Chun, 28, a graduate of Roosevelt High and Colorado State, replaces Dave Vinton, whose last day at the station is Friday. Vinton, 32, a graduate of Mililani High and the University of Hawai'i, has worked at KGMB for nine years, rising from a sports producer to sports anchor.

"The station decided to make a change," said Vinton, who had a year remaining on his contract. "Change is part of the business. If you can't take it, you shouldn't get into it. ... I have some great memories working there."

Vinton said he is confident Chun will do well in her new job.

"She's a really good sports journalist and a very hard worker," he said. "I have no doubt she'll be very good because she's a good person and a good journalist."

Lynne Kawano was a part-time KGMB sportscaster in the mid-1990s before moving to Idaho and several women have worked as color analysts on K5's telecasts of University of Hawai'i sporting events. But Chun, who joined KGMB as a camera operator, became the first female sports anchor in 2000.

More changes are expected at KGMB. Last year, Emmis Communications, which owns KHON-2, bought Lee Enterprises' television stations, including KGMB. The FCC has granted a temporary waiver allowing Emmis to own two stations in Hawai'i.

CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this story, the wrong name was given to Emmis Communications. Also, Emmis purchased Lee Enterprises' television stations, not the company itself.