Conversations with Christel Bell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christel Bell

Hi CHRISTEL, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have been in broadcast news for nearly 20 years. I began my career as a production assistant working for a television station in my hometown of Houston, Texas straight out of college. I later became a 10pm news producer in a small east Texas town, and was promoted to an one-man band reporter, and then later to 5pm anchor. I stayed focused on the goal, and I remember when managers were looking to hire a 5pm anchor, I gathered enough confidence and courage to tell them, that they should hire me, because they were not going to find anyone more dedicated and committed to product than myself. Whoever was hired, I was going to train them. I remember hearing one person say, we’ve never heard you speak like that before, and in that moment I realized my ability to reach my God-given potential.
I have worked in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, before landing in Kansas City Missouri, as an evening anchor. This is a tough business, not the best pay, enduring hours, and a lot of public scrutiny, but I believe I got here today because I believed in the value of what it means to be a voice for the community. I believe in storytelling, and service. I’ve been very blessed to do what I love. I remember thinking in college, upon graduation, I couldn’t land an internship and was devastated, I almost gave up. My professors told me, I would never get into the news industry without one, but I held on to my dream. I prayed, “Lord, if this is the path for me, then God open the doors, and I will trust you enough to walk through them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not a smooth road, as I’ve hit a few potholes. I think it has made me a better journalist. I’ve been overlooked for positions, even though I was qualified. I have been heavily criticized about my “on-air appearance.” I have dealt with microaggressions, and racial bias in newsroom, that often made me feel isolated.
There was a time that I thought that type of workplace bullying was necessary for the job, but I reached a pinnacle in my life and career, where I was able to stand up for myself. I’ve learned how to be my authentic self and not allow others to dictate to me their definition of what the standard of beauty should be based on others perception.

You may hit a few potholes but there’s a joy in knowing you’re helping so many people. You never know who’s watching, or who you may inspire from afar. Authenticity, is my news delivery and style. My on-air approach: meet people where they are, no matter who they are. I want people to know there’s hope, even in the midst of all the things happening in our world, there is always hope, and my job is deliver the news and remind viewers, there is hope, because we all need hope.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently the lead consumer investigative reporter for the Let ABC15 Know consumer team. I help Arizonans with consumer issues. I educate viewers about scams, fraud, and other consumer-related news. My team and myself also alert viewers to the unfair business practices of national and local companies. It’s very rewarding work, especially in our current economy climate. People need every single penny of their hard-earning money, and if someone takes it unfairly, we want to help them get it back. I would say I’m best known for being a compassionate, authentic news personality that truly cares about the community and sharing their stories.

What are your plans for the future?
The news industry is changing day by day. I don’t know what the future holds for me, I would like to keep doing what I’m doing. I have recently wrote a children’s book, titled Christel’s Breaking News, and I will write a few more books for children and adults in the future. I am the creator of Authenticity Needs No Apology, a brand that helps people showcase through apparel and jewelry how they can use, speak, and hear their true authentic voice in a loud world. I will continue to promote this brand, to help people discover why they should never apologize for being authentic. I also plan to have more TV host opportunities, and provide communication consultations for businesses and people. Perhaps, I will even launch my own talk show. Honestly, I trust God because He has a divine plan for my life, and I want to continue to live in my purpose.

Pricing:

• 12,99 Children’s book, Christel’s Breaking News

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christelbelltv.com
• Instagram: ChristelBellTV
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristelBellTV