FOX4 Morning News Anchor Christel Bell has always been destined for greatness. The Houston, TX native found her love of journalism at an early age and worked her way up through the ranks of broadcast news. Nominated for an Emmy for her work regarding the decedents of the WPA Federal Writers’ Project Slave Narratives, Christel used her innate ability and God-given talents to connect viewers to the past while bringing it forward into the present. “Do what you love and love what you do,” is Christel’s motto bringing joy and prosperity in every area of her life.
FWM: Christel, it is my great pleasure to interview you. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
CB: My name is Christel Bell. I’m an evening anchor for FOX4 News in Kansas City, MO. Viewers can see me every day Monday through Friday 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. I’m a devoted journalist with more than 15 years in broadcast journalism experience. I have many titles, but perhaps the titles I am most proud of is wife and mother. My sweet yet sassy, energetic beautiful 5-year-old daughter keeps me on my toes, as she never misses a beat. My husband, Stephen, is so supportive. The sacrifices he has made to support my dreams, is one of the many reasons why I love him so much. So, as you can tell, I am really proud of my family. I also love the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly.
I grew up in Houston, Texas. I attended Xavier University of New Orleans, before graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in Communications. My journalism career started in Houston, working behind the scenes as a production assistant for a local ABC affiliate station. I then moved to Lufkin, Tx to work as a producer and later main anchor. I spent the last six years of my career as an anchor and reporter in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I love to connect with my community. I’d like to say I’m genuine, I feel you have to be, because it’s a privilege for people to allow me to come into their homes every night. I mean, they can watch anything, but to choose you, I owe it to them to be myself. I like to get to know people and tell their stories. I LOVE retail therapy (aka shopping), it gives me peace, so you can always find me sifting through a store clearance rack! I enjoy binge watching TV, it’s my escape from the news. I also like to write, my mother is an established author, so I’d like to think I get it from her, as I am currently working on writing my first book.
FWM: What led you to a career in the media industry?
CB: I was led to a career in media because it was my God-given purpose. Every step of my career path has been led by the direction of God. As a little girl, I always admired KTRK 13 news anchor, Melanie Lawson (I later got to work with her!). It was so amazing to see this beautiful black woman, so poised and sophisticated on the news. Some of my style comes from her. When my father worked as a custodian for a local TV station, I was able to go to work with him; that experience made a mark on my life. Then in high school, I discovered my gift for public speaking, and I began to get involved in oratorical speech contests, locally and nationally. I knew I wanted to use my voice to help people, make a difference. I knew I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. I soon discovered journalists have to be good writers and I loved to write, and so my God-given talent began opening doors that led me to the media industry. This is the short version! LOL!
FWM: In your opinion, what makes a story “newsworthy”?
CB: In my opinion, a story that is newsworthy is a story that has an impact on the viewer. A story that educates the viewer. It’s also the story that reminds us we are all human and compassion is still very much needed in our world. A newsworthy story makes us think and it also impacts change.
FWM: As a female anchor, what obstacles have you had to overcome to achieve success?
CB: I think the biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is proving myself worthy to be a black female anchor on the desk. I was overlooked even though I worked twice as hard and was dedicated to presenting the best quality news. My most memorable experience was when I was a fill-in anchor while managers “searched” for a replacement anchor. I thought to myself, “Why am I good enough to fill-in but not good enough for the position?” The person hired would have to undergo training with me, plus I was doing the job at the moment. I asked to meet with managers, (all men and one woman) and I gave them my best pitch on why I deserve the job. At that moment, I began to learn my value, understand my worth. It also taught me to never let anyone underestimate, or overlook my power, talent and God-given ability.
FWM: What advice would you give young women entering the field of journalism and/or media?
CB: My advice to young women entering the field of journalism and/or media is first, understand and respect the process. If you are looking to enter journalism just be on “TV” this is not the business for you. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that come along with being a journalist, the hours are long, the work is hard, and your family will not understand that you have to work the holiday (I say that with a smile). However, I have found so many rewarding moments. My motto: “Do what you love and love what you do.” I would also say be open-minded, learn everything about this business, not just what you specifically would like to do. Be humble, never give up, and be ready!
True story, my first job as a production assistant, I ran the teleprompter and brought copy scripts to the main anchors, but every day I came to work in a dress suit. I thought if for some reason, the anchors couldn’t get on the desk, I would be ready to fill-in! LOL! Would that really happen? Absolutely not, but it was my motivation to be ready because I knew my time would come!
FWM: Please tell us about your Emmy nominated work?
CB: When I decided to move to South Carolina, I made it my goal to learn about the rich history of African Americans, specifically the Gullah Geechee culture. I wanted to share what I learned with viewers to help people understand the exquisite culture that resonates so powerfully through the land, food, and music, in which we all enjoy today. The project was also intended to bridge a gap between the young and older generations, by telling a story that would capture their visual attention.
In doing research, we discovered the government paid writers to interview and transcribe stories from more than 2,000 former slaves. We found stories from former slaves who lived in our county (Horry County, SC) and we decided to track down their descendants to have them narrate the words of their great ancestors. When we heard the descendants say the exact words of their ancestors, describing their life as a slave, it gave me chills, it was almost like we brought them back to life. It is one of the most profound stories I have covered.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
CB: Readers can connect with me through social media:
Facebook: ChristelBellTV
Instagram: mrschrissybell
Twitter: @ChristelFox4KC
Photos courtesy of Ashley and Willow Photography and Beck Humphries.
