Kara Sewell is a news anchor at WFAA in Dallas, TX. She is featured on WFAA's Daybreak morning news.
1) Who are you? ‘No matter where I go, I always leave my heart in Texas.’ It’s an adage that resonates with many native Texans and after a decade working outside the Lone Star State one, I understand well. Born and raised in Houston, I’m a 4th generation Texan so, when the opportunity to move back and work at WFAA presented itself, I didn’t hesitate. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University (Axe ‘em Jacks) before starting my broadcast career in Odessa, Texas but I gained the bulk of my journalism experience in Kansas and Ohio. I've led coverage at both the Republican and Democratic national conventions in the 2016 presidential campaign, reported from the heart of tornado alley and had the privilege to share people’s remarkable stories. One story that made a lasting impact was about a woman who taught her dog ‘Gumby’, a deaf and blind Great Dane ‘touch signs’ to navigate his world. My real passion is waking up dark and early to share stories from the anchor desk, connect through social media and meet people at community events. These connections give me my passion for telling stories that matter and the desire to wake up at 1:30 every weekday morning! My husband Nick is also an early-riser; we met in the news business and have worked together since 2006. I have a Pomeranian named Bailey and I’m always looking for a new adventure; living in North Texas now, I have plenty of places to explore!
2) What are your interests? I can barely draw a stick figure but on my days off you’ll find me at an art museum. I admire artist’s ability to create, particularly people who produce contemporary and modern art. If I’m not exploring a museum, I’m planning a trip or outing, in another life I would have been a tour guide or travel agent. I’m determined to discover out-of-the-box activities in my own city so if you have one please share! When I do manage to relax, it’s in a hot yoga class, at the park or in a movie theater.
My parents always told me, to whom much is given much is expected. Fortunately, being a public figure in news has allowed me the opportunity to connect with numerous nonprofits; I’ve been drawn to empowering women through the Junior League and helping agencies who serve people with special needs. It’s not only a chance to volunteer but showcase these fabulous agencies serving North Texas.
3) What do you like about working at WFAA? I’ve wanted to work at WFAA since I was a journalism student at SFA. I didn’t grow up in Dallas but the station’s stellar reputation is known nationwide. Social media seems to blur the line between fact and faction but WFAA is committed to fact-checking, story-telling and original content; it’s a journalist’s dream. Better still, I’m encouraged to be myself! Not the ‘anchor’ version of me but share my style and passion with people who are watching and engaging with us. We can make our lives and careers look perfect on social media but WFAA isn’t looking for the perfect persona rather, journalists brave enough to be real people.
4) What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I mentioned my husband Nick, people are usually surprised to learn we’ve worked together for more than a decade. While I’m in front of the camera, he prefers being behind-the-scenes. We met at my first TV station and broke the unspoken rule about dating a coworker, good thing we’re risk takers because we’ve been happily married for nearly 8 years.
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