Local

CHRIS JOSE: 10 things to know about Channel 2's newest reporter

1. Where are you from/where did you grow up?

I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and grew up in Palm City. We moved to Seattle, Washington after my junior year of high school. As you can imagine, it wasn't an easy transition for a 17-year-old kid from the beach, but the Pacific Northwest has always been my family's second home. We would go there every summer to visit my aunts and cousins. My parents and brother have lived there for 16 years. Does it rain everyday? No! It is quite gloomy during winter though. My advice: go during the summer. You'll love Lake Washington and Mount Rainier.

2. Take us through your journey to WSB. What school did you go to? What other cities have you worked in? 

I bleed crimson and grey! I'm a proud alumnus of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University.

My first job after graduation was at KGWN TV in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I grew an appreciation for country music and the rodeo, thanks to Cheyenne Frontier Days: The World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo. More importantly, I met my wife there.

The next stop was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I was a news reporter and weekend sports anchor during University of Iowa's run to the Orange Bowl. Did you see the movie, Field of Dreams? Dyersville is just up the road.

I had an incredible five-year run at television duopoly, KDVR/KWGN TV in Denver. My wife is a native Coloradan and I fell in love with the state. During my five years in Denver, I covered more than a dozen national stories including the Aurora Theater Shooting, the 2012 Presidential Debate, historic floods and wildfires, and the Broncos run to Super Bowl XLVIII.

In the fall of 2015, Dallas called and we moved to North Texas. Yes, everything is bigger in Texas! 2016 was a tough year for the area. There were multiple officers killed, including five in the Dallas sniper attack on July 7th.

3. What are you most looking forward to in Atlanta?

I can't wait to get started at WSB. Channel 2 is the best station in the country. I look forward to contributing to its historic success.

I've lived all over the country and I'm excited to explore Atlanta. I love the rolling hills, mature trees and the city's charm. You'll probably see me running around Piedmont Park with a double wide stroller.

We also have friends who live in the area and we're excited to see them often.

4. What made you want to be a journalist? Did you always know or was there a specific moment you can point to?

Journalism is in my blood. My dad was a photojournalist in the U.S. Navy covering the Vietnam War. He's the best writer I know.

"World News Tonight" with Peter Jennings was on every night in the Jose household. Catching up with the day's news was important-- still is. I love meeting people and telling stories. Becoming a journalist was a natural fit.

5. What has been the most memorable story that you’ve covered? Why? 

There are so many memorable stories, but following the Denver Broncos run to Super Bowl XLVIII tops the list. Much like the Falcons 2016-17 run, the city was electric. The state was unified. It didn't matter who you voted for. Everyone was united in orange. An aging Peyton Manning set records, cruised through the playoffs and fell short in the championship. I spent a week in New York City covering the excitement surrounding the game. Two weeks prior, I was in Seattle covering the NFC Championship. The Broncos ran into a tough Seahawks team. It was the number one offense versus the number one defense. I guess the saying is true. Defense wins championships. Fun fact: I'm a Seahawks fan.

6. What do you like to do for fun?

As a new dad to twins, I love spending time with my family. You'll find us exploring Atlanta and making frequent trips to the Georgia mountains. I also enjoy working on my below average golf game. I like to run slow, pretend I'm fast in a game of pickup hoops and dine generously.

7. What is your favorite TV show ?

I love the Walking Dead. I keep telling my wife it's more than just zombies. The show is about humanity and survival of the fittest. It hasn't worked. I've already checked out some of the locations where the crew shot some scenes in Atlanta.

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

You'll be surprised, I have a pretty good jumper. Watch out for the mid-range game at your local YMCA. My high school basketball coach, who now coaches in Athens, would be proud.

9. Do you have a favorite place to travel?

I love the beaches in Orange County and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Both are gorgeous. 
One of these days, I hope to go back to the Philippines to see where my parents grew up. I think it's important to show my kids where we came from.

10. What is something we would be surprised to know about you?

I was in a reality television show in college. The show's producer went on to direct several Macklemore music videos including "Thrift Shop," "Can't Hold Us," and "Same Love."