Award winning broadcast journalist Susan Hirasuna is a hometown girl. She was born in Encino, reared in Simi Valley and graduated from the University of Southern California.
She's came to KTTV FOX 11 from Boston's WLVI-TV to become the weekend anchor in 1995. In 2009, she added the weekend news shows on sister station KCOP My 13. Then, in 2011, she was tapped to helm the weekend version of Studio 11 LA.
In 2012, Hirasuna was chosen to travel to Japan as a fellow with Foreign Press Center. The fellowship allowed her to travel into the disaster area still affected by 2011's earthquake and tsunami. She brought back the people's stories of resilience and fortitude.
Hirasuna has also carved out a reputation as the resident foodie. In her series, See Susan's Secret, she's spotlighted the talents of bartenders Matt Biancaniello and Julian Cox as well as celebrity chefs Michael Voltaggio, Nancy Silverton, Govind Armstrong, Nyesha Arrington, Alex Reznik, Ricardo Zarate and Helene An.
In the course of her career at Fox 11, she has anchored live coverage of earthquakes, wild fires and police pursuits. Her most memorable moments on the anchor desk include the death of Princess Diana, the Northridge wild fires and the crash of Metrolink in Chatsworth.
Her work has garnered Golden Mikes from the LA Press Club and Emmy and Emmy nominations for her half hour specials for Asian Pacific Heritage Month. She also received an Emmy nomination for feature reporting and one in Boston for Best Anchoring.
She is asked often which is her favorite story or interview. In 2012, she interviewed the Archbishop Desmond Tutu and declared that her favorite interview of all time. "Just being in the room with him, I felt privileged and then there is that infectious laugh," said Hirasuna.
Hirasuna is a long time member of the Asian American Journalists Association and is a former board member.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 1:57 AM EDT2013-06-12 05:57:40 GMT
72 year old Jan Cooper who lives near Anaheim knew exactly what to do when she heard her dog barking and saw someone outside her window.
72 year old Jan Cooper who lives near Anaheim knew exactly what to do when she heard her dog barking and saw someone outside her window. She grabbed her .357 magnum, loaded it and called 911.
Thursday, June 6 2013 2:26 AM EDT2013-06-06 06:26:32 GMT
Summerwind Elementary School in Palmdale held a memorial Wednesday for 8 year old Gabriel Fernandez. He's the little boy who was abused and beaten to death.
Summerwind Elementary School in Palmdale held a memorial Wednesday for 8 year old Gabriel Fernandez. He's the little boy who was abused and beaten to death. His mother and her boyfriend are awaiting trial for his death.
Tuesday, June 4 2013 3:29 AM EDT2013-06-04 07:29:33 GMT
After a third community meeting in Eagle Rock, city councilman Jose Huizar announced that a plan to reduce traffic lanes from three to two on Colorado Blvd for bike lanes would be green lit.
After a third community meeting in Eagle Rock, city councilman Jose Huizar announced that a plan to reduce traffic lanes from three to two on Colorado Blvd for bike lanes would be green lit.
Thursday, May 30 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-30 14:06:25 GMT
A 69-year-old Dana Point woman who authorities feared had been abducted was located unharmed this morning at a gas station in Compton, authorities said.
A 69-year-old Dana Point woman who authorities feared had been abducted was located unharmed this morning at a gas station in Compton, authorities said.
Wednesday, May 29 2013 1:50 AM EDT2013-05-29 05:50:11 GMT
Winds to 60 mph kicked up a dangerous sandstorm in the Lancaster area forcing the CHP to close the 14 Freeway near Avenue A during the rush hour Tuesday afternoon.
Winds to 60 mph kicked up a dangerous sandstorm in the Lancaster area reducing visibility to near zero forcing the CHP to close the 14 Freeway near Avenue 'A' during the rush hour Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday, May 28 2013 11:44 AM EDT2013-05-28 15:44:54 GMT
STEAM is an acronym much of the intelligentsia is talking about. Science Technology Engineering Art and Math.This country isn't graduating enough students from those disciplines.
STEAM is an acronym much of the intelligentsia is talking about. Science Technology Engineering Art and Math.This country isn't graduating enough students from those disciplines.
Monday, May 13 2013 2:59 PM EDT2013-05-13 18:59:27 GMT
Only on FOX 11, an explanation of how the FBI was able to rapidly process some four thousand hours of security, news and personal videos of the Boston bombings.
Only on FOX 11, an explanation of how the FBI was able to rapidly process some four thousand hours of security, news and personal videos of the Boston bombings.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:00 PM EDT2013-05-09 02:00:25 GMT
While the City of Los Angeles worried about budget deficits and its residents saw median incomes dip, employees at the Department of Water and Power enjoyed salary increases.
While the City of Los Angeles worried about budget deficits and its residents saw median incomes dip, employees at the Department of Water and Power enjoyed salary increases of over 15% over five years.
