Hard work and passion drives local producer to success

RICHMOND, Va. -- Kelly Chase is passionate about three things – current events, writing and traveling. The blend of all three turned into a winning combination for this up-and-coming news producer.

Chase is climbing in her career. She started off in Seattle at a television market size 13 out of 200. She progressed to a television market 6 in Washington, D.C. Chase produced a show so impactful, she won an Emmy at only 31-years-old. Chase remained focused on the next goal.

She wanted her love for writing to drive her career, but her pragmatic nature made her question the feasibility of being a writer, Chase said. She grappled with the realities of breaking into the field, earning enough money and achieving her life goals. She remained confident and committed to her passion.

Chase’s lifelong friend, Kaile Worman, said she never doubted that Chase would end up working in journalism and the news industry.

“She is one of the strongest writers I know and was always the first to finish papers in high school,” Worman said. “Writing was so hard for so many of us, but it came really easy to Kelly.”

Chase obtained a bachelor’s degree in integrated media in 2008 from Missouri-based Stephens College. She immediately moved on to a graduate program and obtained a master’s in journalism and public affairs at American University in Washington. As a graduate student, Chase realized a different side of journalism – working behind the camera.

“American University’s TV station exposed me to all that could be done with cameras,” Chase said. “It was here that one of my professors told me I had skills for line producing. She really nurtured my development.”

After graduate school, she completed an internship with Newsy, an online news company, according to Chase. Eventually, she moved back home to Seattle, and within six months, she landed her first job at a local news station, NorthWest Cable News, Chase said.

“The hours were long, but the hard work paid off,” Chase said. “Eventually, the NBC affiliate hired me because of all the work I had done at the station.”

Chase wanted to get back to the East Coast. The opportunity arose when her former news director offered her the position of news producer for “Good Morning Washington” for WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. The station is viewed by about 1.2 million homes in the Washington area. Chase said she could not believe she had control over how news was delivered in the district area.

“I have been at this station for almost two years, and at least once a week, I find myself wondering if I can do this or do that with the camera to show the story in a different way,” Chase said.

She produced one of her favorite shows while at this station. Chase produced full coverage of the 2019 World Series when the Washington Nationals won. 

“It was great fun, and it brought WJLA-TV a lot of viewers,” Chase said.

Kristen Powers, morning reporter from WJLA-TV, works closely with Chase and finds her to be a unique producer.

“Kelly is not only a strong producer and great leader, but she goes beyond the norm,” Powers said. “She’s always pitching important stories that are not being covered by other networks. I appreciate this as a reporter.”

Chase spends afternoons and nights developing and planning “Good Morning Washington.” She picks the most important stories, assigns co-workers to write scripts, chooses graphics to enhance a story and visualizes the best camera angles, she said.

Chase attributed relationships with reporters as the key to successful news stories. 

Powers agreed with the importance of the communication and collaboration with Chase.

“Reporters and producers are in constant communication,” Powers said. “The producer is looking at the big picture of the show, and as a reporter, I am just looking at one segment. It takes both of us to pull off a good story.”

Chase is always planning her next move. She sees herself producing a night show or an investigative series. Chase said she wants to reach a bigger audience.   

“I would love to work for a network next,” Chase said. “We’ll see.”