#MediaMonday – Sonu Wasu
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Sonu Wasu, a multi-media journalist at ABC 15.
Sonu, time to share:
Tell us about growing up? What were your passions?
I grew up in northern India and then Japan. I was a very shy child. I remember looking at American magazines and thinking how glamorous everything in America is. Now I’m here…feeling not so glamorous (lol). My passions were reading, movies, and traveling. I also loved learning new languages. As a child I quickly learned Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Japanese as those were the languages that I heard all around me on a daily basis.
Tell us how you got your start in journalism?
I was a biochemistry major in college, wanting to go to medical school. I did an internship at a hospital and went home depressed every night, after talking to sick (some dying) patients all day. After a major life event, I decided to do something fun and intern at the college TV station. Turned out I was a natural. That led to an internship at local TV stations in San Diego. My family was not thrilled about my choices. They told me how tough my life would be. That was it. When someone challenges me, I have to prove them wrong, so that fueled my passion to pursue journalism. I really enjoyed the everyday challenges of working in a fast-paced newsroom. Telling people’s stories, making a difference in your community, and highlighting issues that we should care about can be impactful. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Tell us about your career trajectory and how you ended up at ABC 15?
My career started as an overnight news writer in San Diego. I wrote for the morning shows while attending my senior year of college at UC San Diego. I sent out a handful of tapes and took the first on-air job I could get in market #192 Bozeman, Mont.. There I did it all.
From shooting on three-quarter inch tape, to editing, reporting, anchoring, and producing my own shows. From there I went on to Tennessee, Ohio and Tucson. While in Tucson, I met my now-husband. He lived in Phoenix. I couldn’t get him to move to Tucson, so I decided to try my luck out in Phoenix. And here I am!
Do you want pitches? If so, what kind?
We love pitches. I love human interest stories about people overcoming great odds, or turning their grief/anger into action. I also love being a voice for the underdog. Everyone matters.
Favorite type of music?
I like a wide variety. From oldies, to pop, classical, and some punk and even country. It just depends on my mood. I also love listening to the Christian rock stations.
Favorite color?
Electric blue, electric pink. Anything bright and vibrant.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I love murder mysteries and dramedies. Shawshank Redemption, Love Actually, and Mamma Mia are the only two movies I’ve watched more than once. I like Ozark, Game of Thrones, documentaries, anything on Discovery ID, and the occasional Bollywood film.
Any foods you hate?
I am a picky meat eater. I won’t eat any organs like liver, kidney, testicles, or tongue. Blech. I don’t like foods with a strong smell or gamey taste. No anchovies or anything weird like escargot. No bugs at all period.
Favorite local small businesses or restaurants?
Sadly, the only small businesses I interact with these days are my pool guy, my landscaper, my cleaning lady, and my pest control company.
I prefer relationships with people over corporations. Favorite restaurants include Sushi Neko, Ginger Garden, Flavors of India, Indian Delhi Palace, Bosa’s… and I could actually go on and on here.
Best email: sonu.wasu@abc15.com
