Keith Jones (broadcaster)

Keith Jones is a regional-Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award winning[1][2][3][4] News Anchor and Reporter for WCAU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since July 2012. He anchors NBC10 News at 5, which (as of January 2014) airs Monday through Friday from 5pm to 6pm. He also files reports for NBC News.[5]

Early life

Jones grew up in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, New Jersey and is one of three boys.[6] While attending New Egypt High School, Jones was captain of the basketball team and performed the lead in the school musical all four years.[7] He earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and minors in Journalism and Philosophy from Villanova University. For three years as an undergraduate, Keith traveled the country with the Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team as a student manager and practice player.[6] Head Coach Jay Wright (basketball), speaking to Jones, once said, "You were a good enough player that we used you in practice, so you were kind of like half player, half manager... You had good length, you had hops."[8]

He has said that his responsibilities caused him to miss half his classes every year.[9] During his senior year, his roommate was NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry.[6] He also worked as an intern in the Sports Department at WCAU in Philadelphia.[10]

Broadcast history

Jones was hired as a Reporter for WHSV in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After one year, he was promoted to anchoring weekends and then weekday mornings. The station was awarded "Best Morning News Show" by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters.[11]

After three years in Virginia, Jones was hired as an Anchor and Reporter for WTAE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jones distinguished himself as a solid reporter, covering stories including the dedication of the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, the contentious 2010 Pennsylvania Governor’s race, and the trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. He also won Star 100.7 FM's online poll: "Who’s Hot On Pittsburgh TV?".[12]

Keith joined WCAU in Philadelphia as the Weekday Morning Anchor in July 2012. He also anchored the 11:00am hour-long weekday newscast. Keith has covered the London Olympic Games, the sentencing of former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, Superstorm Sandy, the 2013 U.S. Open (golf),[13] the Boston Marathon bombing, and the deadly tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma. In 2015, Jones reported live from Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ, and later that year, played a vital role in NBC10’s coverage of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Philadelphia.[5] Jones covered the 2015–16 Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team's 2016 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Game in Houston, Texas.[14]

Recognition

In 2014, Jones was honored with Villanova University’s annual Ethos Award, which recognizes an alumnus who serves as a role model to students by demonstrating character, service, and excellence in the field of communication. The same year, Jones was awarded Villanova University’s Young Alumni Medallion, bestowed upon one University alum annually who excels in his/her professional endeavors and demonstrates ongoing service to the community and the University.[5][13]

In 2015, he was recognized by Philadelphia Style as one of "8 Notable Philly Men With Excellent Street Style".[15]

Other activities

Jones has taught as an adjunct professor of Broadcast Journalism at his alma mater Villanova University since 2013.[5] In his spare time he mentors high school and college students.[7]

Jones serves on the board of directors for Main Line Deputy Dog, which is an organization that helps people with physical challenges or mental health concerns train their own dogs to be fully certified service dogs.[5][16]

He actively volunteers for the American Red Cross of Southeastern PA since 2012. He has hosted the regional organization's Red Ball since March 2014.[17][18][19] He also actively supports Turning Points for Children, which supports families in raising safe, healthy, educated and strong children by partnering with caregivers.[5]

Jones plays guitar, bass, piano, and drums and has written more than 40 original songs. In early March 2007, he entered the "Jersey Guy Idol" contest on WKXW (101.5 FM, "New Jersey 101.5") with hosts Craig Carton and Ray Rossi. He placed second out of 32 contestants selected to go on-air and was the top male performer. Later that year at Villanova, he competed in the WXVU Battle of the Bands, placing third.[20] He also independently released an EP, titled "The Long Way Home." [6]

Notes

  1. ↑ "List of 2013 Mid-Atlantic Recipients" (doc). Emmy Awards Information. NATAS Mid-Atantic Chapter. 2013. p. 1.
  2. ↑ "2013 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominations Announced" (pdf). Bellevue Communications Group. 2013. p. 2.
  3. ↑ http://rtdna.org/content/2016_regional_edward_r_murrow_award_winners#region11
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU8JvtFU82E&feature=youtu.be
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Keith Jones, NBC10 Anchor/Reporter". NBC Philadelphia. NBC Philadelphia. August 2013. p. 1.
  6. 1 2 3 4 http://www.villanovan.com/news/view.php/146739/On-the-way-to-the-top
  7. 1 2 http://tri.gmnews.com/news/2015-03-05/Schools/New_Egypt_Middle_School_social_studies_students_ex.html
  8. ↑ http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Keith-Jones-Reflects-on-How-Villanova-Helped-Him-Deal-With-Tragedy_Philadelphia-374534821.html
  9. ↑ "Q&A: NBC 10's Keith Jones". Main Line Today. December 13, 2012. p. 2.
  10. ↑ http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/on-air/about-us/Keith-Jones-NBC10-News-Anchor-Reporter-162578226.html
  11. ↑ "Winners of the 74th Annual Virginia Broadcasting Awards Announced" (pdf). Virginia Association of Broadcasters. 2010. p. 2.
  12. ↑ "Hot On Pittsburgh TV FINALE!!!!". Star 100.7 FM Pittsburgh web site. 2012.
  13. 1 2 http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/media/pressreleases/2014/1029.html
  14. ↑ http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/WATCH_-Keith-Jones-Reacts-to-Villanova_s-Buzzer-Beater-Win_Philadelphia-374577771.html
  15. ↑ http://phillystylemag.com/notable-philly-men-with-great-street-style
  16. ↑ "About: Board of Directors". Main Line Deputy Dog web site. Main Line Deputy Dog, Inc. 2013. p. 1.
  17. ↑ http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-makes-some-exciting-changes-to-14th-annual-Red-Ball-
  18. ↑ http://www.phillytrib.com/lifestyle/out-and-about-partying-for-purpose-at-annual-red-ball/article_a8625056-8949-511d-a81a-0d24202bb2ac.html
  19. ↑ http://www.wdasfm.com/onair/patty-jackson-patty-tv-4352/photos-the-annual-red-ball-13391567
  20. ↑ http://www.villanovan.com/news/view.php/147066/WXVU-celebrates-60th-anniversary

References

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