Leaving the O&O in LA to Work for God

Ted Chen, a fixture at KNBC since 1995, signed off for the final time on Wednesday evening to embark on a new path as a Christian minister.

“Many of you know I’ve been in seminary for the last several years,” Chen said while sitting with anchors Colleen Williams and Michael Brownlee. “I got my master’s in Christian studies, and right now I’m pursuing my doctorate of ministry. And so, yeah, I’ll be graduating to full-time ministry beginning tomorrow.”

After more than 30 years in the industry, Chen admits he is looking forward to a “slower pace” and not having to rush off to breaking news on short notice, though he acknowledged he will miss the rush. “I tell people, there’s an adrenaline shot to this, to being part of this business,” he said.

Chen’s career took him from Reno, Fresno, and San Diego before landing at KNBC. He cites the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing as his favorite assignment, noting how meaningful it was to see his parents’ excitement and to cover stories in the Chinese countryside. On the lighter side, the self-proclaimed “Trekkie” said his favorite interview was with Leonard Nimoy.

During the farewell, KNBC Reporter Hetty Chang recalled realizing Chen’s impact on the community during a Golden Dragon Chinese New Year parade. “I looked at him and thought, ‘Are you moonlighting as a movie star?’” Chang said, describing how crowds stopped their float to take photos with him.

Chen’s wife, Ariell, posted a tribute on Instagram, celebrating his transition. As he closed out his final broadcast, Chen borrowed a page from the athletes he has covered over the decades.

“I’ll take the encouragement,” Chen said, “and give God all the glory.”