#MediaMonday – Warren Trent
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Arizona’s Family, where Warren Trent is an investigative and consumer producer for “3 On Your Side.” He’s been nominated for a pair of regional Emmy Awards and holds numerous memberships that include: the Society of Professional Journalists, investigative Reporters and editors (IRE), the National Association of Black Journalists where he is also past-president of the Arizona chapter and serves on the board of governors for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NATAS. He is also a proud member of the Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a Greek-letter organization whose members have included civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court justice, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United States, Andrew Young, along with many other influential leaders and trailblazers.
Warren, time to share:
I’m originally from Philadelphia and moved to the Valley in 2009.
A career in journalism was not on my radar screen as freshman at West Chester University. I went in as a criminal justice major because I wanted a career either as an FBI agent or the Secret Service. But when I took an introduction to TV class, it ignited a journalism flame that still burns today.
I began my career at 6ABC-TV in Philadelphia with “Action News.” I did just about everything there, including working as sound technician, assignment editor, video editor, sports producer, bureau chief, public affairs and ultimately as programming producer. I also produced a top rated, award winning television news magazine show and was also lead producer for the High School Huddle sports show.
When I started working at KTVK/KPHO-TV, I didn’t know anyone here, but everyone made me feel welcome. Hence, the meaning of AZfamily.
I’ve covered mob hits, multiple snow storms, hurricanes, political conventions, interviewed thousands of people from all walks of life that include, educators, doctors, activists, politicians, entrepreneurs, business owners, athletes at every level, inmates convicted of murder, religious leaders and have met numerous celebrities that include Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Tyler Perry and Jamie Foxx, just to name a few.
I have been blessed to experience so much during my career, that it would fill a book. Some memorable moments include spending a week in London covering the American Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
Not long ago, I help produce a story where 3 On Your Side and 5Investigates teamed up to expose a loophole in Service Arizona where hundreds of people across the state fell victim to identity thieves. After that story aired, ADOT fixed the problem.
It is very humbling to be part of the 3 On Your Side franchise where we have recovered more than $1 million for Arizona residents. Mentoring is huge for me. In this broadcast media market, African-American representation both in front and behind the camera, needs improvement. So, I always strive to encourage students and future journalists to look at Arizona while I frequently encourage news managers to hire people of color.
When I’m “off the clock” I enjoy walking, jogging, working out, shooting hoops and ping-pong.
For a kid born and raised in West Philadelphia, I always try to remember where I came from and how blessed I am to have had so many different experiences.
There are so many people who have helped me along the way, but I owe any success to God, my wife, children, mother, other family and countless others.
And here’s a little-known fact about me. I taught myself to juggle as a hobby!
You can follow me on Twitter at @WarrenTrent3TV.
