#MediaMonday – Jason Sillman
Before getting into the meat of this post, let’s all give a huge, virtual WELCOME HOME greeting to our subject, Jason Sillman.
The name is a familiar one in this market as an assignment editor for nine years at FOX 10 and 12 News. However, the Chihuahua enthusiast would ditch us in 2017 when he moved to Seattle for a massive opportunity at the TEGNA station King 5 (sister station of KPNX 12 News). The desert called him back to Arizona, and for the past year, he has been in Tucson at KOLD-TV as the assistant news director. Three months in, he became the interim news director just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Jason moved back into his role as Assistant News Director in July of 2020.
But, as of Nov. 9, Jason is back where he belongs in the Valley as he’s accepted a position with AZ Family as a senior content producer.
So, Jason, time to share!
What got you interested in journalism – share your journey:
Ever since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by the news. I was the only one of my friends growing up who understood what the anchors would say on TV. I got my start in TV in San Diego at a WB station as a marketing assistant. I was also doing the same type of job at Sea World of San Diego. But working with so many journalism professionals, the newsroom kept calling me. After taking several small part-time jobs in the newsroom, I decided that the assignment desk was my favorite newsroom position. From San Diego, I was hired by KSAZ-TV (FOX 10) as their weekend assignment editor. This was my first job at a multi-newscast station. After six great years at FOX, I moved on to KPNX 12 News for another great opportunity. First as evening assignment editor and then promoted to assignment desk manager. While at KPNX, I had the rare opportunity to cover the Super Bowl and all the other events that come with it. My next stop took me to another TEGNA station, KING 5 in Seattle. KING 5 is known around the county for its excellence in visual storytelling, winning countless awards. The experience at KING was invaluable training in finding stories outside of the typical press release or scanner report. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance, leadership, and mentorship from my friends and colleagues at all three stations.
Well, after four years in the North ‘WET’ (hint: it rains in Seattle), I was ready to head back to my adopted home, Arizona! I accepted an opportunity to join KOLD News 13 in Tucson as the assistant news director. Within just a few months, my news director switched places with me and took a job in Seattle as a news director. I became interim news director after only three months on the job. And then, COVID started. I couldn’t have pulled through the five months of filling both positions without the support and guidance of my former news director, the general manager and all my co-workers.
I’m so glad to finally return home to the Valley of the Sun and live at my house in the Camelback East neighborhood. I am thankful to Arizona’s Family for this great opportunity. I am looking forward to working with some of the finest journalists in the country.
What have you been binge-watching since the onset of COVID-19?
I haven’t had much time to binge-watch too many shows since I never did get to work from home. When I do get a chance to take a breath, I can’t get enough of the West Wing, The Boys (Amazon), and Lucifer (Netflix). My dog Pinot LOVES the small dog park at Steele Indian School Park, so I have a feeling we’ll be spending lots of time there.
What are your favorite movies?
I love sci-fi and comedy movies. Probably not shocking, but one of my favorite movies is “The Post” and “Airplane.”
What is your favorite color?
Navy Blue
Any favorite bands or songs?
Anything that has a good beat, I’m down.
And finally, share about your beat, the types of pitches you want, and the best way to reach you:
My regular shift will be the afternoons/evenings from 1:30 – 10:30 p.m. I’ll be overseeing the evening assignment and digital desks. If I’ve learned anything from working in other markets, Phoenix PR pros understand what life is like on the assignment desk. What pitches work, what won’t, and when to call or not call. I love stories that focus on our community and people. How can we help make people’s lives better? Who are some unsung heroes? What’s the next big business to bring jobs to Arizona? Things like that. The best way to pitch me something is via e-mail.
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
