#MediaMonday – Jaime Cerreta
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from AZ Family TV 3 fan favorite Jaime Cerreta. As most of you know, hometown girl Jaime anchors 3TV’S Good Morning Arizona on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, and she hosts “Jaime’s Local Love” on Good Morning Arizona on Wednesdays. In between, she works as a reporter, covering breaking news and community events for both 3TV and sister station CBS5.
She’s appeared on CNN, FOX, and The Weather Channel covering deadly tornadoes, powerful hurricanes and went viral with her live coverage from inside an Arizona dust storm.
Being the granddaughter of Cerreta Candy Company’s founder, she watched as her grandfather, father, aunts and uncles worked tirelessly to create their own business. She has much respect for the entrepreneurial spirit and how local businesses create a community unique to Arizona.
So, let’s learn a little more about Jaime Cerreta today!
How did you make your way to AZ Family? What’s the back story?
One word: Persistence. While working my way through the small and medium sized markets, I would come home to Phoenix to visit. During those 14 years, I met with FOUR different 3TV news directors (as well as others in the market), telling each of them of my determination to return home when the time and the job is right.
Tell us about your other work in media over the years?
I started in radio at MetroNetworks here in the Valley after graduating from ASU in broadcast journalism. From there, I worked as a one-man-band reporter in Joplin, Mo., morning anchor/producer in Springfield, Mo., morning anchor/reporter in Beaumont, Texas and main anchor in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Where did you grow up?
Phoenix – near Tatum and Shea to be exact.
Did you always know you wanted to be in broadcast media?
As a little girl, I loved Radio Shack. I would stare at the microphones and peruse the video cameras. I was always very curious about where the fire trucks were going and why. I had an innate love of people, communication, technology and writing — and I still do! I think the news business chose me a long time ago.
Favorite type of music?
A little something I can dance to — like Gaga or Kesha.
Favorite color?
Gold
Favorite local haunts?
JT’s has awesome wings, and I also love OHSO and Undertow.
Favorite places to visit?
Someone get me a one-way ticket to Capri, please!
Favorite food?
Two favorite “cheat meals:” the perfect slice of pepperoni pizza (at “My Slice of the Pie”) or chips, guac, cheese, beans and salsa.
Least favorite food?
I’m not a big seafood fan, but I will do a little crab or lobster.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
I can sometimes be rather shy.
I love to read.
I’m always willing to step outside my comfort zone to try something new– once.
Best way to pitch you?
Email only, please.
Types of stories and pitches you are looking for?
I love stories on growth/development/revitalization in the Valley as well as science and medical stories. Of course, I am always looking for interesting and passionate business owners to highlight for Jaime’s Local Love!
Contact info: jcerreta@azfamily.com
