A prominent Boston television journalist and Emmy recipient is bidding farewell to her role after over a decade of storytelling, teasing exciting new opportunities on the horizon.
Kimberly Bookman has been a familiar face at WHDH’s 7News since signing on in August 2014, impressively covering an array of segments from crime and weather to sports and state-wide stories across Massachusetts.
In a notable reporting achievement, Bookman was first on the scene to broadcast the death of Boston Police Sergeant Dennis Simmonds, who succumbed a year after sustaining injuries in the Boston Marathon bombings, as highlighted in her WHDH profile.
During her time at Channel 7, the anchorwoman also tackled this summer’s headline-making ICE arrests, a Logan Airport boat crash, and high-stakes murder trials involving Lindsay Clancy and Brian Walshe. Her work uncovered new clues in Brockton cold case files and she followed closely the Brigham and Women’s Hospital nurses strike.
Before her tenure at WHDH, Bookman was a key reporter for WCVB in Boston, where she bravely narrated the unfolding of the Boston Marathon bombings and the dramatic pursuit and capture of the suspects.
She also covered the capture of notorious Boston gangster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger.
Her most successful work was her coverage of the ‘Mattapan Massacre’ and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water main break, winning Emmys for both.
Bookman has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and throughout her prolific career has garnered many accolades including a regional Robert E. Murrow award, three New England Emmys, one Southeastern Emmy, and awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association and Associated Press.
Kimberly Bookman at WHDH’s 7News, the channel she is leaving after 12 years
WHDH reporter Kimberly Bookman is seen here during a live on the scene in Boston
She told her fans about her departure in a Facebook post on Sunday, saying: ’12 years. It’s the longest amount of time I’ve ever stayed at any job. Come Tuesday, I will sign off from 7News – WHDH Boston for the last time.’
Fans and colleagues online showed their support and wished Bookman well.
Amaka Ubaka, a 7News anchor wrote on Instagram: ‘Wow congrats on 12 years! You know I’ve always called you the MVP of our station! And those words ring so TRUE!
‘You are kind, incredibly smart, always had exclusive stories & operate with such compassion with those you interview and encounter. You are a SUPERSTAR and don’t ever forget it’
Fan GJ Smith commented: “Kimberly the GOAT say it ain’t so… I’ll never forget our ‘prom’ shoot years ago. Can’t wait to see the next chapter’
7News anchor Keke Vencill wished Bookman well by writing: ‘I’m so proud to be part of your team, Kimberly. You’re one of the most dedicated journalists in the field, leading with a mindset of community service both at work and outside of it.
‘Wishing you all the best and many blessings in this new chapter!’
Another person added: ‘We will miss seeing you on 7 News, our source of local news. Wish you all the BEST!’
Kimberly Bookman preparing to deliver news to Bostonians
Laura Caso, a coworker of Bookman’s at 7News, reacted: ‘What a career you’ve had. You are such a force. You are a dedicated mentor, an unmatched journalist, and a true friend.
‘Beyond lucky to have learned from you and worked alongside you. Grateful for our dinner dates & talks. I am so excited for YOU!’
Fan Becky Warren said: ‘Wishing you continued happiness and successes, Kimberly! You will be missed.’
Bookman views her time at Channel 7 news as a success, recalling in her post: ‘I always strived to be responsible in my reporting – knowing how important words are during challenging times, breaking news, and on emotional subjects.
‘I trained nearly every reporter who walked through the doors in the last decade… I am proud of my contributions here.’
Bookman went on to explain: ‘This is my choice. I believe the best stories are the ones that keep unfolding. So stay tuned… the next chapter is just beginning!’
What that next chapter will be is unknown. Although, Bookman’s charitable work may provide a clue.
She ran an annual station-wide clothing drive as well as supporting the following non-profit organizations: The Home for Little Wanderers, The Pine Street Inn, Project Bread, The Anti-Defamation League, and Dress for Success.