FEATURE PROFILE | Rebekah Chung
What topics are you passionate about covering?
Starting out as a statehouse reporter and continuing in my role as Capitol Bureau Chief, politics will be my primary focus (whether that’s at the state or local level). I’m looking forward to doing more investigative pieces as well, as I step into my role as an evening anchor.
What do you hope viewers take away from your broadcasts?
I’m hoping that our broadcasts leave the viewer feeling informed on all sides of an issue. I believe one of the goals of television news is to provide a platform for meaningful conversations that can help people broaden their perspective of various topics. I believe that knowing the facts is true empowerment. It helps us make decisions that impact our lives every day.
When did you know you wanted to be a journalist?
In high school, I studied film production at Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH) in Miami-Dade. There, I developed a love for telling stories. However, at that time, it wasn't clear how I could put those skills toward a career in the future. This thought changed when I went to watch a documentary at the movies with my mom one day. I don’t remember the name of the film, but I do remember leaving the theater with an overwhelming feeling of warmth. It felt like a burning passion inside me to get up and take action. Once I got to college, I decided to double major in broadcast journalism and political science, which has now put me at the forefront of major political events in Kansas over the past three years.
What do you like most about your job?
I like the fast-paced environment that this field provides. Every day, I get to explore something new, so I’m constantly learning, which I enjoy. I also love that I get the opportunity to help people by sharing their stories and holding people accountable.
How do you stay positive when covering negative stories?
My family and my faith provide a strong foundation, which helps when I’m covering heavy stories. I have a group of people I can rely on, and that are always there to talk. We've also built a strong, team-oriented environment in our newsroom, so we can find support there as well.
What is your favorite place in Topeka?
When I’m not at the Statehouse during the week, I like to take time to explore different places in the capital city. One of my favorite spots in Topeka is “Spawn Inn” downtown. It’s a local 'gamer' lounge, where you can pick from a variety of board games, video games and arcade games. It’s a great place to go on the weekends to hang out with friends or to meet new ones!
