While most Oklahomans are still sleeping, snug in their cozy beds, Lacie Lowry is hitting the shower, doing her hair and makeup and preparing to start her day. As anchor for “News 9 This Morning,” Lowry is up at 3 a.m. and on the air by 5 a.m.
It’s a strange shift – one where she is eating chicken or spaghetti at 8:30 a.m. while everyone else is having donuts or omelets. But Lowry is following her dream, enjoying the life of a TV anchor and reporter.
Her stint in Oklahoma began six years ago working in Tulsa for Griffin Communications’ “News on 6.” Eventually she headed down the turnpike for sister station KWTV and never looked back.
Did you always want to be in television news? “I wish I could say I wanted to be a journalist ever since I was a little girl, but it was much less glamorous for me. I thought I wanted to be a doctor for a while, but then realized I can’t stand seeing blood and broken bones. I actually went to college not knowing what I wanted to do and finally had to list a major. I figured if I love writing and I’m pretty good at it, and I also love interacting with people, maybe I should give the reporter thing a try. I’m also an athlete, so I started off as a sports writer for the college newspaper, and when I graduated I tried to get a sports reporter job. But those are few and far between, so I took a news reporter job and my career took off in that direction. God’s plan is always better than anything we have in mind.”
A friendly rivalry exists between Oklahoma and Texas, and to a certain extent, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Have you noticed that? “Yes! Forget the OU/Texas rivalry – the OKC/Tulsa competition is always hot! Tulsa is pretty, everything is green and the hills paint a beautiful backdrop for this gem of a small city. There’s a huge emphasis on local flavor, art, music, and it doesn’t take a long time to get around or get to surrounding areas. OKC is this huge, spread out area that offers great entertainment and way more options than Tulsa. The Thunder is the heartbeat of the city, and the downtown renovation is exciting. It’s flat (no hills), but the different districts certainly aren’t. OKC has these great pockets of activity that offer something for everyone. I love both cities.”
You’re on the air so early; what time do you go to bed? “I split my sleep up so I don’t have to go to bed at 6 p.m., which means an afternoon nap and then I hit the hay at 9:30 each night. Surprisingly, it’s working … and I’m not even using coffee to do it.”
Anchor or reporter – which do you prefer? “I’ve done both since the start of my career, and I truly love both. I’ve always wanted to anchor a morning show, and now that it has happened, I love anchoring more each day.”
When you’re out in public, do people do a double-take? “Lots of double-takes. I love when people come up and talk to me when I’m out and about. It means people watch News 9, so I’m truly thankful they recognize me from my job. I love mingling with viewers and thanking them for watching our station.”
Describe your perfect day off. “Fishing all day long, dinner on a patio and a glass of red wine to celebrate another perfect day in the books. Boom!”
So you like being outside? “I’ve always loved the outdoors, but I’ve developed a love for hunting and fishing since I moved to Oklahoma. Fishing and being on the water is so relaxing. I even noodle, which is hand-fishing for catfish. My biggest is a 30-pounder!”
Summer nights or a winter wonderland – what’s your pick? “Summer – and any setting where flip-flops are appropriate. It’s the one time of year my ghostly pale complexion gets a little bit of color, and I don’t look like death walking.”
Penn Square or Quail Springs, where are we more likely to find you? “Quail Springs, because it’s close to me and has everything I need. That’s another local rivalry: Quail Springs versus Penn Square.”
What’s something about you that might surprise our readers and your viewers? “I blare country music from my car stereo when I peel out of work. Of course any flashback ’90s music also takes me back to my roots. I love all things Garth Brooks. ‘Calling Baton Rouge’ is my favorite song. My dream came true when I got to interview him before his Tulsa show last year, then I got tickets to that concert.”
When your family visits from Texas, what do they think about our city and state? “They love how friendly everyone in Oklahoma City is. This community has embraced me with open arms and has really become my second family. And that is so important when your support circle is in another state. I love Oklahoma.”
