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Julie Tam Back to Member Profiles main page Born and raised in Houston, TV broadcaster Julie Tam's heart -- and AAJA membership -- remain in Texas, though her work has taken her to Kentucky. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Julie Tam moved to Louisville, Ky. two years ago for a job with WDRB-TV FOX 41, where she is a reporter and weekend anchor. Though she lives 1,000 miles away, she has remained a Texas chapter member; and in fact, Tam is the chapter's webmaster. She is a graduate of Rice University. What drew you to the journalism field? I've always believed in journalism as the watchdog of government and business. So the investigative side drew me in. What drew you specifically to broadcast journalism? I like the excitement of live shots and breaking news, the immediacy of TV news, and the fact that you can provide the entire experience to the viewer (information, sound, and visuals). What are your goals? I want to spend more time in local news, being part of a community. I would love to work in Houston (my hometown). And I also want to get sent to different spots around the country and the world -- either on special assignments or on a regular basis. I'm a world traveler and I'd love to do it as a job. What was your most memorable experience as a journalist? Feb. 24, 2005. I have never forgotten each moment of that day, beginning with a capital murder hearing I was covering in a Tyler, TX courtroom, where all of a sudden, gunshots rang out -- outside and inside the courthouse. The shooter was not related to the case I was covering. I think most people in Texas remember this courthouse shooting, in which two people died and several more were injured. I remember ducking for cover, trying to stay safe while trying to get information as a journalist. I've never juggled being a journalist with being a logical human being as much as I did that day (not that journalists aren't logical human beings, but sometimes we're braver than we should be). Why did you join AAJA? I wanted to be part of an organization of people who share at least two things that I am: Asian-American and a journalist. I knew AAJA would provide great career-building and networking opportunities. What I didn't realize is how many great, true friends I would make. When you moved to Kentucky, why did you decide to maintain a Texas membership? Kentucky doesn't have an AAJA chapter, so I figured I'd remain part of the Texas chapter because I know people there, I'm a native Texan, and I still go back to Texas very often. How is Louisville life similar and/or different to life in Houston? Louisville is a medium-sized city that's more convenient for getting around -- not as much traffic, things are closer by. But in exchange, it doesn't have as much as Houston, in terms of restaurants, nightlife, diversity, and of course, Chinatown. So there are trade-offs. Louisville is right by the water -- set on the Ohio River -- so it's very pretty. And Houston has the excitement of a bustling, big city. How badly do you miss Texas? I miss it enough to go back frequently, but Louisville is a nice city, so I'm happy here too. What are your hobbies? I love singing, dancing, eating out, traveling, and volunteering. I'm a classical opera singer (Sarah Brightman is my inspiration) and I also love singing pop and jazz tunes. I try to keep up with ballet whenever I can, so I don't lose muscle tone. It's tougher as each year goes by; ballet is very hard on your body. I also often do hip hop, modern, and Latin dance. I find it very rewarding to volunteer, whether it's teaching Sunday school at church or helping my university (Rice) with recruiting efforts. Back to Member Profiles main page

Home | About | Events | Programs | Jobs | Newsletter | Photos | Links | Contact by Julie Tam, webmaster