KGMB9 has named reporter Lisa Kubota the new anchor of KGMB9's weekend news.

KGMB9 News Director Chris Archer says, "Lisa is a great example of the potential in our newsroom. She hasn't blinked at this challenge, and she knows how important the weekends are to us and our viewers."

Kubota joined the KGMB9 Newsroom as a general assignment reporter in 2004. She says, "I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to our talented weekend team. I'm grateful for this chance to build on our station's momentum and I'm ready to embrace this new challenge."

Prior to KGMB9, Kubota worked at KHNL8 after spending two years in Japan where she taught English.

Kubota was born on Oahu and raised on Maui where she attended Baldwin High School. She graduated from Claremont McKenna College in California, earning a degree in both Government and Psychology.

"Lisa's progress to date has been nothing short of stellar. We have every confidence in her ability and we are very pleased and excited she has agreed to accept this critical role in our newsroom," says Rick Blangiardi, KGMB9 President and General Manager.

Kubota joins Weather Anchor Malika Dudley and Sports Anchor Mike Cherry on the weekend anchor desk. The weekend team brings a strong local feel as all three KGMB9 anchors were born and raised in Hawaii.

Kubota's move to the anchor desk is one of several strategic moves by KGMB9 in the past few months. This week, long time reporter and weekend anchor, Stacy Loe, jumped to the weekday edition of KGMB9 News at 10. Plus, former KHON2 Anchor and Reporter, Tannya Joaquin, began working in KGMB9’s newsroom. Her first day on-air will be February 2, 2009.

Kubota will begin anchoring the weekend edition of KGMB9 News at 5 and KGMB9 News at 10 on December 6. A photo of Lisa Kubota is attached.

Download Press Release (PDF)

---