One On One With Paula Sands

One on One with Paula Sands

published 11-11-09


By Sean Leary



Among the echelon of anyone claiming the tag ``local celebrity,’’ one person would stand above them all in terms of regional fame -- Paula Sands.



The longtime anchor of KWQC-TV6’s perennially ratings-topping newscast and host of ``Paula Sands Live’’ has been one of the most recognized Quad-Citians for over two decades.



Her status has been all the more augmented by the ``local girl made good’’ angle. Sands was born in Moline, graduated from Moline High School and nabbed her college degree from the Academy of Radio and Television in Bettendorf (now Hamilton Tech in Davenport).



Like any public figure, she’s faced off against her share of detractors and weathered the storms and vagaries of a job in the media. But regardless of your feelings about her, the fact that you have feelings about her only goes to prove her influence.



For all of her notoriety, Sands retains ties that bind her to the ground, she says.



``I teach in the children’s ministry at my church, Heritage in Bettendorf ,’’ she said. ``Those kids don’t know me as `Paula Sands.’ One of the Moms told me her son yelled the other day, `Hey! What’s my Sunday school teacher doin’ on TV!’ She told him, `It’s her job.’ I love that. It’s just my job.’’



Last week, Sands agreed to chat with us about that job, and other aspects of her life.



Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you watch the news and envision yourself as an anchor?



A: The role of teacher always fascinated me. Even as a kid I loved to talk!



Q: When did you decide a news reporting future was right for you?



A: Not until I got the job! My education at ART was focused on radio broadcasting and commercial copywriting. I never dreamed of an on-air TV job or news at all. It evolved after I was hired to host PM Magazine at KWQC..



Q: Did you ever imagine you would rise to the level to which you have, and how is it alike or different from what you imagined?



A: Honestly, any talents I possess or any success I’ve had I realize are gifts from God. And this “level” I’ve achieved is mainly through longevity. Stick with anything long enough and you, too, can be considered a high achiever!



Q: What are your favorite or least favorite memories from starting out? Were there ever times you doubted yourself and how did you overcome them?



A: I remember being the new kid -- twenty-three years old and feeling unqualified for the job. I doubted myself every day. But I’ve always had a strong sense of perseverance that keeps me going through anything. I just showed up and did my best. That still drives me today.



Q: What is the best / worst part of your job?



A: Best part: 4:30 to 5 p.m. every weekday during the actual performance of the live show. That’s when I’m on fire. The other eight hours of the day are filled with making that half-hour happen –not as fun.



Q: What has been the most memorable story you've covered and why?



A: After 27 years, there is no one answer to this. My favorite stories are always the ones of ordinary people who act in extraordinary ways under difficult circumstances. Those get me every time. I love to feature people with those stories to tell.



Q: What do you like to do outside of work?



A: Read, travel, hang out with my husband. Do fun things with our kids and grandkids. Go out to dinner and laugh with a close group of friends from our church. Mostly my time at home is spent recharging my batteries. I expend a lot of energy at work.



Q: What goals do you have for the future -- both work-related and non-work related?



A: I am looking for the next big thing in my life. My dad died in a very sudden way six years ago and it rocked my world; bringing me to a strong Christian faith. My goals are different now because they don’t feel like “mine”. I’m waiting on God to lead me where I should be. It’s quite peaceful.



Q: What are the best / worst things about being such a public figure?



A: The worst part is being treated like an image on a screen and not a real person. Of course that’s just among people who don’t know me. My loved ones know I’m plenty real. Now the BEST part really excites me, and here it is: My job gives other people a voice. People who would never have a chance to appear on TV anywhere else can come on PSL and promote something positive. THAT feels like my purpose. So I strive to help those people show their best selves. It’s certainly not about me.



Q: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about you, why do you feel it exists, and how do you feel it best to clear it up?



A: It’s fairly impossible to know what others think, but there is definitely a mystery about people on TV. And thanks to blogs and chat rooms, people feel free to let loose on our so-called celebrities. It does sting to hear things that are untrue. But it’s way beyond my control to address every false rumor. All I can do is conduct myself in a kind way on and off air; realizing I can’t please all the people all the time. I’m content with that.

I’ve been blessed with the responsibility of a public forum that’s much bigger than I am. I may be the conductor of this train, but I’m not the engineer. So I’ll keep it on the track with integrity and enthusiasm as long as the ride lasts.



I’d like to spread that attitude to anyone reading this right now. Let’s be a little more kind and gentle. The world is harsh, but we can cushion it with our words and attitudes.