Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kristi Lee Net Worth?
Kristi Lee, born Theresa Ritz in Indianapolis, Indiana, in July 1960, is a prominent American news director and radio personality. Best known for her role on The Bob & Tom Show, a nationally syndicated radio program, she has built a successful career in broadcasting. Kristi Lee net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million.
Early Career and Education
Kristi’s journey in radio began at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, where she took a radio class and discovered her talent. This early exposure led her to pursue opportunities in the field. After high school, she attended Indiana University. However, she left during winter break to pursue a full-time job in media. She secured her first full-time position as a television engineer at WRTV, while simultaneously working part-time as a disc jockey at WFBQ Q95. During her time at WRTV in 1980, she gained invaluable experience that would shape her future career. A teacher at Ben Davis High School inspired her to pursue a career in radio and encouraged her to obtain a first-class FCC license, making her one of the few women in the U.S. to hold such a license at the time.
The Bob & Tom Show and Other Ventures
In 1988, Kristi joined The Bob & Tom Show full-time, becoming the news director and a co-host. Her role involves delivering newscasts with a humorous twist, contributing to the show’s unique appeal. Beyond her work on the radio, Kristi expanded her career into sports broadcasting. She worked as a sideline reporter for ESPN and ESPN2, covering events such as the first three X Games, lacrosse, and auto racing. Additionally, she served as a sideline reporter for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA in the mid-1990s, further diversifying her media presence.
Kristi Lee’s career with “The Bob & Tom Show” has been marked by both continuity and change. On January 11, 2016, she announced her departure from the show, but she returned on July 11, 2016. In an interview with BoomerTV’s Patty Spitler, Lee explained that her primary motivation for leaving was to discover her own voice as an interviewer and create her “own brand.” During her six-month break, she launched a podcast titled “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted,” which debuted on April 5, 2016, in affiliation with Dr. Will’s Neighborhood. In an April 2016 appearance on the Hammer and Nigel podcast, Lee revealed that her Bob and Tom contract had been “rolling over for 12 years” and included a three-month non-compete clause, which she considered brief for the industry. She chose not to renew her contract because any new contract would likely have extended her non-compete requirement to six or 12 months. Tom Griswold initiated the discussions that led to her return to the show.
Kristi Lee’s contributions to broadcasting have earned her recognition, including induction into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2022. The induction ceremony took place on October 4, 2022. Additionally, she often hosted or participated in Bob and Tom Radio: The Comedy Tour shows, further showcasing her versatility and engagement with live audiences.
Kristi Lee’s Net Worth: Components and Achievements
Kristi Lee net worth of $1.5 million primarily stems from her career in radio broadcasting. Her longstanding association with The Bob & Tom Show has been a significant factor in her financial success. In addition to her role on the show, Kristi has pursued other ventures, including her podcast “Kristi Lee Uninterrupted,” which debuted on April 5, 2016, and was affiliated with Dr. Will’s Neighborhood. While specific financial details of her podcast earnings are not publicly available, it has contributed to her overall income.
Beyond her radio and podcasting work, Kristi has also engaged in endorsements and public speaking engagements, further diversifying her income streams. While the exact figures from these activities are not known, they have played a role in building Kristi Lee net worth. Her work with ESPN and ESPN2 as a sideline reporter for events like the X Games and NBA games also contributed to her income during those years.
Personal Life
Kristi Lee’s personal life includes multiple marriages. She was previously married to Adam Ritz from October 1997 to December 2006, Jack Woodlock from July 1989 to October 1995, and Thomm Malaby from September 1980 to May 1982. She has two daughters from her marriage with Adam Ritz. Kristi resides in Zionsville, Indiana, with her daughters. She finds the small-town vibe and easygoing lifestyle appealing. In her free time, Kristi enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her daughters. On March 21, 2023, her engagement to a gentleman named “Andy” was announced on The Bob and Tom Show.
