Samantha Chatman
Chatman grew up in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side, and joined Chicago's No. 1 news station in September 2019. Chatman says she is thrilled to work at the station she grew up watching, and ABC7 inspired her to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
Prior to joining ABC7, Chatman was an Emmy award-winning consumer investigative reporter for the NBC-owned station in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
Before moving to the DFW, Chatman was the business reporter at WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. She started her career at WEEK/WHOI-TV in Peoria, Illinois, where she worked as a multimedia journalist, fill-in anchor and weather anchor.
In 2022, Chatman published her first children's book, "Mia Gets Sick, But Doesn't Quit," a story that was developed during the pandemic to help inspire and remind kids to never give up. A portion of the proceeds was donated to Make-A-Wish Illinois, an organization she has supported for several years.
Chatman attended Kenwood Academy's Academic Center for middle school, Lincoln Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a minor in African American studies.
Chatman is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and the National Association of Black Journalists. Chatman also serves as an Associate Board member for After School Matters.
Follow Chatman on social media:
Instagram: @samantha.chatman
Facebook: @samantha.chatman
Twitter: @SamChatmanABC7
Samantha's Stories
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by Chicago businessman 'Brandon Mr. Finance'
The Illinois secretary of state is warning consumers about a new business being promoted by "Brandon Mr. Finance," and has issued a cease-and-desist order against the venture.
Common returns home to headline Taste of Chicago with free Grant Park concert: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE
Grammy Award-winning artist Common is set to headline the Taste of Chicago for the first time, speaking exclusively with ABC7 about the event he says was a significant part of his childhood on the city's South Side.
StubHub customers say missing World Cup tickets left them stranded despite refunds
Fans across the country say they spent thousands of dollars on World Cup tickets through StubHub, only to learn they would not receive the tickets, leaving some unable to attend matches after making travel plans.
Son of Spencer Leak Jr., late vice president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, speaks about his legacy
In his first one-on-one interview, the son of Spencer Leak Jr. is opening up about his father's life and legacy. He recently led and planned the funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Exhibit based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog' at Indiana children's museum
There's a Disney-themed exhibit not too far from Chicago for families to enjoy this summer.
Tea party bus company pausing some expansion amid complaints over late cancellations, refunds
A popular bus company that offers tea parties on wheels is responding after being accused of leaving customers stranded and not giving their money back.
Illinois secretary of state speaks out on businessman accused of swindling people with large loans
For the first time, the ABC7 I-Team heard directly from the Illinois secretary of state about a Chicago-area businessman, "Brandon Mr. Finance," accused of swindling people out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Dress shop broken into on Northwest Side as some say their prom designs were withheld
An investigation is now underway on the city's Northwest Side after Chicago police say there was a break-in at a prom dress shop. A bridal shop has stepped up to help parents in need of prom dresses for free.
Investment resentment: Local businessman accused of cheating people with loans, stopping payments
The ABC7 I-Team is investigating a local businessman accused of cheating people out of tens of thousands of dollars. He is known as "Brandon Mr. Finance."