Cari Champion is an experienced TV host and journalist. Champion was born in Pasadena, California and graduated from University of California, Los Angeles. Champion majored in English and Mass Communication, where she was required to analyze, write, and read many pieces of literature.

Champion wrote for her college paper the Daily Bruin and realized that journalism was what she wanted to do for a career.

“I got great advice early on from a local news anchor who told me I’d have to learn how to write my own stories,” Champion said. “I knew I wanted to tell important stories, whether they be news, sports or entertainment.”

Champion began her broadcasting career at several television stations. She moved to West Virginia for her first reporting job. Champion started as a General Assignment reporter, where she had to cover everything in news.

“The more I covered sports, the more I liked it,” Champion said. “I knew it was a natural fit, it was a great fit for me.”

On October 1, 2012, Champion joined ESPN as the new host of ESPN2’s live debate show First Take.

“The main reason I joined ESPN was because of my love for sports,” Champion said. “My favorite thing to cover is the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, especially the US Open. The reason I love this event is that it’s on our home soil, the best of the best compete there and the history of the tournament is so meaningful.”

At the end of my interview I asked for some advice from Champion to see if she had any tips for me in dealing with journalism.

“Don’t stop writing,” Champion said. “As a journalist you want to give a voice to the people who don’t have one. Look for stories in every situation. News is all over the place, even where you might not expect it. Everyone has to start out somewhere, so even if you first couple of pieces are bad, you need to continue to become the best writer you possibly can be.
To contact Champion you can follow her on twitter @CariChampion