Samantha Chatman: ABC7 Chicago Anchor, Consumer Investigative Reporter, And "7 On Your Side" Contact Guide For 2026

Samantha Chatman is a major voice in Chicago broadcast journalism. As an Emmy Award-winning consumer investigative reporter and weekend morning anchor for WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago, Chatman has built her career on public service, consumer advocacy, and hard-hitting community reporting. Over a decade after returning to her hometown, she continues to lead the "7 On Your Side" consumer unit, helping Chicagoans navigate financial disputes, retail scams, and complex systemic bureaucracies.

This comprehensive profile examines Samantha Chatman’s career journey, her dual roles as a weekend anchor and investigative reporter, her tangible impact on the Chicago community, and a step-by-step framework on how consumers can securely pitch stories or report consumer fraud to her team.

From the South Side to the Anchor Desk: Samantha Chatman's Professional Journey

A native of Chicago’s South Side, Samantha Chatman’s passion for storytelling and community advocacy is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her career trajectory serves as an industry model for aspiring journalists, showcasing the value of regional market experience, specialization, and a commitment to local reporting.

Academic Foundation

Chatman laid the academic groundwork for her broadcasting career at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, minoring in African-American Studies. During her time at UIUC, she honed her multimedia reporting skills, establishing a foundation in newsgathering, ethics, and civic affairs.

Early Career and Regional Market Growth

Before returning to the highly competitive Chicago market, Chatman gained critical experience in diverse media landscapes:

• WDEF-TV (Chattanooga, Tennessee): Chatman began her professional on-air career at this CBS affiliate, working as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor. This role allowed her to master the fast-paced demands of daily local news, covering municipal government, education, and community crises.
• KXAS-TV NBC 5 (Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas): Moving to a top-five media market, Chatman transitioned into consumer advocacy. As a consumer reporter for the station's "Samantha Responds" franchise, she investigated viewer complaints, resolved financial disputes, and exposed fraudulent business practices. This specialization cemented her reputation as a formidable consumer champion.

Returning Home to ABC7 Chicago

In September 2016, Chatman joined WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago, the most-watched television station in the Chicago metropolitan area. Returning home as a reporter for the "7 On Your Side" consumer unit, she brought her specialized consumer investigative skills to the communities she grew up in. Recognizing her versatility and deep connection with the audience, ABC7 expanded her role, appointing her as the co-anchor of the Saturday and Sunday morning newscasts alongside her continued investigative duties.

Empowering Chicagoans: The Impact of "7 On Your Side"

The "7 On Your Side" franchise is a cornerstone of ABC7 Chicago's commitment to community service. Under Chatman’s leadership, the unit serves as an ombudsman for everyday citizens who have exhausted traditional avenues of recourse against corporations, utility companies, government agencies, and deceptive service providers.

In 2026, the landscape of consumer fraud has evolved. Chatman’s investigations frequently address modern challenges such as artificial intelligence-driven phishing schemes, sophisticated identity theft, rental housing scams, and predatory retail practices. Her reporting does not merely highlight problems; it actively pursues resolutions, resulting in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars for local viewers.

Core Focus Areas of Chatman's Consumer Reporting

1. Contractor and Home Repair Fraud: Exposing unlicensed contractors who accept large down payments and abandon residential construction projects.
2. Financial Predation and Identity Theft: Investigating unauthorized bank withdrawals, credit bureau errors, and systemic digital scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly senior citizens.
3. Utility and Corporate Billing Disputes: Holding major utility providers, telecom companies, and insurance conglomerates accountable for billing discrepancies and wrongful service terminations.
4. Tenant and Housing Advocacy: Uncovering neglectful property management companies and landlords violating municipal housing codes.

Comparing Samantha Chatman's Dual Roles at ABC7 Chicago

Managing the demands of a weekend anchor desk while executing high-stakes investigative journalism requires a distinct balance of skills. The table below outlines how Chatman balances these two vital roles to serve the WLS-TV viewing audience.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit a Consumer Complaint to Samantha Chatman

If you are a resident of the Chicago metropolitan area and have fallen victim to a scam, unfair business practices, or a financial dispute that you cannot resolve on your own, you can engage Chatman’s investigative unit.

Follow this structured process to maximize the likelihood of your case being selected for investigation.

Step 1: Establish Your Documentation Trail

Before contacting the newsroom, organize all physical and digital evidence related to your dispute. The investigative team requires verifiable facts to pursue a story.

• Compile all relevant contracts, service agreements, receipts, and invoices.
• Archive email correspondence, text messages, and call logs with dates and times.
• Take photographs or video evidence of property damage or incomplete work if applicable.
• Document any previous official complaints filed with regulatory bodies (such as the Illinois Attorney General, Better Business Bureau, or Federal Trade Commission).

Step 2: Draft a Clear and Concise Narrative

Journalists review hundreds of tips daily. To stand out, your summary must be direct and factual.

• Identify the exact business or individual involved, including physical addresses and contact details.
• State the precise financial loss or damage incurred.
• Explain the exact resolution you are seeking and why prior attempts to resolve the issue failed.
• Keep your written explanation under 500 words, focusing purely on verifiable facts rather than emotional commentary.

Step 3: Submit Your Tip Through Authorized Channels

Submit your organized case to ABC7 Chicago. Do not rely solely on public social media comments, as official investigations require secure, structured submissions.

• Online Web Form: Utilize the official "7 On Your Side" submission form on the ABC7 Chicago website. This ensures your tip is logged directly into the newsroom's assignment database.
• Direct Email: Send your structured narrative and supporting PDF documents to the designated consumer unit email address at ABC7 Chicago.
• Newsroom Hotline: For urgent matters, contact the station's main assignment desk to be directed to the consumer unit's voicemail system.

Step 4: Prepare for Follow-Up and Verification

If your case meets the editorial criteria for a broadcast segment, a producer or Chatman herself will reach out to verify your identity and review your documentation.

• Be prepared to speak on camera or conduct a recorded video interview.
• Ensure you are willing to have your name and the details of your dispute shared publicly on television and digital platforms.
• Maintain open, prompt communication with the reporting team during the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samantha Chatman

What is Samantha Chatman's current role at ABC7 Chicago in 2026?

Samantha Chatman serves as the co-anchor for the Saturday and Sunday morning newscasts at ABC7 Chicago. Additionally, she is a lead consumer investigative reporter for the station’s "7 On Your Side" unit, a role she uses to expose scams, financial fraud, and corporate negligence across the Chicago metropolitan area.

Where did Samantha Chatman grow up and receive her education?

Chatman grew up on the South Side of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a minor in African-American Studies, launching her into her professional broadcasting career.

How can viewers contact Samantha Chatman for help with a consumer dispute?

Viewers can submit consumer complaints and investigative tips by visiting the "7 On Your Side" section on the ABC7 Chicago website. Submitting a clear summary of the issue, along with supporting documentation such as contracts, invoices, and correspondence, provides the investigative team with the necessary details to evaluate the case.

What awards and honors has Samantha Chatman received for her reporting?

Chatman is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. Her investigative work and consumer advocacy have earned her recognition from various civic organizations, regional media associations, and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), highlighting her commitment to ethical reporting and community service.

Which television stations did Samantha Chatman work for before returning to Chicago?

Before joining ABC7 Chicago in September 2016, Chatman worked as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor at WDEF-TV (CBS) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She then moved to KXAS-TV (NBC 5) in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, where she specialized as a consumer investigator for the "Samantha Responds" segment.

Community-First Journalism: The Legacy of local Advocacy

Samantha Chatman’s career highlights the enduring value of local television news as an instrument of public service. By combining her role at the anchor desk with rigorous street-level investigative reporting, she remains a trusted advocate for Chicago’s diverse communities. Her work ensures that corporations, fraudulent entities, and public services remain accountable to the citizens they serve.