Kim Christiansen
2012
SILVER CIRCLE INDUCTEE
That kind woman who anchors the 4 & 9 PM news on KUSA, the one who gets tears in her eyes reporting a difficult story, and who sounds so genuinely happy when the story's a positive one? That's Kim: she loves her job, and it shows. She cares, and it shows. She is devoted to her community, and it shows.
Kim is not only a Colorado native, but she's never lived outside the state. And she has only ever worked at one place: KUSA 9News in Denver. A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Kim started work in 1985 as a behind-the-scenes news writer. She crafted stories for air for almost 4 years before becoming a reporter, which may be one of the reasons that her co-workers still look for those "Kim Stories" in the lineup. Kim moved from writer to producer, to reporter, and now, a respected anchor. She always has a long list of story ideas and is a leader in the newsroom. In this age of fast-moving technology, Kim is known for her handwritten notes, her empathy, and her kind spirit.
Kim has a unique bond with her viewers, both on and off the air. She has covered many of the headline-inducing tragedies over the last quarter-century and still checks-in with the families that she interviewed; they trust her. She also covers stories about individuals facing difficult circumstances, especially kids: she remembers their names years later. A local children's hospital will turn to Kim first when they have a particularly tender story to share; they trust her. Kim may get a little emotional in front of the camera, but it comes from her heart – and that's her connection.
Volunteering is important to Kim, and she is very active as a spokesperson and advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. She has been passionate about this cause for 20 years, back when the Race for the Cure, and Komen, were in their infancy. She dedicates hundreds of hours a year to volunteering in the community and is happy to lend her talent and name to motivate others to help.
An award-winning journalist and former Miss Colorado, Kim will tell you that her most important job is being a mom to her son, Tanner. She is also a proud daughter, sister, and wife and enjoys spending time with her family — here in her Colorado.
Kathy Walsh
2012
SILVER CIRCLE INDUCTEE
Katherine Mary Frances Walsh Flynn grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, in an environment where hard work, honesty, and personal integrity were a way of life – and it is these characteristics that define Kathy's approach to every story she covers. She earns the respect of the news photographer staff by always doing her research before heading to the site. Her interview style is to put people at ease and let them talk. She isn't intimidated easily, but she is kind. Her communication skills are the stuff of legend – from her insistence on perfect grammar and punctuation to her ability to change the inflection and tone of her voice to bring out the nuances of a story. She is a master at distilling complicated subject matter into an easily understandable form.
Kathy has been in the broadcasting business since graduating from the University of Delaware, with her first job in Bangor, Maine, as a reporter/anchor. Reporter gigs in Nashville and Detroit followed before she landed at KCNC in 1984, where she currently co-anchors the weekend newscast and is a general assignment reporter. Kathy is "old school" journalism, representing the business with class both on and off-camera; she cares about her profession and keeps her eye on the details. She serves as a mentor to the younger reporters and has earned the respect of her peers. Kathy is adept at covering stories related to health and medical issues, and doctors love working with her; they know she'll represent the truth, and always with compassion. She tries, in all her stories, to find the best in people and provide hope, to leave her viewers with something worth learning.
For almost 30 years, Kathy has volunteered her talents with and for Craig Hospital, specializing in the rehabilitation of adults with catastrophic injuries. She is an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis organizations, and for the United Way and Children's Hospital among others. Kathy is an award-winning, hard-working journalist who has also managed to raise two beautiful daughters. And recently, at a time when most parents are dealing with empty-nest issues, Kathy and her husband, Bob, took on the full-time care of their young nephew, whose parents had just passed away.
Genuine. Authentic. Real. Handles challenges with grace. Trustworthy. Good friend. Wise woman. Caring mom. Consummate professional. And Kathy has a weak spot for animals; when it comes to injured or rescued animals needing help, she gets the call … even if it's just a pudgy pet needing exercise!