Lauren Pozen: 10 things to know about Channel 2's newest reporter

Channel 2 Action News is excited to welcome its newest reporter, Lauren Pozen. Here are 10 things to know about her.

1. Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Highland Park, Illinois. It’s a suburb in the North Shore of Chicago. However, when I was 3, my parents decided after one too many cold winters, to move west to Southern California. I grew up in a Calabasas, a city in Los Angeles. If I wasn’t at school, I’d be at the riding stables everyday with the horses!

2. Take us through your journey to WSB. What school did you go to? What other cities have you worked in?

I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in History. While I was at USC, I interned for Ryan Seacrest. It was just as American Idol was beginning to become a hit! When I graduated, Ryan hired me as an assistant producer for his radio show. It was a lot of fun meeting and interviewing the celebrities who appeared on his show. It took some time for me to land my first on-air job, so I continued working in Los Angeles. I worked as an associate producer for The Dr. Phil Show and a red carpet reporter for Entertainment Tonight. I continued sending out my resume tape and was offered an anchor/reporter job at KIMO in Anchorage, Alaska. Some of my favorite memories include covering the 2008 Presidential Election and the Iditarod. After Alaska, I went to KEYT-TV, the ABC affiliate in Santa Barbara, California. As a reporter, I covered the royal visit of Prince William and Kate at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. From there, I went to WVVA-TV, the NBC affiliate in Bluefield, West Virginia. In addition to anchoring the morning show, I reported on "Traveling the Two Virginias." The series highlighted unique people and fun places to travel throughout the two states.;I then joined KSPR, the ABC affiliate in Springfield, Missouri. I reported extensively on the crime beat, along with consumer and human interest stories. Most recently, I worked in St. Louis at KMOV, the CBS affiliate where I reported and fill-in anchored. I reported in the St. Louis Metro where my stories ranged from high profile court cases to protests and crime.

3. What are you most looking forward to in Atlanta?

I am thrilled to be joining a newsroom of smart, engaging journalists who pride themselves in putting the best product on the air for our viewers. On a personal note, my television journey has taken me all over the country, however coming to a major market like Atlanta has been something I have been working towards since I got into the business. It truly is a dream come true to be working at WSB. Atlanta is a charming city that I can’t wait to call home.

4. What made you want to be a journalist? Did you always know or was there a specific moment you can point to?

I am a people person. I love to talk and listen. Every person has a story to tell. That was my initial draw into the field. But it wasn’t until I was a junior in high school when I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I enjoy history and in my studies, I found it was the journalists that got to document it as it was happening. I thought that was powerful and also had with it a lot of responsibility to get it right. I think it is crucial to stay informed on what is happening in your community. I wanted to use the journalism platform to give people the information they need and then they can form their own opinions and viewpoints.

5. What has been the most memorable story that you’ve covered?

I have a few. In the beginning of my career, covering the 2008 Presidential Election was a game changer. All eyes were on Alaska and I was right there in the midst of it reporting on then Governor Sarah Palin and her thrust into the national spotlight. I would also say covering the Royal visit of Princess Kate and Prince William. That was a once in a lifetime experience. But above all, it’s the stories I report on of everyday people who remain most memorable to me. From the the mothers who lost their sons to senseless gun violence, to a man who was left paralyzed after being shot and forgave the man who did it, to a teacher dying of stage 4 kidney cancer whose students put on a fundraiser to help pay for his medical expenses. Those are the stories that touch your heart and stay with you for a lifetime.

6. What do you like to do for fun?

I have been riding and showing horses ever since I could walk! In my free time, I love to saddle up and go for a ride. I am hunter/jumper and always have to have the fastest horse and highest jumps! I also love to read. I still have a library card! There is something about checking out books and the smell of a library book that brings me back to my school memories. I also enjoy taking work out classes, yoga, volunteering at animal shelters and going to the movies. (I love the scary ones!)

7. What is your favorite TV show?

I have two… Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor!

8. Do you have a favorite place to travel?

One thing great about my career is it has given me the opportunity to travel across our nation — coast to coast! However, my all time favorite place to travel is Italy. I am part Italian (other half is German) and I studied abroad at USC in Italy and absolutely loved it.

9. What is your favorite sports team?

USC for football, LA Lakers for basketball, but I am not partial to any NFL team, so I might need to load up on some Falcons gear!

10. What is something we would be surprised to know about you?

Before I was born, my dad had a Tiger named Elton (yes, after Elton John). My dad was close friends with Joy Adamson. She was a woman who rescued the famous lioness, Elsa. My dad helped promote her foundation. He got Elton (a rescue cub at the time) and would bring him to to the schools to educate students about tiger preservation. I never got to meet Elton, but I am told he grew up fast. In 5 years, he was almost 600 pounds. Elton passed after living a long life as a tiger and my dad got him stuffed because he loved him too much to really say goodbye.

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