Her Story
About Lara
I've been in broadcast journalism for 34 years, with 31 of those years at KMBC as the evening anchor for the 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. I hold a bachelor's degree in English writing (1990) and a master's degree in journalism (1992). While the anchoring has come naturally to me, it's the reporting that is truly the heart and soul of the business - being out in the field, finding the stories that matter, and spending time with the people those stories affect. I've won four Edward R. Murrow Awards and four Emmys, all for my reporting. I've had the privilege of interviewing President Obama when he was in office, but the true privilege and honor are all the people who have entrusted me with their stories. I produce one-hour documentaries on important topics - I did one on mental health and have another airing this fall. I attribute my success to absolutely being myself on air and in person - there's no difference between the two. After so many decades in this community, what people see on air is what they get in person, whether I'm at the grocery store, out on a story, or raising my kids in this community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's just absolutely being myself on air and in person - there's no difference between the two. I think because I've been in this community for so many decades, people know that, and so what they see on air is what they get in person, whether I'm at the grocery store, out on a story, or all the years of raising my kids in this community. I am the same person.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best career advice, especially getting into broadcast journalism, is follow that fire in your gut, and when the fire goes out, get out. Because this business is exhausting, and it's difficult on the heart and the soul. And so when it's done, it's done. And walk away.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you have any desire to go into this industry, then absolutely do it. And support the women around you, because I believe women are stronger if they support one another. And just be true to yourself, and be true to other women who are entering the business with you, because those are friendships that you'll have forever.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think some of the biggest challenges are that people do not trust the media the way they used to. So, we have a lot of work to do to rebuild that trust and to maintain the trust. And so I think that is one of the big challenges. As for opportunities, there are more now than ever before. When I got into the business, there was no internet, there were no opportunities for podcasts or anything going out on the internet. There's just so many opportunities for people to tell stories and get them out to mass audiences. So, the opportunity is there, absolutely.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and loyalty are two main qualities that I look for and I value in myself. And having people's confidence that I will share their story in a truthful manner.
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