Posted by chicagomedia.org on April 23, 2009 at 07:25:36:
Anchor Anne State of WBBM-Channel 2 'grateful' to be in Chicago after one year at station
Backpacked around world, loved Thailand, says colleague Rob Johnson has 'wicked sense of humor'
April 23, 2009
LEWIS LAZARE | Chicago Sun-Times Media & Marketing columnist
Some may know her only as the news reader who a year ago replaced the abruptly ousted anchor Diann Burns at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2. Anne State came to Chicago as an unknown and an outsider, yet she has established a solid presence at Channel 2 under less than ideal circumstances.
WBBM's local evening newscasts are still struggling in the ratings. But State and the rest of the Channel 2 news department are working diligently to improve everything. That means more changes are likely at the station. As State, a native Californian, marks her first year in Chicago this month, we posed five questions to her.
Q. You came to Chicago from San Diego a year ago. How would you characterize your first year as a WBBM news anchor?
A. Television news is very much a team effort, and our team has covered a lot of big stories in the last year . . . the election of President Barack Obama, the financial meltdown, the arrest and eventual ouster of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. My colleagues here at WBBM were a huge help every step of the way. I can't tell you how grateful I am to be working in a city I love, with people I respect and like -- a lot!
Q. What would you say is the biggest difference between working in television news in San Diego (where you came from) and in Chicago. What is similar?
A. Certainly the stories are different, but in many respects I feel my job is the same -- just on a larger scale. My mission is: to tell compelling stories, get the facts straight, and present both sides of the story.
Q. It's no secret WBBM has been struggling to improve its news ratings. How has that made your job tougher?
A. I'm a competitive person by nature, so naturally, I'd like to see us in first place. In that sense, it's tough. By the same token, I think we have great people and a great product that's getting better with each newscast. So obviously, there is a unique opportunity here.
Q. What makes for an effective news anchor duo. And what's the most shocking thing you've learned about co-anchor Rob Johnson in your time working with him that you can share with our readers?
A. It's important to work with people who support one another and share the common goal of serving the viewer. The most "shocking" thing about Rob Johnson? Actually, I don't think this will come as a "shock" to anyone -- Rob has a wicked sense of humor!
Q. You backpacked around the world in 1994. What was your favorite stop and why?
A. Thailand. It is a fascinating country! I toured the jungles in the northern part of the country, saw the Buddhist temples in Bangkok, and stayed in a hut on the beach for $5 a night. . . . Also, the food was excellent there -- almost as good as in Chicago. Did I mention I've gained 10 pounds since moving here last year? I blame all the great restaurants!