#MediaMonday – Alaina Kwan
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Alaina Kwan, a morning reporter for Good Morning Arizona on Arizona’s Family!
Take it away, Alaina!
Where did you grow up?
Cypress, CA
How did you get your start in working in media/broadcasting? Tell us your story and experience.
When I was five, I watched the “TODAY” show with my parents before school and I was instantly hooked! From that moment on, I knew I wanted to talk to people and share their stories for a living.
Tell us about your role at Arizona’s Family. What types of stories are you interested in or would like to be pitched?
I am a morning reporter for Good Morning Arizona on Arizona’s Family. I cover everything from breaking news to concerts and new restaurant openings. Lately, I have been very fascinated by the growth and development the Valley has seen over the past few years, especially in the semiconductor sector. I’ve also loved watching how much the Valley has diversified over the years, especially for the Asian-American community.
From time to time, I also fill in as traffic anchor and enjoy helping our viewers plan their morning commutes.
Any memorable/favorite coverage moments, past or recent?
While covering the WM Phoenix Open and the Final Four is always exciting, one story I’ll never forget was an elections piece that highlighted the invisible barriers the disability community faces at the polls. Reporting it really opened my eyes to how much work still needs to be done in our state to make voting accessible for everyone. After it aired, I heard from so many people who were grateful the issue was being discussed and said the coverage helped them. Moments like that stick with you. Stories that truly make a difference in people’s lives will always be my favorite.
Best advice for PR people pitching you?
My best advice to anyone in PR is to always give the “WHY” behind each pitch. I love creative writing, but I’ve always found that understanding the wider community impact and how this will help people at the top of each pitch is way more engaging. This helps us figure out if it is worth covering, how this will fit in our show, and overall, it helps us plan our coverage to make it the best live shot ever.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love traveling abroad and nationally. I love exploring new places and going on new adventures. I feel like travel is the best medicine for the soul, it keeps me grounded and helps widen my perspective on life. I also love taking my French bulldog, George, to the dog park. My fiancé and I love trying breweries and binging shows we don’t have time for during the week.
Do you have any favorite local spots?
There’s this coffee shop in Tempe called Steve’s Espresso. It is my fiancé and my Sunday ritual. We love the vibe, the coffee is fantastic, and we crave their breakfast sandwiches. There’s also a Korean street food restaurant in Mesa called The Drunken Tiger. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for great food, great vibes and quick service.
What is the best way to reach you?
My work email is the best way to reach me for live shot ideas. Alaina.Kwan@azfamily.com.
