Steve Chamraz first walked into TMJ4 in 1994 as a newsroom intern.
Today, he is the station's primary news anchor and host of Milwaukee Tonight.
"This television station is in my DNA," Steve said. "It is very much a part of me, and I take note every day of how lucky I am to be a part of it."
Steve returned to TMJ4 in 2011 after reporting for television stations in Madison, San Francisco, Kansas City, Saint Louis and Chicago.
Today, he anchors TMJ4 News at 4 with Susan Kim and TMJ4 News at 5 with Carole Meekins. He also hosts Milwaukee Tonight, a daily celebration of unique people and places in our community.
You will also find Steve out in front of major breaking news coverage on TMJ4 and hosting community events like the Milwaukee Bucks championship celebration and the annual Juneteenth Day parade.
Steve's work has been featured on the CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes and Court TV. It has resulted in new state laws, reforms to the court system, the clean-up of illegal dumps, criminal investigations and the resignations of powerful public servants.
His reporting has been honored with some of the industry's highest awards including a National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting. Steve was a finalist for the Investigative Reporters and Editors Award, won ten regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, nine Mid-America Emmy Awards, eight Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards and three awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
In 2016, Steve and his team were awarded a regional Edward R. Murrow award for the news documentary “Making the Milwaukee,” a series that tracked the building of the U.S.S. Milwaukee.
In 2014, Steve’s reporting found local school districts failing to do the required number of safety drills each year. These schools were forced to change their safety drill policies after being caught violating state law.
And in 2011, Steve's reporting exposed problems with illegal daycares, including dangerous practices that contributed to the deaths of children. This prompted hearings by a state senate committee, which is considering legislation to help keep children safe in daycare.
A 1998 graduate of Marquette University, Steve is a big fan of Golden Eagles basketball. In the warmer months, he enjoys watching Brewers baseball — preferably on a night when the roof is open. He and his wife live in Whitefish Bay.
If you have a story idea, Steve can be reached at Steve.Chamraz@tmj4.com
