North Bay Woman

36 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 9 friends there. Being on live television meant she had to maintain her compo- sure and avoid spreading hysteria or misinformation, but as soon as she went off the air, she broke down and cried. Her humanity is part of what makes viewers consider Cook a trusted friend, but being herself on-air didn't come easily at first. She was a good writer and storyteller, had a pleasing personality and was down-to- earth, but those qual- ities weren't coming through, she says. Then, "I thought about how I'd tell my mom a story," she says, and that made all the difference. Informing people, perhaps making them smile or cry, is the reason she got into the business. "It's an important job. I don't take it lightly," she says. News anchors are largely managing editors, who edit every story unless it's breaking news. That means getting the facts correct, presenting all sides of an issue and giving viewers the chance to make their own decisions. She points out that journalists fact-check for accuracy, but sometimes they make mistakes, and viewers, who tend to be nice and helpful, often point out errors. "If we make a mistake, we'll correct it," she says. Among her duties beyond the anchor's desk, Cook leads "Dollars & Sense," a business report, and "Made by the Bay," segments about local businesses, such as Sausalito's Heath Ceramics. She also posts information on social media that is valuable to followers, such as a scam related to Amazon last year before the holidays. Cook moved to Marin for the sun, and although she loves the fog rolling in, she enjoys the outdoor life the North Bay offers. "We've ridden bikes around Angel Island," she says. She also plays golf and practices yoga. What she likes best, though, is time with her girls. "They're my joy in life," she says. After Pam Cook at the KTVU studio in Jack London Square, Oakland.– Photo by Morgan Jenkins Photography "Becoming a mom made me become a better journalist and news anchor." – Pam Cook

• Cover