HAVE A STORY IDEA IN MUSKEGON? EMAIL OLIVIA!
Hi, West Michigan! My name is Olivia Yatooma and I'm the neighborhood reporter for Muskegon.
I joined FOX 17 in July 2024 after graduating from Biola University in May. Although I went to college in Los Angeles, Michigan has always been my home. I was born and raised on the east side, where I lived with my parents and three younger sisters. I know what you’re thinking… poor dad. He loves it though, I promise!
When I was young, I was bit by the acting bug, so I took my chances in Hollywood and wound up appearing as a guest star on a Nickelodeon television show. My childhood dream come true! I have always felt most at home either on stage or in front of a camera; I love to write and I am passionate about storytelling. But, as I grew older, I realized that it would be best to apply for a job rather than audition for one. So, broadcast journalism seemed like just the right spot for me.
When I returned to Los Angeles to study broadcast journalism in college, I was affirmed in my career choice all the more. I even had the opportunity to bring life to the Biola student run news shows by singing the news!
Being able to return home after living in Los Angeles for the past three years is an answer to prayer. Nothing is more important to me than God and family — and I am now just a short drive away from my childhood home!
I am incredibly passionate about and fascinated by the inspiring accomplishments of the disadvantaged, having grown up in the heart of a charity called Yatooma’s Foundation for the Kids. My dad started this charity when I was six months old, in memory of his dad who was killed when my dad was younger than I am now. So it’s my hope to shed light on stories like these — to be a voice for those who don’t have one. I also strive to share the news with our viewers in a personable way — who knows, maybe I’ll even have occasion to sing the news to you every once in a while!
I look forward to continuing my love story with the art of storytelling by sharing the important happenings in Muskegon. If you know of something I should cover, email me at olivia.yatooma@fox17online.com
