Keith Kountz

Keith Kountz  anchors News Channel 8 at 5:00 with Jocelyn Maminta, and Non-Stop News at 10 on UPN9.

Kountz first came to News Channel 8 in 1987 as a reporter. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Weekend Anchor. In 1994, he became co-anchor of Connecticut's top rated, early morning newscast "Good Morning Connecticut at 5am" and "Good Morning Connecticut at 6am." Kountz also co-anchored News Channel 8 at Noon. In 1998, Kountz left Connecticut to become a main anchor at WJXX in Jacksonville, Florida.

"I'm so thrilled to be back," says Keith. "Connecticut is like home to me. I love the area. My family loves the area, and being back is a dream come true." He goes on to say "the people of News Channel 8 are like family. I've known Ann, Mel, and Geoff for over a decade. They're more than co-workers, they're friends, and they make the work environment that much better."

While he was working in Jacksonville, Keith says he "received numerous calls and e-mails from Connecticut residents visiting Florida. "Even though I was physically in Jacksonville, emotionally and mentally, I never left Connecticut."

While at WTNH, Kountz received acclaim for his news series called "Who We Are," which focused on individuals, organizations, and issues important to minorities throughout the state. He also hosted "Wednesday's Child," a weekly series that featured children in need of adoption. As a part of the greater New Haven community for more than 13 years, Keith has worked closely with a variety of charities. Some of these include the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Before working in New Haven, Keith served in a similar capacity at WIXT-TV in Syracuse, New York. He has also worked at WSAV-TV in Savannah, Georgia and WPDE-TV in Florence, South Carolina. Keith has been the recipient of more than 40 civic and professional awards, including the Great New Haven NAACP Media Award (2000), the Greater New Haven 40 Under 40 Award (1997), and LIN Television's "Circle of Excellence" award.

An avid golfer, Keith and his wife, Dawn, are the parents of two daughters.