#MediaMonday – Ian Schwartz
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from CB5 5 This Morning Meteorologist and Arizona native Ian Schwartz.
Time to play, Ian!
Where did you grow up in the Valley and go to high school?
I grew up in Dobson Ranch, and I went to Dobson High. It was a great neighborhood in the 1990s; what a time to be alive!
What made you want to get into journalism?
I got into this career a little late after taking my time at Mesa Community College. I took a few classes in journalism as general electives and found out I kind of liked it. I started in print and then gravitated to broadcast because I like technology. I went to the Cronkite School and found out this could be a fun profession for me. I still dig the technology part of TV, but it really is about the people we serve. I know that is a really campy, a**-kissing answer, but it’s true. I love talking to people and making them laugh! From a performance standpoint, TV would be pretty boring without viewers.
After graduation, share your journey from ASU to AZ Family?
I started out as a hard news reporter in Peoria – Illinois, not Arizona – at WHOI 19 (ABC). The Midwest was great to me and I had fun during my three years there. The station unfortunately folded and we all got laid off. Such a beautiful introduction to the industry! Luckily I quickly got a job in New Mexico, first at KRQE 13’s (CBS) Roswell bureau, and then shortly after moved up to Albuquerque. What an amazing station that was. In New Mexico, I dabbled in weather and decided to pursue more education through Mississippi’s Broadcast Meteorology Program. After New Mexico I moved to Northern California as KOVR 13’s (CBS) weekend weathercaster and reporter in Sacramento. I still covered the hard stuff but also a ton of wildfires, snow and floods. I love NorCal and the Bay Area. Point Reyes is heaven on earth if you’ve never been! Next up was my return home to KPHO CBS 5 as the morning weekday meteorologist. I love being back home working for two great stations. We have a lot of fun and do a lot of great work in the community! #azfamily
What are your favorite local restaurants?
Oh my, how much time do you have?! I tend to orbit the Central Phoenix area, so my picks land there. I love Ocotillo, Clever Koi, Richardson’s, Trap House BBQ and El Norteño.
Favorite movies and TV shows?
I like any good comedy, horror or action film. I just watched a new horror movie called Z. It was pretty good!
Most random thing you’ve done during the pandemic?
In the beginning, I wiped down my grocery bags. That was random and weird. Won’t that be a story in a decade. “Remember that time I wiped a cantaloupe with a Clorox wipe?”
Favorite color?
Blue
Something readers would be surprised to know about you?
My hair is insured. 🙂
