Karen Hua

Karen Hua joined 17 News as a reporter in May 2018.

Born and raised in Boston, she studied English, psychology, and film at the University of Michigan.

After graduation, Karen moved to New York and joined Forbes magazine as a lifestyle writer. She covered fashion, entertainment, and real estate, and interviewed celebrities from Idris Elba to Laverne Cox.

Karen’s next adventure took her to NBCUniversal, where she worked 70-hour, seven-day weeks at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Center. There, she learned from the best in the news business – producing segments for CNBC, writing for NBC New York, and managing the green room for the TODAY show. The highlights of her year include working the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the Grammy Awards, and the Met Gala.

NBC ultimately connected her with an on-air opportunity in Bakersfield, and within two weeks, she was moving to a city where she knew no one. For a lifelong East-Coaster accustomed to cold weather, Kern County was quite the culture shock. Nevertheless, she says the people of Bakersfield have been incredibly welcoming – opening their hearts and their homes to her.

During her time at 17 News, she launched KGET’s local living show, Pop Kern. For those who say “there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield” … she hopes to prove them wrong one episode at a time. Her favorite segments include finding the best pizza and best hiking trails in town.

In her spare time, Karen likes to make short films with her friends and she loves taking solo road trips. Her favorite travel experiences include backpacking through Morocco and camping across the American Southwest.