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
Chicago man says Bank of America denied his claim after he was robbed, money stolen from account
The ABC7 I-Team is investigating after thieves stole thousands from a Chicago man's bank account through Zelle transactions during a Gold Coast robbery. When he reported the theft to Bank of America, his claim was denied twice.
Tinley Park man says squatters moved into for-sale home, wouldn't leave: 'They took over the house'
A Tinley Park man said squatters moved into his property without permission, and refused to leave.
Free eggs: Chicago pastor hosting 'nation's largest egg giveaway' after report shows prices up 59%
Inflation cooled down more than expected last month, but some experts say this is not the time to celebrate. A Chicago pastor on the South Side told the ABC7 Consumer I-Team he is taking action to help with soaring egg prices.
New ABC7 Chicago series, 'Consumer Chronicles,' showcases I-Team stories on scams, rip-offs, more
ABC7 Chicago is excited to announce its new series, "Consumer Chronicles," brought to you by our I-Team.
Victims of SNAP, EBT fraud will no longer be reimbursed for stolen food benefits
Thieves have found a way to steal from people's SNAP accounts. The Illinois Department of Human Services told the ABC7 I-Team they are no longer able to replace the funds, leaving some families struggling to put food on the table.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID? IL SOS Giannoulias answers questions as deadline approaches
We are two months out from the Real ID deadline.
Chatham restaurant Lem's Bar-B-Q receives prestigious James Beard Award
A South Side barbecue spot known for its mouth-watering rib tips is now in the national spotlight.
Couple shocked by $26K water bill from city of Chicago, others come forward: 'We're on edge'
The ABC7 I-Team is hearing from more Chicago residents with enormous water bills. Some consumers say they feel blown off by the city and the water department, with little explanation of why their bill is so high.
Father Pfleger, faith leaders call for boycott of Target after company scales back DEI initiatives
Chicago faith leaders are joining nationwide calls for consumers to boycott Target in response to the company and other retailers scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Do you need a REAL ID in Illinois? DMVs adding more appointments as deadline nears
As the deadline for the enforcement of a new identification system nears, the Illinois Secretary of State is clarifying who actually needs a REAL ID.