SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 16, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — In the course of a 23-year career, KUTV news anchor Shauna Lake has risen steadily through the ranks, parlaying her talent, drive and dedication into a mass following of local news viewers — a following that’s not only made her one of Utah’s most-liked and trusted news personalities, but also helped propel the Sinclair-owned CBS affiliate to nearly a decade of ratings dominance.
On Tuesday’s 5 p.m. newscast, an emotional Lake returned to the air and asked Utah news viewers to continue that trust — a relationship which was rocked by the recent revelation the popular anchor had been arrested for DUI.
Lake, 46, was taken into custody shortly after midnight a week ago Wednesday after a Utah Highway Patrol trooper witnessed her driving below the speed limit on southbound Interstate 15 near Murray. He also cited Lake for an alleged open-container violation, as well as for driving with improper plates and an expired vehicle registration.
Word of Lake’s arrest — even prior to her being formally charged — was trumpeted by rival news outlets and gave rise to speculation the veteran journalist’s job was in danger. That speculation, however, appeared to be squelched Tuesday afternoon when Lake offered an emotional apology to a tearful gathering of colleagues in the KUTV newsroom.
Those present said a subdued Lake took full responsibility for her actions and spoke remorsefully of the “selfish decisions” she said she made the night of her arrest.
Lake also thanked her co-workers for their outpouring of support, as well as the tens of thousands fans who contacted the station asking the anchor be given a second chance.
Two hours later, Lake appeared on-air and made the following statement:
“As many of you are aware, last Tuesday night I made a serious lapse in judgement,” Lake said. “I drank alcohol after I got off work. And then I chose to get behind the wheel of my car.
“I was pulled over and arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
“I am ashamed and humiliated by my decision. It was selfish. I could have hurt some one else, or myself.
“It was also selfish because I hurt you, KUTV viewers, who I truly consider to be my friends. You have invited me into your home night after night for 23 years. You have trusted me and considered me a friend and I let you down. And for that, I am so sorry.
“I also let my KUTV family down and for that I am so sorry; people whom I love, some of whom I’ve worked with for decades. I offer my apologies to my colleagues who are the very best, and kindest people in this business.
“I let my personal friends and family down, most notably my two sons, who are my life. I hurt them by making my selfish decision and to all of you — you know who you are –I’m so sorry to you.
“I have been humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sentiments of keep your chin up, we all make mistakes, I’m praying for you, and, this too shall pass.
“I also know that some of you are very angry and disappointed in me and you have every right to be. What I did was wrong and I just hope that over time, night by night, you can learn to trust me again.
“This has been the most painful and challenging experience of my life, however, I believe it might possibly turn out to be the most defining moment in my life as well.
“Thank you for your support.”
Lake joined KUTV in 1994 where she was hired as a morning anchor. She ultimately moved into a weekend anchor position while working three days a week as lead reporter for KUTV’s 10 p.m. weekday newscast.
In 2007 Lake was promoted to 10 p.m. anchor after longtime anchor Michelle King retired after 23 years at KUTV.
KUTV has made an excellent choice and has done the right thing in allowing Shauna Lake the opportunity to publicly apologize for her error in judgment, and retaining her as the fabulous and respected news anchor in her current position. Shauna has not lost my respect at all. In fact, she has honored herself, her friends, colleagues , family, viewers, and her employer by her most public apology. I praise KUTV for giving her a chance to continue reporting the news as she has so professionally done for decades. Thank you KUTV for respecting your viewers by keeping her in front of her audience. She is a tremendous asset to your organization. You have been and will continue to be my #1 choice for morning, evening and nightly news.
Fred, you took the words right out of my mouth! Kudos to to KUTV for allowing her another chance.
You know a good person when you see one.
I’m glad Shauna stays, she a wonderful woman.
Thank you KUTV for looking past this dark page.
We all make mistakes.
Good to see her back on air, great job crew.
We should apologize to Shauna Lake, for believing that she was a super individual. We the public made her believe that she could do no wrong. in other words we the public forgot that she is a human being with loss and capable of making mistakes, so we the public should we be apologizing to her because no one walks on water.
Shauna Lake is a human being who made a mistake and has taken full responsibility for that mistake. Anyone who makes such a mistake should be given the chance to remedy the situation and learn from their mistake. I admire her for her honesty and her heartfelt apology. I wish her well in the future.
Shauna clearly made a mistake in judgement which makes her just like all of the rest of us. We are human. And as humans we fail sometimes. Shauna has been a trusted friend on the nightly news for many years and even though she is not perfect (just like the rest of us) she will continue in that roll. This incident has been handled very well by KUTV and Shauna. Time for us to move on to a more pressing topic of discussion.
This would be humiliating for anyone. The blessing here is that no one is dead. Think how much harder this would be for Shauna. Put this behind you. We all do make mistakes, but they aren’t aired publicly. We can all learn from this. Carry on!
I think she should not be on the air . what kind of message does that send. She could of killed somebody by that selfish choice she made. I’m really shocked to be honest. She is not above the law she should also have to deal with consequences of her action just as I should and everyone else. I’m sure she will get a slap on the hand for this because of who she is. This more than a mistake she reports things like this. She knew what she was doing. Come on. I will Never watch her again. I don’t drink and drive 1 – it’s the law 2- I know the risks 3 I’m not as selfish as some other people.
Really you better not open that closet door your skeletons are dying to get out
So, you’ve never driven trying to handle screaming children in the backseat? While exhausted? While talking on your cell or texting? Because all of these things have been proven to be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. There is no moral high ground here.
The Bible says, Let him that is without SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!! I Truly agree with what she did was wrong. BUT SHE FACED THE RESPONSIBILITY AND OPENLY APOLOGIZED TO EVERYONE. PRAY SHE LETS GOD DIRECT HER NOW TO WALK HIS WAY , N PROVE SHE TRULY IS SORRY. GOD BLESS YOU SHAUNA. LET PROVERBS 3: 5,6. Be GODS DAILY GUIDE FOR YOUR LIFE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A BLESSING N BE BLESSED. GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE.
Keep ur rudeness to ur self. Shauna lake is only human , she made a mistake . She apologized she realized what she did was wrong . What else do u want from her. And it’s for the best that u don’t watch 2 news at night or any other night . We don’t need people like u . ALWAYS JUDGING OTHERS.. BUT MAYBE U SHOULD LOOK PAST UR GOGGLES AND REALLY SEE WHO U ARE.
Gee whiz, Abby, do you need somebody to polish your halo and fluff your wings for you? You must be a paragon of virtue, a soul of absolute perfection if you think you have the right to judge someone so harshly. This lady is taking full responsibility for her actions and it took guts to make a public apology. If she was going to be given special treatment because of who she is, the officer wouldn’t have arrested her. Why don’t you look up from your bible and take that stick out of your ***, come outside and see the real world? People make mistakes. Oh, I forgot, except for you, right? Give me a break.
So good to see Shauna Lake back on The News. It was good to here her apologize . Everyone makes mistakes. We will keep watching our favorite News and Weather. KUTV. Our thoughts and Best wishes for moving forward and Learning from our Mistakes.
Thanks for being such a special person, I love watching the channel 2 news with you and Mark. You two make a great news team. Everyone makes mistakes and I’m sure this is just you’re first one. Shauna you will always be near perfect in my eyes, keep up the good work. You will always have my respect, and I think you’re great also. Keep smiling
Shauna I am so proud of you to come forward and admit to your mistakes, you know we are all humans, and we do make mistakes, I am so sorry that you had to go through that.
May God be with you always.
Shauna thank you for being such a courageous woman who continues to inspire her viewers. I am glad that KUTV has supported you, and that you will continue to report the news to our community.
SOOOOOO very grateful you’re back, Shauna. And thank you kutv for not giving up on her. She’s an exceptional newscaster and journalist. I’m sure everyone can see that. And thank you Mark Kobel and everyone else for supporting a person they have come to know and love. You guys all look like a tight knit family down there. Every one of us make mistakes. But not every one fesses up to them. Keep on keepin on you guys.
I am so proud of Shauna’s courage to stand before a camera and apologize to tens of thousands of listeners. Frankly, I don’t think it was any of our business. But I love and admire this woman for wanting to do the right thing. I’ve made so many stupid mistakes in my life, that I’d have to be an utter idiot to judge her- I suspect most of us feel the same. Much love to you, sister. We have your back.
WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES YOU CAN LEARN FROM THEM. I HAVE 34 YEARS OF SOBRIETY WITH THE
HELP OF ALCOHOLICS ANNOMINUS IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM AND WANT
HELP THAT IS A GOOD PLACE TO START.
Youre not a bad person. I think life can get repetitive at times and we fall of course. Im only 28 but ive seen it over and over again. Good people get bored and make a bad decision. Its just a mod life thing I think. You learn and the experience rebalances you and you carry on. But dont let this identify you. Youre a good person it was just a silly mistake maybe youve made a few times but I think if you look at it the right way this experience can make you a better person. Head high! Youre not falling!
Thanks to KUTV for making the right decision! You are an excellent and well respected newscaster, so I’m glad that you are back! We all have dark moments in our lives and there is no doubt that you will get through this and be stronger for it. I’m just sad that you had to go through this in such a public way. Hang in there!
Good job kid! Glad you understand what you did and took ownership of if. That demonstrates your strength and integrity! Channel 2 is my favorite news outlet. I wish you the very best.
Very thankful kutv decided to stand behind Shauna Lake. Everyone deserves a second chance. She is very brave to stand before a camera and give a apology to the viewers. I understand the loneliness, shame, guilt, and self loathing that comes of a aftermath of such a difficult mistake. I’m sure through the own hell she has put herself through is enough to want her to make changes in her life and to never make the same mistake again. I’m personally proud of Shauna for owning her mistake and look forward to the good she can do and educate others to not make the same mistake. Keep your head high babe, this will not define you.
Shauna From someone who’s walked in your shoes hold your head up and go forward because we can’t go back it well alright. Wish you and your boys all the best Love You
It makes all of us take a second look in the mirror. Thank you, Shauna. Love you. ❤
Hang in there! You’re a great news anchor..20 years ago they would of slapped your hand for that offense, who’s to judge look at all those high and mighty Mormon mommies that self medicate with prescription drugs, and take their kids to soccer!!! You’re awesome ??