#MediaMonday – Matt Yurus
You know if a member of the media is a fellow Notre Dame fan (Go Irish!), you better believe I am profiling him or her. Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from fellow fan Matt Yurus, a weekend morning anchor and reporter at 12 News. We met at a community event for a client in 2020 just before his wedding, the pandemic and him becoming a dad.
Matt, time to share!
Journalism is not your first career?
I’m a lawyer by training with experience as a law clerk for congressional committees, including the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. There, I watched press gaggles with envy! Nonetheless, I’ve got a real passion for the law, and stay involved in different ways, including teaching media law over at ASU.
Where did you go to school?
I did my undergrad at Middle Tennessee State University. I later landed at George Mason University School of Law, hence the experience on Capitol Hill. Finally, I earned my master’s from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, a truly remarkable place for media professionals of all stripes. Throw in passing the New York and Arizona bar exams, it’s safe to say my formal education is behind me. …I think.
Tell us about getting your start in media?
When I was at Northwestern, I earned some amazing opportunities, including covering an alleged terrorist’s trial in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the Military Times and publishing a widely read story outlining a major company’s alleged fraud. It was picked up by a national television outlet in Canada. (I told you it was an amazing place!) There were other freelance deals along the way as well. But my real break came from a now retired news director by the name of Bill Lord. In short, he’s a legend. In fact, I believe Megan Kelly gives him a hat tip in her book. When he hired me, he was running WUSA9, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. He brought me on as a field producer and reporter – a gig I did not deserve. (To be clear, I made nothing, and it’s a sign of the times.) There, I was put through news bootcamp.
What brought you to Arizona and 12 News?
Previously, I worked as a digital anchor for all CBS O&O’s out of Dallas-Ft. Worth. I was on a great team and we did important work, turning about two dozen stories a day that covered everything under the sun. Simultaneously, I was doing some anchoring and reporting on-air locally. However, I wanted a bit more. 12 News made an offer. It made sense. I jumped on it! Safe to say, the Valley has quickly become home! And it’s been the biggest adventure I have ever embarked on!
Tell us about the story pitches you want?
My favorite stories are ones that are vignettes of a larger issue hitting the country at large; those that make people think.
Favorite type of music?
Classic rock all the way! I have an old soul, to say the least.
Favorite color?
Navy.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I love a classic western because I grew up watching John Wayne with my grandfather. But my favorite movie is For Love of the Game. Speaking of Kevin Costner, Yellowstone is the best thing going. Finally, I never tire of The Wire. It’s was groundbreaking!
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
The Wondering Tortoise will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a go to for me, Kristen Keogh and her dogs when we started dating. As far as restaurants go, I’m a big fan of Stock & Stable.
Give us a fun fact!
I was a Division I baseball player.
To connect with Matt, email myurus@12news.com.
