Kathryn Burcham
Reporter
I got my start in news at a young age by imitating the reporters on National Public Radio and pretending I worked for them! I knew I wanted to be a journalist by the time I hit middle school and started competing in radio broadcasting competitions with my school drama group.
I headed in that direction by majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish at Western Kentucky University. I graduated summa cum laude from WKU in 2006 and headed off to central Illinois for my first reporting gig. I worked as the Twin Cities Bureau Chief in the Peoria-Bloomington market and broke several big stories on government corruption, including one that led to the prosecution and conviction of a former city employee for theft.
Now I'm back in my home territory, since I grew up in Northern Kentucky. I am an avid sports fan, and will be caught loudly cheering on the Bombers and the Dragons during their seasons! I also look to cook (and eat of course!) and can probably be found enjoying my food passion at any of Dayton's great local restaurants.
In my spare time, I love to travel, having lived in Santiago, Chile and studied the Mayan ruins in Mexico. I also like to read, spend time with friends and family, and sing karaoke. Soft Rock in Centerville is one of my new favorite haunts.
Where were you born?
Factoryville, Pennsylvania
Where did you grow up?
Florence, Kentucky
What was your favorite TV show then?
Mickey Mouse Club
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be?
Actress
How might someone have described you in high school?
Outgoing and into extracurriculars
What was your first job?
Babysitter
What was your first job in television?
WMBD-TV’s Bloomington Bureau Chief
What do you like about your job?
Getting to meet people and hear their stories; it's the most interesting job you can have!
What do you not like about your job?
Standing out in the elements isn't always pleasant.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I speak Spanish.
What is the hardest thing you ever did?
Watching my mother go through her battle with breast cancer.
What would be a perfect day for you?
Lying on the beach somewhere tropical and listening to good music.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business?
Be ready for anything! Flexibility and being ready at a minute's notice are key to reporting.
If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it?
A story I did about an elderly couple that runs a concession stand for workers who were building a wind farm in Illinois. They worked 6 days a week, making chili and hot dogs, had been married for 40 plus years, had both beaten cancer and they met at the same baseball field they were working at.
Favorite book:Anything By Stephen King
Favorite CBS Television Show:Survivor ... A real fan
Favorite dream car: Aston Martin
Favorite food: Cheese
Favorite hobby: Cooking
Favorite Miami Valley place: El Meson
Favorite movie: Fried Green Tomatoes
Favorite music: Country
Favorite travel destination: Capri, Italy
Copyright 2009 by WHIOTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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