Joanie Lum
Joanie Lum has more than 20 years of experience reporting for Chicago-area stations, most recently serving for six years as a general assignment reporter for WBBM-TV. Prior to that, she spent 16 years as a general assignment reporter for WGN-TV.
Earlier in Lum's career, she spent a year as a reporter, anchor, producer and weathercaster at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois. Before that, she was an associate producer for one year at KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Her first broadcasting job was reporting for the student-run, commercially-owned KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri.
Throughout her career, Lum has interviewed numerous newsmakers, most notably His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his 1996, 1999 and 2007 Chicago visits. She was part of the team that earned the 2008 Chicago Emmy Award for Spot News for coverage of the NIU shootings, as well as the 2005 National Emmy Award for Outstanding Coverage within a Newscast for "Farewell to the Pope." She was also honored with two Emmy Awards for her work on the 2003 and 2004 Chicago Marathon broadcasts.
From 2000-2001, Lum wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune, "Adventure Shopping with Joanie Lum," chronicling her experiences hosting the WGN-TV segment, "Around Town."
A graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Lum holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is a past president of the Asian American Journalists Association's Chicago chapter and is currently an advisory board member of the Chinese American Service League, Inc.
The latest from Joanie Lum
Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea won't seek re-election after four terms
A longtime Chicago alderman announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election, saying it is time for a new generation of leadership after 16 years representing the 19th Ward.
Chicago renters could see new protections under Mayor Johnson's proposed ordinance
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing the Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO), a package of tenant protections aimed at limiting certain landlord fees, reducing no-fault evictions and strengthening renters' rights.
OEMC employee murder suspect arrested 7 months after Chicago killing, authorities say
A suspect wanted in the February killing of an Office of Emergency Management and Communications employee has been apprehended after months on the run, bringing what the victim's family says is the first step toward justice.
Bridgeport, Chinatown residents oppose proposed Amtrak maintenance facility
Residents on Chicago's South Side are voicing opposition to a proposed Amtrak train maintenance facility that could be built near homes in Bridgeport and Chinatown.
Whiting Post Office complaints go viral after radio host says checks were altered
Complaints about a northwest Indiana post office are gaining attention after a local radio host said several checks he mailed were altered and fraudulently cashed.
Chicago couple sues Taylor Farms over alleged cyclospora illness after Taco Bell meal
A Chicago couple is suing two Taylor Farms-related companies, alleging contaminated lettuce caused the husband to become seriously ill after the couple ate at a Taco Bell on West Belmont Avenue in July.
BTS takes over Chicago ahead of sold-out Soldier Field concerts
BTS fans have taken over Chicago ahead of the K-pop group’s sold-out shows at Soldier Field.
Escapee found hiding in marsh after hourslong northwest Indiana manhunt
An escapee who jumped from a moving vehicle while being transported by a federal immigration officer is back in custody after an hourslong manhunt in northwest Indiana, authorities said.
Gary residents endure 13 days without power as frustration with NIPSCO grows
Gary residents gathered at a local church for support and resources as they endured a 13th night without electricity.
Tammy Zywicki cold case: New DNA lead emerges in investigation
Illinois State Police announced they have a new lead in the 34-year-old cold case of a murdered college student.