Miles O’Brien is a famous American broadcast journalist known for his extensive coverage of science, technology, and aerospace. He rose to prominence as a correspondent and anchor for CNN before becoming the national science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. His expertise and passion for aviation and space exploration have made him a trusted voice in science journalism.
In 2026, he is 67 years old. He was born Miles O’Brien III on June 9, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall. He weighs around 79 kg (175 lbs).
His major works include his reporting for CNN, his documentaries for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE, and his work as the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. He has won numerous awards, including a Peabody Award and a DuPont Award. His estimated net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Miles O’Brien Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Miles O’Brien III |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1959 |
| Age in 2026 | 67 years old |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Broadcast journalist, producer, director |
| Category | Journalist |
| Education | Georgetown University |
| Spouse | Sandy O’Brien |
| Children | 2 (son Miles, daughter Connery) |
| Career Start | 1981 |
| Notable Employers | CNN, PBS NewsHour, PBS NOVA, PBS FRONTLINE |
| Major Works | “Blueprint America”, “Flying Cheap”, “Mind of a Rampage Killer” |
| Achievements | Peabody Award, DuPont Award, multiple Emmy Awards |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
| Primary Income Source | Journalism, production, speaking engagements |
| Social Media | Twitter (@milesobrien) |
Miles O’Brien Real Name
Miles O’Brien‘s full birth name is Miles O’Brien III. He is professionally known by his real name. He does not use a different professional name. His name appears on all his bylines and broadcasts.
His surname O’Brien reflects his Irish heritage. He has built his career under his real name. It is a point of connection to his family. His name is now a respected brand in science journalism.
Miles O’Brien Early Life and Education
Miles O’Brien was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 9, 1959. He was raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He comes from a family of aviators. His father, a private pilot, shared his love of flying with him at an early age. His paternal and maternal grandfathers were also pilots.
He attended Georgetown University. He was a history major at Georgetown. He graduated in 1981. His education gave him a strong foundation in research and analysis.
Miles O’Brien Parents and Siblings
Miles O’Brien‘s father was a private pilot. He shared his love of flying with his son. His paternal and maternal grandfathers were also pilots. His mother and sister both passed away from cancer.
He has not shared details about siblings publicly. He keeps his family life relatively private. His family background is one of aviation and adventure.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Parent | Private pilot |
| Mother | Parent | Deceased, cancer |
| Sister | Sibling | Deceased, cancer |
| Grandfathers | Grandparents | Both pilots |
Miles O’Brien Educational Qualification
Miles O’Brien‘s formal education is well-documented. He attended Georgetown University. He was a history major there. He graduated in 1981. His education was practical and focused.
He also attended WRC-TV in Washington, DC as an assignment editor and production assistant in 1981. This was his first broadcasting position.
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Georgetown University | History major |
Miles O’Brien Before Fame
Miles O’Brien started his career in broadcasting in 1981. He accepted his first broadcasting position with WRC-TV in Washington, DC. He was an assignment editor and production assistant.
He then worked as a reporter and anchor at TV stations in several cities. He worked in St. Joseph, Missouri; Albany, New York; Tampa, Florida; and Boston, Massachusetts. He gained valuable experience in local news.
He joined CNN in 1992. He was a private pilot since 1988. He was building his reputation as a skilled journalist and aviation expert. His big break was coming.
| Period | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | WRC-TV | Assignment editor, production assistant |
| 1983 | KQTV | Anchor/reporter/producer |
| 1983-1984 | WNYT | Anchor/reporter |
| 1984-1986 | WTSP-TV | Special segment reporter |
| 1986-1991 | WHDH | General assignment reporter |
Miles O’Brien Career
Miles O’Brien‘s career soared at CNN, where he worked from 1992 to 2008. He served as CNN’s science, space, aviation technology, and environment correspondent. He anchored programs including Science and Technology Week, Primetime, and CNN American Morning.
He covered all aspects of the United States space program for CNN. He reported on the Hubble Space Telescope, shuttle dockings at Mir, and the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. He was set to become the first journalist to fly on a space shuttle, but the Columbia disaster canceled the plan. He also covered numerous airliner crashes and the September 11 attacks. He left CNN in December 2008. He was rehired by CNN as an aviation analyst in March 2014.
After leaving CNN, he formed Miles O’Brien Productions, LLC. He became the national science correspondent for PBS NewsHour in 2010. He also produces and directs documentaries for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE. He continues to be a dominant force in science journalism.
| Year | Career / Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1992-2008 | CNN | Science, space, technology correspondent |
| 2000 | “Terminal Count” | One-hour documentary on space shuttle |
| 2006 | Peabody Award | CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina |
| 2008 | Left CNN | Formed independent production company |
| 2010 | PBS NewsHour | National science correspondent |
| 2013 | PBS NOVA | Producer and director |
| 2014 | CNN | Rehired as aviation analyst |
Miles O’Brien Family
Miles O’Brien is married to Sandy O’Brien. They reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland. They have two children. Their son is named Miles O’Brien IV. Their daughter is named Connery O’Brien.
His son attended the US Naval Academy. He is a US Navy Lieutenant. His daughter attended Davidson College. She is a social worker. He keeps his family life relatively private.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy O’Brien | Wife | Married |
| Miles O’Brien IV | Son | US Navy Lieutenant |
| Connery O’Brien | Daughter | Social worker |
Miles O’Brien Wife
Miles O’Brien is married to Sandy O’Brien. She is his wife and life partner. They have been married for many years. He is a devoted husband.
She has been a supportive partner throughout his career. He speaks highly of his wife. Their relationship is a true partnership.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Sandy O’Brien |
| Children | 2 |
Miles O’Brien Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Miles O’Brien is 67 years old in 2026. He was born on June 9, 1959. His birthday is in the summer. He is a Gemini. He maintains a professional appearance.
His height is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). His weight is around 79 kg (175 lbs). He has an average build. His physical appearance is not widely documented. He is known for his intellectual presence.
His eye color is not publicly confirmed. His hair color is gray. He has a distinctive and thoughtful look. He often appears in media interviews and speaking engagements. His presence is engaging and authoritative.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age in 2026 | 67 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) approx. |
| Weight | 79 kg (175 lbs) approx. |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Build | Average |
Miles O’Brien Social Media Presence
Miles O’Brien has a social media presence. He is active on X (Twitter). His handle is @milesobrien. He shares updates about his work and science news. He engages with his followers.
He also has a website at milesobrien.com. He uses it to promote his work. He does not appear to be active on Instagram or other platforms. He focuses on his writing and speaking.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| X / Twitter | @milesobrien |
| Website | milesobrien.com |
Miles O’Brien Awards and Achievements
Miles O’Brien has won numerous major journalism awards. He has won multiple Emmy Awards. He won a Peabody Award in 2006 for CNN’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina. He also won a DuPont Award for the same coverage.
He won a National News and Documentary Emmy Award in 1996 for coverage of the Olympic Park Bombing. He won a Florida Emmy Award in 1986. He won a Boston/New England Emmy Award in 1989.
He received the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Space Communicator Award in 2002. He won the National Headliner Award in 2002 for investigative coverage of the Sept. 11 attacks. He won the Society of Environmental Journalists Award in 2006. He also won the National Press Club Robert L Kozik Award in 2006.
He received the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Max Karant Award in 2006. He was named an Honorary Member of Sigma Xi in 2015. He has over 32 years of experience in the industry. His achievements are extraordinary.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peabody Award | 2006 | Hurricane Katrina | CNN coverage |
| DuPont Award | 2006 | Hurricane Katrina | CNN coverage |
| Emmy Awards | Various | Multiple wins | Including National News and Documentary |
| Rotary National Award | 2002 | Space Communicator Award | Space achievement |
| National Headliner Award | 2002 | Investigative coverage | Sept. 11 attacks |
| Sigma Xi | 2015 | Honorary Member | Scientific research honor |
Miles O’Brien Net Worth
Miles O’Brien‘s net worth in 2026 is not publicly confirmed. Reliable sources do not provide an estimate. He has had a long and successful career in journalism. His income comes from his work with PBS, CNN, and his production company.
He earns from his role as science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. He also earns from his work as a producer and director for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE. He owns Miles O’Brien Productions, LLC. He earns from speaking engagements, with a fee range of $10,000 to $20,000. He also earns from his work as an aviation analyst for CNN. His net worth is not publicly known.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism | PBS NewsHour, CNN, PBS NOVA, PBS FRONTLINE |
| Production | Miles O’Brien Productions, LLC |
| Speaking Engagements | $10,000 – $20,000 fee |
| Aviation Analyst | CNN |
Miles O’Brien Nationality and Religion
Miles O’Brien is American by nationality. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. He is proud of his American identity. His journalism represents American values. He is a prominent American voice.
His ethnicity is Irish-American. His surname O’Brien reflects his Irish heritage. He embraces his heritage.
His religion is not publicly confirmed. He keeps his beliefs private. He focuses on his work and family. His personal faith is his own matter.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
Miles O’Brien Public Image
Miles O’Brien is known as a trusted and knowledgeable science journalist. He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. His image is professional and authoritative. He is seen as an expert in science and aerospace. He is a powerful and influential figure.
He is known for his coverage of space and aviation. He is a third-generation pilot. He is an instrument-rated pilot. This unique combination sets him apart. He is a true original.
He is also seen as a private person. He keeps his personal life guarded. This earns him public respect. He is not a tabloid figure. He maintains a clean reputation.
He is admired by colleagues worldwide. He has mentored young journalists. He is seen as a role model. His peers hold him in high esteem.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personality | Professional, knowledgeable, private |
| Journalism Style | Authoritative, accessible, engaging |
| Reputation | Trusted science journalist |
| Public Perception | Respected, expert, reliable |
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Miles O’Brien Legacy and Impact
Miles O’Brien‘s impact on science journalism is profound. He has made complex scientific topics accessible to the public. He has covered the most important events in space exploration. His influence is undeniable.
He was set to become the first journalist to fly on a space shuttle. This highlights his commitment to space reporting. He has covered the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the Hubble Space Telescope. His work has informed and educated millions.
He has produced and directed documentaries for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE. His work has won numerous awards. He has inspired a generation of science journalists. His legacy is secure.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism Influence | Science and space reporting |
| Cultural Impact | Accessible science communication |
| Legacy | Respected science journalist |
| Representation | Aviation and space expertise |
Miles O’Brien Future Plans and Goals
Miles O’Brien continues to work as a journalist. He is the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. He produces documentaries for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE. He is an aviation analyst for CNN.
He continues to cover science, technology, and aerospace. He is a dedicated journalist. He wants to continue informing the public. His future looks bright.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Journalism | Continue with PBS NewsHour, NOVA, FRONTLINE, CNN |
| Production | Continue with Miles O’Brien Productions |
Miles O’Brien Documentaries and Publications
- “Terminal Count: What it Takes to Make the Space Shuttle Fly” (2001) – A one-hour documentary on the space shuttle
- “Blueprint America” – A PBS series on rebuilding American mass transit infrastructure
- “Flying Cheap” (2010) – A FRONTLINE documentary on airline safety
- “Mind of a Rampage Killer” (2013) – A PBS NOVA documentary
- “Manhunt: Boston Bombers” (2013) – A PBS NOVA documentary
- “Megastorm Aftermath” (2013) – A PBS NOVA documentary
- “Why Planes Vanish” (2014) – A PBS NOVA documentary
Miles O’Brien Lesser-Known Facts
- His full name is Miles O’Brien III.
- He is a third-generation pilot.
- His father and both grandfathers were pilots.
- He has been a private pilot since 1988.
- He is an instrument-rated pilot.
- He owns a Cirrus SR22 aircraft.
- He was set to be the first journalist to fly on a space shuttle.
- He has about 2,000 hours of pilot-in-command time.
- He lost his left arm above the elbow in an accident in 2014.
- He has a son named Miles and a daughter named Connery.
- His son is a US Navy Lieutenant.
- His daughter is a social worker.
- He was a history major at Georgetown University.
- He has won a Peabody Award and a DuPont Award.
- He has won multiple Emmy Awards.
- He is on the board of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
- He is on the board of LessCancer.org.
- He is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Miles O’Brien FAQs
Q: How old is Miles O’Brien in 2026?
A: He is 67 years old in 2026. He was born on June 9, 1959.
Q: What is Miles O’Brien’s net worth?
A: His net worth is not publicly confirmed. Reliable sources do not provide an estimate.
Q: What is Miles O’Brien’s real name?
A: His real name is Miles O’Brien III.
Q: Is Miles O’Brien married?
A: Yes, he is married to Sandy O’Brien.
Q: Does Miles O’Brien have children?
A: Yes, he has two children. Their names are Miles and Connery.
Q: What is Miles O’Brien’s height?
A: He is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
Q: What happened to Miles O’Brien’s arm?
A: In February 2014, he lost his left arm above the elbow after a case of television equipment fell on it, causing acute compartment syndrome.
Conclusion
Miles O’Brien is a veteran science journalist and trusted voice in American media. His journey from a local news reporter to a national correspondent is inspiring. He was born Miles O’Brien III on June 9, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan. Now at 67 years old in 2026, he is a respected figure. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 79 kg.
His career began in 1981 at a local television station. He achieved fame as a correspondent and anchor for CNN and as the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour. He has produced and directed documentaries for PBS NOVA and FRONTLINE. He has won a Peabody Award, a DuPont Award, and multiple Emmy Awards. His estimated net worth is not publicly confirmed.
He is a devoted husband to Sandy and father of two. He is a third-generation pilot and an instrument-rated pilot. His legacy as a science journalist is secure.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Miles O’Brien‘s journey from a young aviation enthusiast in Michigan to a Peabody Award-winning science correspondent.
