Andrew Chang Bio: CBC News Anchor’s Journey, Age, Height, Family, Why He’s Famous & Recent ‘About That’ Career Milestones
Andrew Chang is an award-winning Canadian journalist and the prominent face of CBC’s modern digital news transformation. Currently serving as the host of the hit explainer series About That, he has become a household name for his ability to break down complex global issues into digestible, engaging stories for a multi-platform audience. In this Andrew Chang bio, we explore the life of a broadcast professional who bridged the gap between traditional nightly news and the fast-paced world of digital storytelling.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Chang |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Digital Content Creator |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years 5 months old |
| Birthplace | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-Canadian |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Carleton University (Journalism) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dovile Chang |
| Children | 2 Daughters (Arianna and a younger daughter) |
| Parents | Names not publicly disclosed (Immigrants from Hong Kong) |
| Known For | The National, About That, CBC News Montreal |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1.5 Million – $3 Million |
| Years Active | 2004–Present |
| Current Residence | Toronto, Ontario |
Early Life & Education
Childhood
Andrew Chang was born and raised in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Growing up in a multicultural household, Chang was the son of immigrants who moved to Canada from Hong Kong. His upbringing was characterized by a strong emphasis on hard work and academic excellence, values common in many immigrant families seeking to build a stable life in North America.
From a young age, Chang displayed a natural curiosity about the world. While his parents may have initially envisioned a traditional career path for him in medicine or law, Andrew found himself drawn to the stories unfolding in his own community. He was an avid consumer of news, often watching local broadcasts and marveling at the way journalists could distill chaotic events into a coherent narrative.
School Years
During his high school years in Ottawa, Chang began to hone his communication skills. He was known for being articulate and inquisitive, often participating in debates and writing for school publications. His ability to synthesize information quickly became apparent to his teachers, who encouraged him to pursue a career that utilized his voice and analytical mind. Unlike many of his peers who were focused solely on sports or social life, Chang spent a significant amount of time following international politics and local civic issues.
University & Training
To turn his passion into a profession, Andrew enrolled at Carleton University’s prestigious School of Journalism. Carleton is widely regarded as one of the top institutions for media studies in Canada, and it provided Chang with the rigorous technical training needed for the industry.
While at university, he didn’t just stick to the classroom. He sought out internships and worked for the campus radio station, learning the “old school” fundamentals of audio editing and live reporting. This period was crucial for Chang, as it was here that he learned the importance of journalistic ethics, fact-checking, and the art of the interview. He graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism, ready to enter a media landscape that was just beginning to feel the disruptive effects of the internet.
Career Journey
Career Beginnings: From Radio to the Newsroom
Andrew Chang’s career began in 2004 when he joined the CBC as a researcher. Like many great journalists, he started at the bottom, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. His early days were spent in the CBC’s Montreal newsroom, where he worked on the radio side. This environment was a “trial by fire,” requiring him to find stories, verify sources, and produce content under tight deadlines.
His transition to television was a natural evolution. His screen presence—calm, authoritative, yet approachable—caught the attention of producers. He soon moved into a reporting role, covering everything from local municipal politics to major breaking news stories in Quebec.
The Montreal Years and Rise to Prominence
In 2012, Chang was named the co-anchor of CBC News Montreal at 6:00 PM. This was a pivotal moment in his career. Montreal is a unique media market with a complex linguistic and political landscape. Chang’s ability to navigate these nuances earned him the respect of the local audience.
During his time in Montreal, he was on the front lines of several major stories, including the tragic Lac-Mégantic rail disaster in 2013. His empathetic yet professional reporting during such a national crisis solidified his reputation as a reliable journalist. He won several regional awards during this tenure, proving he could handle the pressure of a daily flagship broadcast.
Moving West: CBC Vancouver
In 2014, CBC moved Chang to the West Coast to anchor CBC News Vancouver. This move was part of a strategic effort by the network to bring high-energy, versatile anchors to key markets. Under his leadership, the Vancouver broadcast saw a significant rise in ratings. Chang didn’t just stay behind the desk; he became a fixture in the community, often hosting live events and engaging with viewers on social media—a precursor to his future digital success.
The National: The Four-Anchor Experiment
In 2017, the CBC announced a radical change to its flagship nightly news program, The National. Following the retirement of long-time solo anchor Peter Mansbridge, the network opted for a four-anchor format to represent different regions of Canada. Andrew Chang was selected as one of the four, alongside Adrienne Arsenault, Ian Hanomansing, and Rosemary Barton.
Chang remained based in Vancouver during this period, providing a crucial Western perspective to the national broadcast. While the four-anchor format received mixed reviews from traditionalists, it allowed Chang to cover massive international stories, including the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
The Digital Pivot: ‘About That’ and Recent Activity
By 2022, the media landscape had shifted dramatically. Audiences were moving away from linear television toward YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services. Sensing this shift, the CBC launched a new project centered entirely around Chang’s strengths: About That with Andrew Chang.
About That is not a traditional news show. It is an “explainer” series that uses high-end graphics, a “smartboard” visual style, and long-form deep dives to explain the why behind the news. This move was a massive success. The show’s YouTube channel exploded in popularity, attracting a younger, global demographic that hadn’t previously engaged with the CBC. As of 2026, the series remains a cornerstone of CBC’s digital strategy, with Chang acting as both the primary host and a key editorial voice.
Career Stats & Highlights
| Year | Role / Project | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Researcher, CBC | Entry into professional journalism |
| 2012 | Co-Anchor, CBC Montreal | Won multiple regional RTDNA awards |
| 2014 | Anchor, CBC Vancouver | Highest-rated local news period for the station |
| 2016 | Olympic Host | Hosted Rio 2016 coverage for CBC |
| 2017 | Anchor, The National | Part of the reimagined flagship national news |
| 2022 | Host, About That | Successful pivot to digital-first explainer journalism |
| 2024 | Special Correspondent | Coverage of the U.S. Presidential Election |
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2026, Andrew Chang’s estimated net worth is between $1.5 million and $3 million.
His primary income stream is his salary as a senior anchor and host at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). While the CBC is a public broadcaster and does not typically disclose exact salaries, public records and “Sunshine List” equivalents for high-level media talent suggest that top-tier anchors earn between $250,000 and $450,000 annually.
Beyond his base salary, Chang’s earnings are bolstered by:
- Public Speaking: Chang is a sought-after moderator and speaker for journalism conferences and civic events.
- Digital Revenue: While his YouTube work is for the CBC, the success of About That has significantly increased his market value within the industry.
- Investments: Like many successful professionals, Chang has reportedly invested in the Toronto and Vancouver real estate markets, which have seen substantial growth over the last decade.
Personal Life
Family Background
Andrew Chang is the son of Hong Kong immigrants. He often credits his parents’ sacrifices for his success. In interviews, he has noted that seeing his parents navigate a new country and a new language gave him the perspective needed to report on the diverse experiences of all Canadians.
Marriage & Spouse
Andrew is married to Dovile Chang. The couple has managed to keep much of their private life out of the tabloids, maintaining a grounded family unit despite Andrew’s public-facing career. Dovile has been a constant support throughout Andrew’s frequent moves across the country—from Montreal to Vancouver and eventually to Toronto.
Children
The couple has two daughters. Their eldest, Arianna, was born just as Andrew was transitioning into major national roles. Chang often shares lighthearted anecdotes about fatherhood on his social media accounts, particularly regarding the challenges of balancing a demanding news schedule with bedtime stories and school runs.
Hobbies, Interests & Lifestyle
When he isn’t in front of the camera, Chang is an avid musician. He is a talented software enthusiast and often spends time learning about new technologies. He is also a fitness advocate, frequently seen cycling or running in the various cities he has called home. His lifestyle is best described as “active and intellectual,” blending a love for physical fitness with a never-ending quest for knowledge.
Awards & Achievements
Andrew Chang’s trophy shelf is a testament to his versatility and commitment to journalistic excellence.
- Canadian Screen Award (2023): Best Host or Interviewer in a News or Information Program (About That).
- RTDNA Award (2018): Best Newscast (The National).
- Canadian Screen Award (2016): Best Local News Anchor (CBC Vancouver).
- Gemini Award Nomination (2011): For his reporting on the Montreal protests.
- RTDNA Award (2013): Best Spot News Coverage for the Lac-Mégantic disaster.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
- Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Build: Athletic/Slim
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Distinguishing Features: Known for his expressive hand gestures while using the digital “smartboard” on About That.
Quotes
“The goal isn’t just to tell people what happened; it’s to tell them why it matters to their lives. If we haven’t done that, we haven’t finished the job.” — CBC Interview, 2023
“Digital isn’t the future of news; it’s the present. We have to meet the audience where they are, whether that’s a TV screen or a smartphone.” — Media Innovation Summit, 2024
Favorites
- Food: Authentic Dim Sum and Montreal-style bagels.
- City: Montreal (for the culture) and Vancouver (for the nature).
- Book: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
- Tech: High-end video editing software and interactive touchscreens.
- Sport: Soccer and cycling.
Interesting Facts
- Musical Talent: Andrew is a skilled pianist and has occasionally shared clips of his playing on social media.
- Language Skills: He is fluent in English and French, a necessity for his long tenure in Montreal.
- Tech Geek: He is deeply involved in the post-production of About That, often consulting on the graphics and visual effects used in the show.
- Olympic Dreams: He once joked that if he weren’t a journalist, he’d want to be an Olympic commentator for every sport, not just the big ones.
- Morning Person: To stay on top of global news, Andrew typically starts his day at 5:00 AM, scanning international wires.
- First Job: His very first job wasn’t in news—it was working at a local mall in Ottawa.
- Video Game Fan: He has mentioned an interest in the storytelling aspect of modern video games.
- No Teleprompter: For many segments of About That, Chang works without a traditional teleprompter, relying on deep research and notes to keep the delivery conversational.
Did You Know?
- Did you know Andrew Chang started at the CBC as a researcher, essentially working as an intern-level assistant before ever appearing on camera?
- Did you know that About That was originally conceived as a small web-only experiment before it became CBC’s primary digital news vehicle?
- Did you know Andrew Chang has lived in every major Canadian news hub, including Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto?
- Did you know he was one of the youngest anchors ever to lead a major CBC regional newsroom when he took the helm in Montreal?
Social Media
- Instagram: @AndrewChangCBC
- X (Twitter): @AndrewChangCBC
- YouTube: CBC News / About That
- LinkedIn: Andrew Chang
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is Andrew Chang?
Andrew Chang was born on December 15, 1982. As of 2026, he is 43 years old.
Q2: Is Andrew Chang still on The National?
While Andrew Chang was a main anchor of The National from 2017 to 2022, he shifted his primary focus to hosting About That, CBC’s flagship digital explainer series. He still occasionally contributes to major special event coverage on The National.
Q3: What happened to Andrew Chang’s “About That” show?
The show has become a massive success. It transitioned from a segment within the news into a standalone digital brand that explains complex news topics through high-quality visuals and deep-dive reporting.
Q4: Where does Andrew Chang live now?
Andrew Chang is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, where the CBC’s main English-language production facilities are located.
Q5: What is Andrew Chang’s ethnicity?
Andrew Chang is Chinese-Canadian. His parents immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong before he was born.
CONCLUSION
Andrew Chang’s journey from an entry-level researcher to a digital news pioneer reflects the changing face of journalism in the 21st century. His ability to adapt from the traditional anchor desk to the fast-paced world of digital explainers has ensured his relevance in an era of declining linear TV viewership. As he continues to lead About That, Chang remains a vital voice in Canadian media, helping millions of viewers make sense of an increasingly complicated world. His legacy is one of innovation, proving that high-quality journalism can thrive on any platform as long as the storytelling is clear, honest, and engaging.
Source Data Credits: CBC News Corporate Archives, RTDNA Canada Awards Database, Carleton University Alumni Profiles, Canadian Screen Academy Records.
