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Unlike some of my peers, I didn't truly plan to be where I am right now. Sure once I chose to major in Broadcast Journalism at Colorado State University, my path was clear. But there have been many twists and turns along the way that have now made this my dream job.
After graduation from CSU, I was open to work just about anywhere. But then my grandmother got sick so I was left with only one option. I came home to Hawaii to take care of my "popo." But after six months of caring for her, I felt out of touch with the world, especially the newsroom. That's when my friend suggested I apply to be an associate producer at KGMB. Sure enough, I took the entry position at $6.50 an hour and never looked back.
Fortunately for me, being in the news business felt as natural as riding a bike. It didn't take long for me to earn a full time position with benefits (possibly one of my dad's proudest moments). But I wouldn't last long answering phones, making beat calls and running scripts, I wanted to be outside. Luckily someone got a hold of my college resume tape. Once they found out I could shoot video, I was hired. Despite bets made that I'd last just 3 months as the state's only female news photographer at the time, I had staying power.
In my nearly four years behind the scenes, you name it, I shot it. The greatest achievement with a 35-pound camera on my shoulder was probably my trek up Haiku Stairs. I got thru all 1,000-plus steps (some which barely had any footing to them). The government report done with reporter Russell Shimooka earned us both an award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
While that was adventurous, nothing compared to the adrenaline rush I got from shooting sports from the sidelines. As a photographer, I was there up close and personal for every UH football game (even the 0-12 season in 1998). Being in the midst of the action for volleyball, basketball, golf and more at every level from the Pro Bowl to state championships was such a bonus to my daily responsibilities. Needless to say, I was hooked.
Neil Everett, who was KGMB9's sports director at the time, was convinced my calling was reporting. With Neil's encouragement, KGMB created a third sports position for me to join the staff. Everything happened really fast from that point on. Neil went to ESPN and I moved up the ranks from sports reporter to weekend anchor to sports director. By 2002, I completed my first real project. I produced, wrote and hosted a half-hour University of Hawaii football special entitled "The Road to Respect," which would have never come to life without the editing and vision of John Allen III. Better yet, when it was all said and done we both took home our first Emmy for the show.
Personally my sports career, which includes soccer and track, is not as exciting. Bench warming was more my thing at Roosevelt, except for canoe paddling. I earned my seat in the canoe in high school, at Waikiki Surf Club and even in the World Sprints. I've competed in paddling races in Tahiti, New Zealand and Fiji and crossed the Molokai Channel twice. I've also ran the Honolulu Marathon two times and survived the Tin Man and Mountain Man triathlons.
Not a month goes by, sometimes even days, that I don't tell this story in some form to aspiring young children who love sports and want to do what I'm doing. That in itself makes me very thankful for what I have, especially because like I said I never really planned for this. Considering my unexpected journey to this field of journalism, unlike others in this business I don't call myself a sports expert. I'd rather be considered a sports enthusiast. That way I can allow myself to really be a fan.
Liz Chun is KGMB9's Sports Director and anchors the sports report on KGMB9 News at 6 and 10, every weekday evening. She also hosts June Jones on KGMB9 airing Sundays at 10:35 p.m. and again on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Liz has been with KGMB9 since 1996. | 