Shawn Ching Leaving KITV

Shawn ChingKITV news anchor Shawn Ching is leaving the station after November to pursue a career in law. Coworker Rich Fewell broke the news on Twitter this afternoon. The Roosevelt High School grad has been with the station for over twelve years, starting as its sports director in 1995. He previously covered UH sports at KHNL.

Ching graduated from the UH law school and passed the bar in 2003, so the career change will put his degree to good use.

The news comes about a week after KITV announced that Ching and co-anchor Paula Akana would be pulled from the station’s 6 p.m. newscasts, relegated to the 10 p.m. slot only. The pau hana broadcast is, as Star-Bulletin business reporter Erika Engle notes, called the “money show,” and KITV turned its anchor desk over to husband-and-wife duo Gary Sprinkle and Pamela Young (who already anchor the 5 p.m. newscast).

It’s hard to imagine how Ching’s departure could not be related to what was effectively a demotion at KITV. Personally, I’m sad to see him leave the television news business, as he was one of the few local news anchors with a great mix of energy, experience, and stature. He could be casual and warm, true to his sports background, yet get down to brass tacks for hard news.

Frankly, I always thought he’d likely be able to step up to anchor solo, and thus the most likely successor to Joe Moore’s immense legacy. Instead, he’ll be putting his education and eloquence to use in the halls of justice. I wish him well.

7 Responses

  1. I thoroughly enjoyed Shawn and Paula as a team for years and will miss them. Think KITV is making a mistake here, but that’s just me. Our viewing habits will change, for sure. Best wishes to Shawn on his new/renewed career.

  2. Gary says:

    Looks like Kitv will be in trouble.

  3. Jeff says:

    Shawn will be missed by many. I wish him the best!

  4. Beverly Ho says:

    I can’t believe that Shawn Ching is leaving!! He’s the reason I watch KITV, so I guess, after he’s gone, I won’t be any more!! I like Paula, too!! Gary and Pam are a little too cutesy sometimes, for my taste.

  5. C. Reed says:

    Shawn Ching’s professionalism will be greatly missed by many. I wish him much success in his new endeavor.

  6. Donna says:

    Shawn, you will definetly be missed by many. Good luck to you in this next phase of your life. KITV used to be my favorite morning / evening news channel, but I will no longer be tuning in to that station. KITV is literally shooting off their own foot, and giving it to the other news channels…..good one….

  7. :Larry says:

    Shawn Ching was very professional as a news anchor. I really like his news presentation. Hope he is having great time pursuing a new career in law.

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