Kent Shocknek
Encyclopedia
Kent Shocknek is Southern California's longest-running television news morning news anchor. He also appears in cameo roles in movies and television dramas. On radio, Shocknek has narrated a daily commentary in Los Angeles
; and hosted a nationally syndicated entertainment program. Magazine readers may recognize him as an author of automotive articles.
), followed by a three-year stint as anchor and Space Shuttle reporter in Orlando, Florida (WFTV
).
In 1986, Shocknek anchored the start-up of L.A.'s first TV morning news program, "Today in L.A." on KNBC-TV. Over the years, he broadcast—often single-handedly—such events as the Los Angeles riots, O.J. Simpson murder trial, and storms and earthquakes that shook his studio while he was on the air.
Shocknek first made national news headlines anchoring the 1986 launch and explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger
; and a strong aftershock to the deadly 5.9 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. The threat of falling studio lights forced Shocknek to take cover under his set's anchor desk for several seconds as he continued reporting about the ground- and studio movement.
After helming the KNBC program for 15-years, Shocknek moved to morning newscasts at KCBS-TV
(CBS2-TV in Los Angeles) in 2001. There, L.A. Confidential magazine named him one of L.A.'s Top Ten anchors. He anchored live the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, and subsequently has reported on the War in Iraq; Michael Jackson
's funeral; plus Southern California's seasonal wildfires and frequent high-speed freeway chases.
Shocknek began writing and delivering the 60-second daily radio commentary Just A Minute with Kent Shocknek on CBS
all-news radio station KNX-1070 AM
in Los Angeles, in 2003. The following year, he launched Premiere Magazine Live!, a weekly radio show about movies, in approximately 50 markets countrywide. He and his wife, who went by the on-air name Karen Walters, worked together, until the magazine on which the show was based ceased publication.
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
; and hosted a nationally syndicated entertainment program. Magazine readers may recognize him as an author of automotive articles.
Life and career
Born Kent Schoknecht in Berkeley, California, he simplified the on-air spelling of his name upon arrival to Los Angeles television. After working at the Long Beach Press Telegram while attending the University of Southern California, Shocknek's first TV reporting job was in Sioux City, Iowa (KCAU-TVKCAU-TV
KCAU-TV is a television station in Sioux City, Iowa, broadcasting digitally on VHF channel 9 as an affiliate of the American Broadcasting Company.-History:...
), followed by a three-year stint as anchor and Space Shuttle reporter in Orlando, Florida (WFTV
WFTV
WFTV, channel 9, is the ABC-affiliated television station for Central Florida that is licensed to Orlando. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 39 from a transmitter between Bithlo and Christmas. Owned by Cox Enterprises, WFTV is sister to Independent WRDQ. The two stations...
).
In 1986, Shocknek anchored the start-up of L.A.'s first TV morning news program, "Today in L.A." on KNBC-TV. Over the years, he broadcast—often single-handedly—such events as the Los Angeles riots, O.J. Simpson murder trial, and storms and earthquakes that shook his studio while he was on the air.
Shocknek first made national news headlines anchoring the 1986 launch and explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger was NASA's second Space Shuttle orbiter to be put into service, Columbia having been the first. The shuttle was built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation Systems Division in Downey, California...
; and a strong aftershock to the deadly 5.9 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake. The threat of falling studio lights forced Shocknek to take cover under his set's anchor desk for several seconds as he continued reporting about the ground- and studio movement.
After helming the KNBC program for 15-years, Shocknek moved to morning newscasts at KCBS-TV
KCBS-TV
KCBS-TV, channel 2, is an owned-and-operated television station of the CBS Television Network, located in Los Angeles, California. KCBS-TV shares its offices and studio facilities with sister station KCAL-TV inside CBS Studio Center in the Studio City section of Los Angeles, and its transmitter...
(CBS2-TV in Los Angeles) in 2001. There, L.A. Confidential magazine named him one of L.A.'s Top Ten anchors. He anchored live the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, and subsequently has reported on the War in Iraq; Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's funeral; plus Southern California's seasonal wildfires and frequent high-speed freeway chases.
Shocknek began writing and delivering the 60-second daily radio commentary Just A Minute with Kent Shocknek on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
all-news radio station KNX-1070 AM
KNX (AM)
KNX is an all-news radio station in Los Angeles, California, USA. The station operates on a clear channel and is owned by CBS Radio. KNX broadcasts from facilities shared with sister stations KFWB, KCBS-FM, KTWV, and KAMP on Los Angeles' Miracle Mile...
in Los Angeles, in 2003. The following year, he launched Premiere Magazine Live!, a weekly radio show about movies, in approximately 50 markets countrywide. He and his wife, who went by the on-air name Karen Walters, worked together, until the magazine on which the show was based ceased publication.
Awards
- 8 regional Emmy Awards (individual and group)
- 2 L.A. Press Club Awards
- Golden Mic. Award (Best Daytime Newscast)
- Wm. Randolph Hearst Award (investigative reporting)