Name Change

Siemny Kim

Yesterday, FTVLive shared the story of KIRO (Seattle) Anchor Siemny Kim, who was told by the News Director that hired her that she had to change her name.

She was told if she didn’t change her name, she would not get the job.

A number of people emailed FTVLive and said I was making a big deal out of something that happens often in the industry.

“A lot of people working in TV news change their on-air names, who cares?” said one email to FTVLive.

First off, yes there are people that work in TV that have a “stage” name. Some do it to help protect their privacy. Some change their name just because they think their new name will make them more memorable.

But, most of these people make that decision to change their name and are not told they MUST change their name or they won’t be hired.

That’s the big difference here.

Another KIRO Reporter was given the option on a name change.

Former Reporter Patranya Bhoolsuwan shared a story on social media about how she was asked if she would change her name?

A boss asking you to think about a name change is common. A boss demanding that you change your name is WRONG.

Here’s the story that Bhoolsuwan shared: