation for her diligence and journalistic integrity. Her ability to deliver quality reporting gained attention not only within her own newsroom but also from competing television networks. Recognized for her consistency and professionalism, she soon received multiple offers to join national broadcasting companies.
In 1976, Jane Pauley joined NBC, one of the leading television networks in the United States. She became co-host of NBC’s morning program Today, working alongside Tom Brokaw and later Bryant Gumbel. Her role on Today catapulted her into national prominence as she became a familiar and trusted face in American households. She remained with the program for over a decade before departing in 1989 due in part to creative differences with the show's management.
Following her tenure on Today, Pauley launched a new program titled Real Life with Jane Pauley. The show focused on human interest stories and aired for two years. Subsequently, Pauley joined Dateline NBC, where she served as a co-anchor for 11 years. Dateline became a major success and further solidified her status as a respected figure in news reporting. She stepped down from the show in 2003, expressing a desire for change as the format began to feel repetitive.
| Birth Date: | 31 Oct, 1950 |
| Age: | 69 yrs |
| Occupations: | Journalist |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Indianapolis |
| Education: | Indiana University |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American journalist |
| Twitter Id: | RealJanePauley |
| Spouse: | Garry Trudeau [M. 1980] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 40 million |