Teachers have had a big impact on Jason's career as a journalist. The first was Anne Russell, who guided Jason to the Manatee County Speech Contest title in fifth-grade. It was here crafting of the speech and tips on delivery that made "My Date With Betty Crocker" a winner and gave Jason the early knack for public speaking.
A few years later, that knack for public speaking came in handy in Judy Krocker's journalism class at Manatee High School. After a year of newscasts for the inaugural "Cane News," Jason knew what he wanted to do -- be an anchor on "SportsCenter."
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As a sports reporter at WILX in Lansing, that dream turned into becoming an anchor on the "TODAY Show" when he switched to the news game.
After 14 years at WILX as a reporter and anchor, Jason joined Local 4 in January 2015 as a general assignment reporter.
Jason is a Lansing native and spent summers in Michigan and the school years in Florida. He graduated from Michigan State with a degree in journalism and is excited to finally live in "the D."
Feel free to email him with story ideas or ask him to host your charity event because he's anxious to get out and see more of the city.
Claim to Fame: A guest-host gig filling in for Regis Philbin on Live! With Regis & Kelly in 2009.
Little Known Fact: Jason worked many-a-Saturday night as a wedding DJ. Look at his picture again -- he may have DJ'd your wedding.
Hidden Talent: Jason isn't Frank Caliendo, but he's known for doing many different impersonations of local and national celebs.
Email: jcolthorp@wdiv.com
Twitter: @JasonColthorp