Soreath Hok
Host, Central Valley DailySoreath Hok is a multimedia journalist with experience in radio, television and digital production. She is a 2022 National Edward R. Murrow Award winner. At KVPR, she is currently the host of KVPR's Central Valley Daily podcast.
Soreath began her journalism career in Fresno, graduating from Fresno State with a B.A. in English and minor in Mass Communication & Journalism. Her first media job at KFSR, the campus radio station, helped to launch her career in broadcast news. She worked as a producer at two Fresno stations, KMPH FOX 26 and KSEE 24, before moving to KCRA 3 in Sacramento.
After more than a decade behind-the-scenes as a producer, Soreath explored other creative outlets outside of news in advertising, marketing and social media. A Cambodian-American, Soreath has had the opportunity to report on mental health issues affecting the Cambodian community amongst survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970's. At KVPR, she completed a five-part series as a part of her 2022 California Fellowship with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism. She continues to explore this topic for the 2022-2023 Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.
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The owner of the Fresno Bee, McClatchy Media, recently laid off seven reporters and one editor. That’s about 40% of the San Joaquin Valley newsroom. Across the country, McClatchy Media laid off at least 90 journalists. Today, we break down the significance of these layoffs by speaking with two former executive editors at the Fresno Bee, Joe Kieta and Jim Boren. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden. -
California has long allowed many groups of immigrants, including those without legal status, access to Medicaid. But policy changes at the state and federal level have led to lingering confusion among the immigrant community. Today, we speak about the mixed messages and fallout with Public Health Watch reporter Salina Arredondo. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno proclaims Native American Day with celebration; Kern health officials conduct food vendor sweeps. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Kerry Klein and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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Parents in Visalia and Bakersfield are pushing for surveillance cameras to be placed inside special-education classrooms. Reports of alleged child abuse set the effort in motion. But is that possible under California law? We speak to Edsource reporter Emma Gallegos about how parents are trying to make changes. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno celebrates Native American Day; and California passes new wildfire smoke regulations. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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Drive through the San Joaquin Valley, and you’ll stumble upon at least four massive billboards from the mid-20th century advertising the soda brand 7UP. Where did they come from – and why are they here? KVPR’s Rachel Livinal reports on the quest by a few historians to learn the origins of these mysterious signs. Plus, the latest news headlines: Diocese of Fresno faces retirement plan crisis; and a Kings County judge faces a criminal charge. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden and Kerry Klein.
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Childcare costs are soaring across California. In cities like Fresno, it can take a deep toll on low-income families. Fresno city leaders recently created the Commission on Family Affordability and Childcare Access to tackle the crisis. We speak to Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, who says it’s one of the biggest issues concerning his constituents. Plus, the latest news headlines: Fresno Pacific University receives massive donation; and reaction to the closure of Maya Cinemas in Fresno. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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A new bill moving through the state legislature could impact the fight for consumer privacy rights in the future. SB 690 is trying to curb frivolous lawsuits that target small businesses. But privacy advocates are questioning why Big Tech companies are some of the bill’s most staunch supporters. We speak to CalMatters reporter Katherine Ortiz. Plus, the latest news headlines: Seven journalists are laid off at The Fresno Bee; and a UC Merced tour highlights campus’ green energy. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden
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Measure S is headed to the November ballot in Fresno County. The half-cent sales tax is projected to generate more than $7 billion for transportation projects over the next 30 years. But the citizen-led initiative is facing a major fight to sway voters ahead of the polls. On today’s episode we speak with KVPR’s Marek Warszawki about what the measure includes. Plus, the latest news headlines: New accuser sues over Cesar Chavez sex abuse; and Fresno County may allow prosecutors to carry guns. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Jonathan Linden.
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In the competitive world of standup comedy, a longtime comedian is reinventing the path to stardom. Ali Siddiq is embracing his independent spirit with a prolific lineup of specials on YouTube. His videos have garnered as many as 20 million or 10 million views, challenging conventions of network-supported budgets and productions. His nationwide Custom Fit Tour comes to Fresno’s Tower Theater on Sept. 12. We speak with him about his unique storytelling style, which has earned him fans around the world. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Samantha Rangel and Jonathan Linden.
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Emergency dispatchers are commonly the first voices people hear in an emergency. But across the country, it’s getting harder to find people trained to answer those calls. KVPR’s Samantha Rangel brings us inside a student program training future dispatchers. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and Elizabeth Arakelian. Produced by Samantha Rangel, Kerry Klein, Jonathan Linden.
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Agave has become a more popular crop on California farms because of its resistance and tolerance of drought and heat. Valley schools like UC Merced are trying to answer farmers’ and policymakers’ questions about the crop. We speak to KVPR’s Rachel Livinal about agave’s expansion into classrooms. Plus, the latest news headlines: The City of Fresno talks financing over South SEDA; plus fast-food drive-through lanes contributing to air pollution. Today’s episode is hosted by Soreath Hok and produced by Rachel Livinal, Kerry Klein, and Jonathan Linden.
