Samantha Bender joined the WKBN-27 First News team in July 2021 as a multimedia journalist.
A native of Bristol, Connecticut, Samantha graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 2017 and went on to graduate from the Honors Program at Central Connecticut State University in 2021 Magna Cum Laude with a degree in journalism.
Prior to joining WKBN, Samantha served as news editor for her campus newspaper, as well as producer and reporter for her campus newscast, “CCSU News”.
Samantha has won a First Place Award from the CT Society of Professional Journalists for her COVID-19 reporting and she spent a semester in Orlando, FL working for the Walt Disney World Resort.
Away from the station, Samantha loves to find a good adventure. She has been skydiving twice and plans to go again. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and spending time outdoors.
Samantha is excited to call Youngstown home and get involved in the community. She looks forward to exploring Ohio and Pennsylvania and trying all of the delicious foods the Mahoning Valley has to offer.
