#MediaMonday – Faith Phares
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Faith Phares, both a producer and entertainment reporter for Arizona Daily Mix on AZTV.
So, Faith, time to share!
First, tell us about growing up and getting your start in journalism?
I come from a small farm town in Illinois where I was raised on dirt bikes and running through creeks. In high school, I was involved in small acting gigs, like being an extra or a stand-in for numerous TV shows shot in Chicago, which got me interested in film/TV. I was also involved in the Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant, where I first learned about journalism and that I could talk about sports/entertainment for a living. Being involved in sports throughout my life, I have always loved the idea of talking sports. I started my journalism journey at Columbia College of Chicago for a year and a half until one day my mother found ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. We hopped on a plane to visit the campus and I was hooked. I spent two and a half years at ASU and finished my degree in Dec. 2017 in Sports Journalism.
How did you make your way to AZ Daily Mix?
I was actually working as a server at a local Chicago sports bar and grill when I had a table ask what I was going to school for. I told them I was at the Walter Cronkite School for Sports Journalism and one of them told me about his workplace, AZTV7. He introduced me to the then executive producer Laura Holka who I ended up interning for. After my internship I received an offer for a job, working the camera, floor directing… anything they needed. After a little while, I was hired on full-time as an associate producer. I am now producing for the Arizona Daily Mix and occasionally reporting on entertainments top stories.
For those unfamiliar with the show, share its main focus:
Our main focus is to be the go-to show for everything going on around the Valley. We bring entertainment, local stories and spread the word on all the local businesses throughout the valley. We are the only locally owned station left in the Valley so we really try to make a difference in the local community.
What would PR people be smart to pitch you for the show?
Fun events happening around the Valley, local restaurants or businesses opening up or offering something great for our viewers to be a part of or come visit, feel good stories on local people doing something great to help out our community.
Favorite type of music or songs?
I can really vibe with all types of music depending on the kind of mood I’m in, however my two main genres I switch back and forth between are country and today’s hits. My heart belongs to 90’s country. My mom and I would always listen to country when I was growing up, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Favorite local haunts or restaurants?
The Mission is my favorite date night spot… I’m constantly craving cupcakes from Urban Cookies… and Alixandra Blue has the cutest clothes.
Favorite color?
Blue
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I love The Office, Friends, Parks and Recreation, The Bachelor and Love Island U.K.
What is something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I was a stand-in for Sophia Bush on Chicago PD once upon a time!
Best Contact Email: faithmphares@gmail.com
