Shawn Ching Returns to TV News

After more than two years out of the public eye, Shawn Ching is returning to the news business. Hawaii News Now announced that he will join Stephanie Lum at the anchor desk for its 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. newscasts.

"Having Shawn join Hawaii News Now is a game-changing moment for us and solidifies our place atop the local television landscape," declares the unsigned, not-very-newsy news story announcing his arrival. "Shawn also makes our outstanding news team that much stronger and shows our commitment to bringing Hawaii the type of high-quality news coverage it deserves."

As I blogged at the time, Ching left KITV in September 2008, ending a 12 year stint after he and Paula Akana were pulled from that station's 6 p.m. newscasts. He said he wanted to put his UH law degree to good use, and hopefully he got to do so during his time with Kobayashi, Sugita & Goda.

His first day back on the air will be next Monday, Feb. 7.

The news was greeted warmly on Twitter.

"OMG, really? I love Shawn! Glad to hear he's back on TV!" wrote Jen Leines of Kauai.

"Pretty much makes them a lock for number one," commented local computer technician and columnist Yasuo Ogawa.

When asked on Twitter whether she was excited about the news, future co-anchor Lum replied, "Ecstatic!"

"Now get him tweeting," advised Eric Uyeda.

In addition to his law degree, Ching also holds a master's and bachelor's degree in political science. He is a member of the UH Athletic Advisory Board, the Oahu Interscholastic Athletic Association Board, and the St. Francis School Board.

He was also a judge for the Burgers on the Edge "Burger Genius" contest.