Samantha Chatman is a news reporter at ABC7 Chicago and serves as the weekend anchor. She has worked as a reporter for the past six years. She won an Emmy Award for investigative reporting and independently launched a new tv program called “Mama I Made It,” featuring in-depth interviews. Her father DJ Sam Chatman is known as the ‘Godfather of Steppin‘ in Chicago. Samantha is a trained journalist, and I had the chance to talk to her about her career and her new program.
N’DIGO: What first inspired you to pursue a career in journalism, and how did you break into the industry?
Samantha Chatman: A big part of my career is thanks to my parents. My dad, Sam Chatman, is a legendary radio personality. I used to go to work with him as a little girl, and he would have me do drops (voice-overs and commercial reads). I enjoyed the microphone, and that was my first step into broadcasting. My mother would make me read newspapers. I didn’t like it, but she told me it was important to be informed on what’s happening locally, nationally, and globally.
I read the Chicago Defender, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Tribune. She would say, I could be a newspaper reporter someday. She made me read print news from cover to cover. I am the result of their training. I took a six-week class at Columbia College in high school, and I loved it, which strengthened my interest in the field. I went to the University of Illinois and earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in African American studies.
As a Chicago native and local reporter, how has your connection to the city influenced the stories you share?
For me, the stories I tell are much more personal. I’m from the South Side, my dad is from the West Side, and I went to school on the North Side. I took buses and trains to get to school; I know the city very well. I understand what people face and what drives us. I’m sharing stories through a different lens; I know what excites Chicago. When I tell a story about a shooting, it hurts me—I think of my family and personal ties. I take it personally to tell these stories fairly, accurately, and with empathy.
You’ve shared a variety of stories, from consumer reports to breaking news. What have been the most defining moments in your career so far?
A couple of years ago, I won my first Emmy Award in Chicago. I was so emotional; I was crying with joy. I had worked incredibly hard to reach that point. I’ve lived in several cities—Peoria, Louisville, Dallas, and Chicago—and made an effort. I’ve worked various shifts and done behind-the-scenes work. In Peoria, I did weather. People often take me for granted because of my dad, who is a Chicago legend. I fought to get back home. When I interviewed for my current job, my dad wasn’t mentioned in my interview. I was on my own.
I won an Emmy in 2022 for investigative reporting on squatters. Three years later, Governor JB Pritzker signed the “Squatter’s Bill” into law. Rep. LaShawn Ford was a legislative cosigner, and many believe that my story helped influence the law.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a Black woman in broadcast journalism?
I am grateful to ABC 7 Chicago because they allow me to portray Samantha with different hairstyles and voice authentically. John Idler, the General Manager at ABC, is outstanding as a boss. I have never had a time when I had to reduce myself or change who I am. I anchor on the weekends. I am real, and I am allowed to be me. Cheryl Burton has been a mentor. Cheryl helped me with braids in my hair and with my health care. Black women on TV have a look at the anchor desk, “Bob.” Cheryl encouraged me to wear my braids on air.
I underwent two intense surgeries (I had two polyps growing on my vocal cords) that kept me out of work for months. Cheryl spent hours with me to encourage and inspire. She cares and wants me to succeed and has been supportive. I stand on her shoulders.
Tell me about your new venture and the concept behind “Mama I Made It.”
I am a storyteller. I want to do in-depth interviews with specific people from Chicago—stories that inspire. I love hearing stories about individuals who have inspired others. I hope these stories help others succeed. The main theme is to motivate people to chase their wildest dreams. My mother is my best friend, and the show’s name is an ode to her.
Who are you interviewing?
I interviewed Tina Knowles (Beyoncé’s mother). She is an incredible force and a joy to speak with. She was kind, warm, and stands firm in her principles. I felt nervous to meet her. The interview with Common was good; no questions were off limits, and he was amazing. I believe that building relationships and approaching an interview with integrity are essential. He is very Chicago. He discussed his music, artistry, romantic relationships, and his relationship with Jennifer Hudson. He was a joy to talk to, and his videos have received many hits on YouTube.
How is the show different from what you do on the news every day?
The show features more extended interviews, while the news stories are shorter. It’s a chance to spend more time engaging in in-depth conversations with change makers who have inspiring stories. This is my project.
Where can we view “Mama, I Made It?”
The show is on YouTube and streams on VON Tv. I am grateful to be partnering with VON Tv.
What has been the most rewarding feedback or reaction you’ve gotten from the show so far?
I told my classmates that I would be a talk show host one day. A classmate called me to remind me of that.
Tamron Hall is the most exciting interview I have ever done because it was live in front of about 500 people with so much energy. We talked about everything at the 2025 Black Women’s Expo. I am a huge fan of hers. She was gracious. I love her short haircut and how it became controversial. Her message to the audience was “Don’t settle for less.” She discussed strategies and her energy was incredible.
I continue with my content. “Sam On Your Side” is consumer reporting, and people recognize me for that. They feel they lack an advocate to fight for them. It’s a pleasure to help people in Chicago, whether it’s dealing with a bad order at McDonald’s, squatters in a home, or a leaking roof.
I will keep prioritizing health care. I am scheduling walks and massages because, as Black women, we need to know when to stop and take care of ourselves.
