Photo by Jayson Tanega

"What a perfect fit for our newsroom," says KGMB9 News Director Chris Archer. "Tannya brings an incredible drive and work ethic to KGMB9 that will strengthen our position as Hawaii's news leader and her role as a journalist. She's a momentum-builder."

Joaquin started her broadcast journalism career here in Hawaii almost 16 years ago when she worked as an intern at KITV4. She most recently worked at KHON2, where she was a weekday co-anchor at 5PM and a reporter at 10PM. She joined KHON2 in 2002 and worked as a general assignment reporter and co-anchor for the morning news before being named co-anchor at 5PM. She also headed-up the Lokahi Giving Project. Joaquin left KHON2 for maternity leave in August of 2008 and since made the decision not to return to the station.

"I've found a new home at KGMB9 that allows me to grow professionally while enjoying more time with my family. It's truly the best of both worlds," says Joaquin.

"The addition of Tannya Joaquin to the KGMB9 News team provides us with an established journalist who brings great skills and an in-depth knowledge of Hawaii. We are most fortunate she has agreed to join us in our ongoing efforts to provide only the best news coverage for the people of our state," says KGMB9 President Rick Blangiardi.

Joaquin added, "I have a lot of history with Rick. He hired me at KHON and has been my mentor. I respect his leadership and vision and look forward to being on his team again."

Joaquin hasn't always been in front of the camera. She has also worked behind the scenes as a news producer in San Jose, California, and as an associate producer covering the OJ Simpson Trial for KNBC in Los Angeles. She even took a stab at the weather and worked as a weather anchor in Santa Barbara, California. She also worked as a news anchor and reporter in Lima, Ohio.

Joaquin says, "It's exciting to officially be part of the KGMB9 family. I’m impressed by the quality of news and promotions, investment in infrastructure to better cover Hawaii, and commitment to being #1. I can't wait to join Keahi, Guy, and Liz at the anchor desk."

Joaquin will début on KGMB9 News on Monday, February 2, 2009.

KGMB9 is close to making an announcement as to who will co-anchor "KGMB9 News at 10" when News Anchor Kim Gennaula leaves at the end of November.

KGMB9 News Director Chris Archer says, "The state's top-rated 10pm newscast is a top priority for us. Tannya's arrival at 5 and 6 gives us more options to perfectly round-out our anchor team. I promise we won't disappoint."

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