If you’ve lived in Colorado for more than five minutes, you probably feel like you know Kim Christiansen. Honestly, she’s basically the neighbor everyone wishes they had—warm, composed, and someone who actually cares about what’s happening in your backyard. Seeing her on the 9 News desk isn't just about getting the headlines. For many of us, it’s a nightly ritual that feels like home.
But here’s the thing. Most people see the polished anchor and don't realize that Kim Christiansen 9 News isn't just a lucky career story. It’s a decades-long grind that started behind the scenes. She didn't just walk into the lead anchor chair; she fought for it, one script and one 4:00 AM shift at a time.
From Arvada to the Anchor Desk
Kim is a Colorado girl through and through, even if she technically spent her first eighteen months of life in Omaha (don't tell the "native" purists). She grew up in Arvada back when it felt like a tiny town. You’d find her twirling batons in her parents’ driveway every single day. That discipline? It stuck. She eventually became Miss Colorado in 1980, which is a fun trivia fact, but she’ll be the first to tell you that the pageant wasn't about the crown—it was about learning to speak on her feet.
After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, Kim didn't start in front of the camera. No way. Her first gig at KUSA was as a news writer and associate producer for the 6:00 AM news. She spent years in the "trenches" of the newsroom, writing for other people before she ever got a shot at the reporter life.
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The Sardella Factor
We have to talk about Ed Sardella. If you remember old-school Denver news, he was the gold standard. He was also Kim's professor and mentor. He was tough—like, "hardest class ever" tough. He pushed her to find the grit beneath the glamour. That transition from general assignment reporter to the weekend morning show, then to the evening slots, and finally taking over the main anchor chair from the legendary Adele Arakawa in 2017? That wasn't an accident. It was the result of being the most prepared person in the room.
Why Buddy Check 9 is So Personal
For many, the name Kim Christiansen 9 News is synonymous with "Buddy Check 9." This isn't just a corporate social responsibility thing for her. It’s deeply, painfully personal.
Long before she was a household name, Kim watched her mother go through the trauma of multiple surgeries for lumps that, thankfully, were non-malignant. But back then, it was a "family secret." People didn't talk about it. When 9 News started looking for a way to promote breast cancer awareness, Kim jumped at the chance to lead the "Buddy Check 9" campaign.
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Then, the story hit even closer to home. Her sister, Keri, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, the spokesperson wasn't just reciting facts—she was living the reality of a family fighting the disease.
- It encouraged women to do self-exams on the 9th of every month.
- It created a network of "buddies" to hold each other accountable.
- It literally saved lives—people wrote in saying they found a lump because of the segment.
The Voice of the Airport (Literally)
If you’ve ever been stuck on the train at Denver International Airport (DIA), you’ve heard her. Kim won a contest to become the female voice of the airport train announcements. It’s kinda funny—even when you’re leaving the state, you can’t escape her voice telling you to "please move away from the doors." It’s just another way she’s woven into the fabric of Colorado life.
Navigating a Changing Media Landscape
Look, TV news isn't what it used to be. Social media, 24-hour cycles, and "fake news" labels have changed the game. When Kim joined Kyle Clark and Kathy Sabine for the 10:00 PM news, she brought a level of empathy that some critics called "soft." But honestly? In a world of shouting heads, her style of storytelling is exactly why 9 News stayed on top. She’s won seven (some records say eight) Heartland Regional Emmy awards for a reason. She’s a writer at heart.
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Life Beyond the Camera
She’s married to Greg Feith, a well-known aviation safety expert (you’ve probably seen him on every documentary about plane crashes). They have a son, Tanner. Kim’s been very open about the "working mom" struggle. She’s admitted to not always having it together, which—let’s be real—makes her way more relatable than most TV personalities. She’s been an emcee for the "Be Beautiful Be Yourself" Fashion Show for years, supporting the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
What’s Next for Kim?
As of 2026, Kim remains a fixture at KUSA. While there are always rumors about when the "big names" might retire, Kim has consistently prioritized her family and her deep roots in Colorado. She’s a member of the Silver Circle, an elite group recognized for over 25 years in the industry.
If you want to support her work or the causes she champions, here are some actionable ways to engage:
- Set a Reminder: Participate in Buddy Check 9. On the 9th of every month, do a self-exam and remind a friend.
- Engage with Local Journalism: Follow Kim and the 9 News team on social media to stay updated on Colorado-specific issues that don't make the national cycle.
- Support Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Kim has been a long-time advocate; consider looking into their local Denver events.
- Listen for the Voice: Next time you’re at DIA, give a little nod to the train announcement. That’s a Colorado icon talking to you.
Kim Christiansen isn't just an anchor. She’s a reminder that you can reach the top of your field without losing your kindness or your connection to the place you grew up.