#MediaMonday – Emily Coxsey
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Emily Coxsey, a segment producer at Good Morning Arizona on AZ Family.
How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?
I have had a passion for writing and other creative arts since I was very young and by the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I majored in Broadcast Journalism (shout-out to my fellow Illini out there!).
I got my first job as a morning show producer at WTVO/WQRF Eyewitness News in Rockford. That market, albeit small, gave me an array of experiences that allowed me to grow as a journalist. I went on to be a reporter and then an anchor (both the morning show and evenings throughout my time there). When I left in January of 2019, I was producing an hour-long 9 p.m. newscast and then anchoring it. I eventually decided I no longer wanted to be an on-air face, and when I moved to Phoenix later that month, I applied to be a writer at Arizona’s Family. And boy, am I glad I decided to do that. I went on to become a line producer, eventually ending up on the 6 & 6:30 p.m. news and the people here have truly become a second family to me.
After line producing for over five years at AZ Family, and the recent birth of my first child, I decided I was ready for something new and exciting. I jumped at the chance to become a segment producer for Good Morning Arizona (GMAZ) and while it’s only been a couple weeks, I am absolutely loving this job and the creativity that comes with it.
Tell us about your position and what you prefer to be pitched?
My job as a segment producer is to book fun, creative and informative interviews for our reporters and our anchors here in-studio. I am one of two GMAZ segment producers.
I am passionate about segments that have a positive impact on the community (charity events, for example). I also love the outdoors/nature and I am a HUGE music junkie. I would love to book more local artists/bands on the show. I also like things that are educational, for kids and adults alike. Art, small businesses and promoting help for pets/animals are also at the top of my list. At some point, I would like to start doing more in our Native American communities. I feel it’s important to promote the culture of the people who have been on this land the longest.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Elgin, a suburb of Chicago. While I loved my childhood there, I couldn’t wait to get away from the brutal Midwest winters. I have actually wanted to live here in Arizona since I visited when I was 12!
Favorite color?
Yellow! Pink is a close second.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I am a huge Harry Potter nerd (and always will be). I love The Lord of the Rings movies almost as much. I am currently watching several shows at once: House of the Dragon, The Boys & The Bear. But I am not above a little trash reality TV! I just finished up the latest season of Vanderpump Rules, and I love the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. But with a 1-year-old in the house, there’s a lot of Bluey going on.
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
You can usually find me at the Paradise Valley O.H.S.O., but I also love Culinary Dropout/The Yard, Tacos Huicho (the one near Thunderbird & 40th St), and Venezia’s!
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
- I earned my 2nd degree blackbelt in karate when I was 15 and was a two-time national champion fighter.
- I love to mountain bike!
- I recently started taking drumming lessons, (but they’re on hold for a bit while adjust to being a mom).
Contact Email: emily.coxsey@azfamily.com
