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Suave, witty, & economically stylish morning reporter for ABC 7 news uses versatile talents to help viewers see the whole picture.
Jason Knowles had left a meaningful impression on After School Matters journalism contributor Joshua Conner since he first met him on May 30, 2012, during the UIC Medical District strike. So Conner thought Knowles would be perfect to interview about his career and advice he has for aspiring teenage journalists. Conner sat down with Knowles in an interview this past December. Conner and Knowles even were photographed sitting at the ABC 7 anchor desk, where Knowles said, “It was my first time sitting on the anchor desk too,” because Knowles is normally a field reporter. Conner felt like an ABC 7 reporter when he interviewed Knowles on the set where ABC 7 reporters interview notable people and celebrities.
Businessman to Broadcast Journalist Man
Knowles said, “I don’t have a dream story like most journalists, my story is boring.” However Conner sees his transition into journalism as inspiring and that his story illustrates the power of college. During his college days at Bowling Green University, Knowles was a business major. Then one of his friends recommended he work for “BG 24,” the college news, where Knowles caught the journalism bug. If Knowles had a headline of his life, it would be “Showing that taking a shot can really pull off and taking calculated risks.” Valentine’s Day will be the four-year anniversary of Knowles being a reporter for ABC 7. Knowles even worked as an investigative reporter for Toledo, Ohio’s ABC 13 action news before he came to Chicago.
ABC’S Multifaceted Journalist!
Throughout the course of Knowles career, he has held many positions. He knew journalism was his career path from his first job in Hopkins, Kentucky. He also interned at MTV news, and Knowles has also produced for other journalists, including Cheryl Burton at ABC 7 and Rob Johnson from CBS 2 during the time he worked at ABC 7. Knowles versatility has been an asset as he launched a social media campaign for the station. Knowles believes that in order to be successful in the journalism business, you must be engulfed in social media.When the ABC station didn’t have a Twitter account, Knowles and Burton collaborated on an in-depth story about Twitter that kicked off the station’s account. Knowles constantly posts both news updates and his personal experiences on social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter. Knowles said, “Social media keeps [your] audience loyal, like they can reach out and touch you and make you more personal.” Having diverse job experience and being technologically savvy allows Knowles to be a multifaceted journalist.
If Knowles had to specifically outline a five year plan, “it would be at ABC 7 Chicago, at my current position or different position or reporting on a national level.” Knowles said what makes ABC unique is, that the station is “better at reporting, getting whole angle, more experience, personalities that connect, we have every type of person, we represent the city.”
Advice to Aspiring Teenage Journalists
Knowles’ advice to teenage journalists is “if you really, really want to do it, you do it, but you must be dedicated and willing to go to a small city.” He also advised to only do it if “you really have a passion and don’t let anyone tell you no.” Knowles qualifications to survive in the journalism business are a good work ethic, being smart and knowing the facts.
REPORTING LIVE with Jason Knowles ABC7 Profile
Jason Knowles can be described as both very humorous and witty. He is often asked if he is related to music sensation Beyonce Knowles, so he surprised Conner when he said, “She’s my cousin. I’m kidding, or I would say I used to be married to her and she kept my name, but then I tell people we are not related.”
Serving as a dancer in “Chicago’s Dancing with the Celebrities” was one of the hardest things he has ever done in his life: “I had to practice everyday, because being in front of a camera, is different from being in front of a lot of audience of people.” On the topic of his wardrobe, Knowles said, “I really love Bloomingdales, when I can find good deals and Nordstrom, mix in things more affordable Banana Republic and J Crew.” Knowles said that as a field reporter, you can’t always wear that many expensive fancy clothes because they’ll get destroyed.
Knowles always has his journalism senses tingling, even when asked about lighter questions. When Conner asked Knowles about his favorite Hostess product, Knowles said it was the Twinkie, and that he even did the Twinkie story for ABC news. Knowles’ wit shines through when asked what are the three things he would bring on a desert island, as Knowles said, “I’m trying to think of something functional,” ultimately deciding that he would bring pictures of family members, loved ones and friends, a sleeping bag with pillow and a lighter or razor. Conner enjoyed interviewing Knowles at ABC studios. .jpg)
