Today’s Notable Young Professional is BC1 news anchor Sonia Sunger, who hosts her own three-hour show every weekday on British Columbia’s first and only 24-hour news channel. Here’s what inspired her towards her career path…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am anchor on BC1, the province’s first and only 24-hour news channel. I am the host of ‘Up Front with Sonia Sunger’ which airs 9am to noon every weekday. It’s my job to make sure that British Columbians are informed on the most important stories of the day in their community, their province, their country and beyond. We focus on breaking news and have lots of live interviews to delve deeper into the biggest news stories of the day.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I grew up watching Global BC (at that time it was called BCTV) and had always dreamed of working at this iconic station. I have been in the industry for almost nine years now and working my way up from intern, to writer, to reporter to anchor. I started my career in Alberta, so when the opportunity came up at BC1, there was no hesitation.
I knew very early on that I wanted to go into broadcasting. My interest started with Oprah, but quickly expanded to include 20/20 with Barbara Walters, 60 Minutes, local news, and any other news magazine or investigative journalism show. I remember watching the 6 o’clock news on BCTV one day and I had this switch go off in my head… I knew wanted to be a broadcast journalist.
It became even clearer to me one day during grade 9 Social Studies. My teacher, Mr. Brennan, asked me to come to his desk. I thought I was in trouble, but he looked me right in the eye and asked me “Sonia, what do you want to be?” Without any hesitation I told him that I wanted to be a journalist. He paused for a second and said, “I want you to know that you have what it takes to be anything you want to be.” I didn’t know it then, but this conversation really set me on my path. I was so inspired and so determined. It didn’t matter whether what Mr. Brennan said was true or not, I believed him.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job is all the live interviews I get to do – I love the interaction and also the fact that we are able to expand on stories and ask the questions that matter most to British Columbians.
We cover countless stories every day from every part of the world, so for me the most challenging part is making sure I that I am completely up to date and informed on all the stories we are covering. When there is breaking news this often means I am researching during commercial breaks.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Probably the fact that I come home and put on the news after reading news all morning. I guess I just always need to know.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well, I don’t want to show all my cards here, so how about this: I see myself telling stories. This is what I love to do and will always be at the core of my work.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
When I started reporting I was quite young and found it was difficult to get people to take me seriously. Yes, I was ‘green’ – but I was also very keen to learn and prove myself. For me the only way to overcome this was by being an excellent journalist and I think I was able to do that.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
To me success has always been happiness. I follow my heart, and if my heart is happy nothing else matters. When you are doing what you are meant to do, when you are truly happy, the money will just seem like a bonus.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It was probably a story that took me to the Maricopa County prison in Arizona. Nikolai Khabibulin, the goalie of the Edmonton Oilers, had been convicted of impaired driving and was going to serve 30 days in jail. I had been reporting on the story for weeks and found out that he would be serving his sentence in the state’s infamous ‘tent city’ jail. We went down to cover the story and ended up being allowed into the jail with our cameras, even catching images of the NHL star in his tent. It was one of those stories where the images did all the talking. It served as a very important reminder of the clear consequences of impaired driving.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I would say set your sights on your goal and don’t lose your focus. Broadcasting is extremely competitive and it might take a long time to get to where you want to be, but don’t let that discourage you. I think the most successful people in this industry have one thing in common: they are persistent. Be your own advocate and look for every opportunity to gain experience and move forward.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I love exploring all the amazing restaurants and cocktail lounges in Gastown. The area is always alive with activity and I always discover something new when I am there. One of my favourite spots there is Nicli Antica Pizzeria. I love the sleek, trendy ambiance and the thin crust pizza and cocktails are amazing.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I do a lot of sitting at work, so getting active is a priority. I recently started taking Bar Method classes and I love the workout I get there. I also add running into my workout regime. I love to cook, I am an amateur artist (oil painter), and I like to get in a little reality TV when I need to unwind… the real housewives of whatever city is on TV that night, ha!
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I would have to say Europe. And yes, I realize I am naming an entire continent, but there is just so much to explore and it is so easy to get around. Every time I go I am just captivated by the history and the richness of the culture. So far I have been to Germany, Greece, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Holland, and France… my next steps are probably Spain and Italy.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
I have never been asked this question before. I think I would say ‘Ray of Light’ by Madonna
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I think I may have gone into culinary arts and become a chef. To me food is like art and there is just so much to explore and create. When I have free time I love to cook and it makes me feel so good when I made a dish that someone else loves.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, the YWCA, CIBC Run for the Cure, and I will also be volunteering my time with the Battered Women’s Support Services in Vancouver. Incidents of domestic violence have tripled in BC this year – it’s an epidemic and we can’t ignore it.
What to you is notable?
Truth. Be true to yourself and others, and have faith that truth will always prevail.
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iPhone
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