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 suffers permanent eye damage after Taser used by Robbins police officer: EXCLUSIVE
A Chicago man spoke exclusively with the ABC7 I-Team as he is suing the village of Robbins and an officer he said used a Taser on his eye. Body camera video shows the use of force that is now being investigated by state police.
Local cleaning company owner says village of Dolton owes her nearly $13K, could lose business
A local cleaning company says the village of Dolton owes them nearly $13,000.
Obamas mark one year since death of Marian Robinson, known as 'the first mother of Chicago'
Michelle Obama paid tribute to her late mother saying "we lost my mother a year ago, but somehow, it almost feels like she's with us more and more each day."
Chicago festival organizer among several in deep debt due to lack of funding, wants community's help
The owner of the Silver Room in Hyde Park wants to put together more festivals on the South Side, but he's one of several event planners facing financial hardship from the last several block parties that he's organized.
'Squatter Bill' passes in Illinois House, heads to Governor Pritzker's desk
If signed by Governor Pritzker, the proposed Illinois law would make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone's home, bypassing the months-long eviction process.
Squatting in Illinois: A Statewide Fight
Watch "Squatting in Illinois: A Statewide Fight."
5 ways to protect your home, vacant property from squatters: 'Don't want to make a home a target'
The ABC7 I-team has heard from several people who said strangers moved into their homes and refused to leave. There are some tips that could make a huge difference if a squatter shows up at a home.
2 Chicago restaurateurs frustrated with Uber Eats after hackers steal tens of thousands of dollars
Fatburger restaurant owner Jackie Jackson says she tried to warn Uber Eats about her hacked account.
Alleged squatters wouldn't leave Chicago man's home, so he moved in with them
A Chicago man says he did the unthinkable when he discovered alleged squatters in his property: He decided to move in with them.