Kim Vatis joined NBC5 News as a general assignment reporter in November 1997. In addition to reporting daily for the weekday morning newscasts, Vatis is also a special projects reporter for the 10 p.m. newscasts. Vatis also anchored NBC5's Sunday morning newscast.
Prior to joining NBC5, Vatis spent time reporting and anchoring in Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla.; Bangor, Maine; and then Gainesville, Fla.
Vatis has received numerous Emmy nominations for her live morning reports and special evening reports.
She led an investigation into the most severe abuses of disabled parking placards in the Chicago Loop that helped to fuel hefty new fines for offenders statewide.
Vatis uncovered a glitch in the Illinois Tollway's I-PASS system that showed how some users had been overcharged.
She led an investigation into "car cloning" and how the FBI fears it may be a tool for terrorists.
She also does many trend and feature reports. She put viewers to the "No Cell Challenge," asking if they could they put down their cell phones for just two days.
She also reported on boomer women in "Forgotten at 40 No More," illustrating how advertisers are focusing on those over the age of 40.
Most recently, Vatis reported from inside the virtual world to show how this gaming technology is having a real life impact helping the city train for emergencies and how it is fueling local businesses.
Emmy nominations for her on-site live reporting of the E2 Nightclub tragedy and the murders of the young Zion girls.
In 2007, Vatis was nominated for an Emmy for Best Reporter in the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Vatis graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in telecommunications.
She lives in Chicago with her daughter and has volunteered regularly reading to students at Chicago and suburban public schools. She has also introduced her daughter to volunteering at Misericordia Heart of Mercy.
In 2009, the Associated Press awarded Vatis "Best Reporter" Excellence in Journalism. The following year, Vatis was awarded a Silver Dome for Best TV Reporter from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
Drop her a line: kim.vatis@nbcuni.com
