Stephanie Lum

JOURNALIST, NEWS ANCHOR, HOST OF ‘MUTHASHIP’ PODCAST HAWAII NEWS NOW (KHNL, KGMB & KFVE)

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

I’m a local girl, born and raised in Hawai‘i. I graduated from Maryknoll High School and Seattle University. I anchor the 5, 5:30, 9 and 10 p.m. weeknight newscasts on Hawaii News Now and earned several awards including an Emmy.

Growing up, I was always curious. In college, I was a one-woman radio show host, reported for the university newspaper and was often seen lugging a tripod and camera, interviewing students and staying late nights while working on stories in the editing room. I wanted to learn from the very best, so I applied for an internship at the number one news station in Seattle where I met my mentor who lit an even bigger fire in me to get started.

Off I went to Guam, for my very first job in broadcast journalism where I learned how to be a “jack of all trades”—a reporter, writer, producer, and anchor. Two years later, I got a call from a news director in Hawai‘i who offered me the opportunity to return home. It was challenging because I was joining a team of veteran, highly experienced and respected journalists who only wanted the best. Over the years, I worked hard and I still embrace every assignment as an opportunity to get better and serve our community. I've been with Hawaii News Now for more than 20 years. I feel extremely blessed to do what I love in my home state and to be surrounded by such a passionate, talented, and hard-working team.

I’m also one of the hosts and creators of a podcast called ‘Muthaship’ which is a combination of “mother” and “friendship” in slang. My two best friends, whom I’ve known since college, discuss various topics with different guests each week to help first time parents navigate through the challenges of parenthood. You can listen to ‘Muthaship’ on Apple podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify!

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

I really hope the news industry continues to maintain a personal connection with the community. With the rise of social media and technology, it seems less people interact face-to-face these days.

Our industry is changing rapidly. People consume news at all hours of the day online and on digital devices. There is a growing demand for information in an instant. Automation is becoming the new norm. Right now, our studio cameras are no longer operated by humans but are programmed. In South Korea, news companies are experimenting with lifelike robot anchors with realistic facial expressions to deliver the news.

With developers already introducing bots that can compile a college report with the click of a button, it makes me wonder how artificial intelligence could play a role in the future of local news teams.

What do you love most about your job? Serving my community keeps me motivated every day. I was recently recognized by the Chinatown Business and Community Development Association for several stories that I filmed and edited on my days off, documenting the revitalization of Honolulu’s Chinatown. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to share stories about people and events that impact our state. Whether it be celebrating a milestone or great achievement for Hawai‘i, reflecting on an end of an era, or keeping everyone safe with the information they need during an emergency, I embrace the great responsibility that comes with being a journalist.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I’ve sacrificed time spent with my family. When I first started out, I was so heavily focused on my career that I put everything else aside including starting a family so that I could achieve my professional goals. The news never sleeps and doesn’t take off on holidays. There were many events, outings, and gatherings with family and friends that I’ve missed due to work. Now that I am a mother of three young boys, I try to juggle as best as I can my work and personal life because life is too short and spending time with your loved ones is so important.

What would you tell someone wanting to become the next Stephanie Lum? Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and dedication. Find your passion and let your passion drive you. Don’t sit around and wait for something to happen. Work hard, learn how to be your best and even when you feel you are your best, keep learning because there’s always room for improvement.