Breaking up with breaking news
After 15 incredible years of chasing stories, standing in snow storms, asking tough questions, and sharing the triumphs and tragedies of our community, it’s time for me to turn the page.
I’m officially breaking up with breaking news.
One week ago, I publicly shared my plans to step away from TV news. I have been overwhelmed by the incredible messages, comments, calls and emails. It means so much to hear from people who my stories have touched or impacted their lives. It also means a lot to hear the encouragement on my decision.
This decision didn’t come lightly. Being a TV news reporter has been more than a job, it’s been a calling. I’ve had the privilege to witness history unfold, to amplify voices that needed to be heard and to be welcomed into homes through screens every day. Picking up my first microphone at USC changed my life forever.
I remember it so vividly. I was looking for a way to get involved my freshman year and the TV station on campus was looking for volunteers. My major was Communication but my dream was to be an actress. But on my first day volunteering at Annenberg TV News, I fell in love. I loved the hustle and bustle of the newsroom. I worked the assignment desk, answering calls and scheduling interviews. After a semester I switched majors to Broadcast and Digital Journalism.
For the last 15 years I’ve covered some pretty big moments in history. I’ve covered Presidential Debates, President Barack Obama’s re-election night in Chicago, deadly tornadoes and hurricanes and the aftermath of Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson that sparked a global movement. But it’s the individual stories I remember most. So many people have welcomed me into their homes to share their most personal moments. They’re triumphs and their tragedies.
After years of deadlines and live shots, I’m ready for a new rhythm, one that allows more time with my family and space to create on my own terms. So I’m stepping away from the newsroom and stepping into the next chapter of working for myself. I will be doing some freelance social media consulting, content creation and of course continuing to share news, food and family fun with my community across social media.
This new venture will allow me to keep telling powerful stories, just in a different way. It will give me more flexibility to be present for the moments that matter most.
I’ll be the first to admit that I never expected to leave the news business. I expected to retire at KMOV. But motherhood changed everything for me. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is our goals and our dreams can evolve. The path we thought we wanted can wind and turn and take a sharp turn. I am excited to see where this current road takes me.
From Los Angeles to Knoxville to my home, St. Louis, thank you to every viewer who trusted me to tell your story.
This isn’t goodbye, it’s just “stay tuned.”