Check Out Joe Chiodo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Chiodo. 

Hi Joe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I vividly remember my dad always watching the local news when I was young. I also remember asking him to turn it off at times when it talked about anything upsetting. But as I grew older, I realized the importance of knowing what’s going on in your community (the good and the bad) and the great responsibility journalists carry. I always thought it would be so cool to be the person delivering that news and informing the public. But I had no idea how “those people” got those jobs. At that time, it was just a fleeting thought.

Fast forward to my senior year of high school when I really developed a love for writing and theater. I wanted to combine those two interests. My mom eventually helped nudge me to take a shot at something I thought was unattainable: TV news. She wrote out a list of the top 10 journalism schools in the country. My eyes went straight to number one: The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. I packed up and made my way to the midwest from Pennsylvania.

As embarrassing as this is to admit now, I’m not sure I could have pointed to Missouri on a map before then! It was a scary move at 18. But I’m so glad I took the chance.

Mizzou was my first look at just how hard and challenging this career can be. Students get real-world anchoring and reporting experience at the local NBC affiliate, KOMU. The reality of this job…it’s not as shiny and glamorous as it may appear through a TV screen. There is a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes and so many people working to put on a newscast who you don’t see. They deserve so much credit! Having such eye-opening experience at a young age was also my first look at how rewarding and unique this job is at the same time. I was hooked from the get-go.

After college, I ventured to Omaha, NE where I anchored and reported for WOWT (NBC).

Eventually, Missouri pulled me back! I now anchor the Weekday morning show on the local CBS affiliate KCTV. My alarm goes off at 2:30 am and I’m on your TV from 4:30-7 am and 9-10 am. It’s a privilege to deliver the news to KC each morning. Every day I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity (and for coffee!)

I’ve lived here since 2016 with my wife, Sara, and our 5-month-old son, Harlow. We love calling KC home. I truly think it’s one of the best cities in the country and a hidden gem in the Midwest. It also has the best people. This community is unmatched.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t believe there’s ever a smooth journey when you’re working toward something that’s worth having in the end. You have to put in the work to win the prize. And you have to make sacrifices along the way. But when you look back on all you’ve done…the tough parts are often what makes it so worthwhile.

What’s most important for anyone, in any career, is to make sure those sacrifices don’t steal your happiness. Life’s too short!

This job, like many others, will take a lot from you. You put in long hours, you work weekends and holidays, and you often far from family. Especially when you’re first starting out. But if you find a balance you can make it work!

Remember – keep checking in with yourself. I think it’s important for all of us to do this as we progress in life and in our careers. What made you happy at one time may not make you happy now. It’s okay to alter plans and make a change! And it’s okay to give something a try and have it not work out.

The job also takes an emotional toll. As a journalist, you get a front-row seat to the good and the bad. Historic moments and celebrations like the Chiefs Superbowl win! But also, tragedy and sadness. Coronavirus coverage and the BLM protest coverage have been some of the toughest reporting moments of my career. But it’s also been a privilege to provide information to the community when it’s needed most. I don’t take that for granted.

In this job, you’ll interview someone who’s having the best day of their life one day…and the next day you’re talking to someone who’s grieving the death of their loved one. It’s important to keep that in the front of your mind and give each story the respect it deserves.

While journalism takes a lot out of you — it also gives so much more back. It’s given me perspective on how the world works and who makes up our community. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your bubble is all that matters and that everyone lives a life just like yours. But journalism has taught me to have compassion for those in different situations, rather than to cast judgment.

There’s been such a divisiveness over the past few years. People are extremely quick with their words, without ever putting themselves in the other person’s shoes. (Thanks, in part, to social media.) But I think if we all made a better effort to talk with and understand our neighbors’ views, rather than fight with them, we’d find we’re all more similar than we think.

And lastly, another challenge I think we all face today – whether that’s in our careers or our personal lives – is the comparison game. I recently heard the advice “keep your eyes on your own paper.” I think it’s such a great reminder for all of us to stop looking at other people’s success (or their social media highlight reel) and let it stifle all you’ve accomplished. You’re on your own path and your own journey. Enjoy it…you don’t want to miss it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Every morning our goal is to start your morning off with everything you need to know AND have fun doing it. If you haven’t joined us on KCTV…come hang with us! We have a great team. When it comes to reporting…storytelling is my passion. I love talking with people in the community. I’ve been honored with 4 regional Emmy awards for my reporting on education, mental health, and investigative reporting. Those awards and the stories I get to tell are only possible thanks to the people who selflessly and courageously share their lives with me. They agreed to share some of their toughest struggles and moments…to help make our community a better place. Getting to be their voice is something I will always cherish.

I’m most proud, however, to be a new dad! My son was born this past April and it’s been the most rewarding and life-changing experience. I view everything through a different lens now and am so excited for the journey ahead. My wife and I feel so thankful and lucky. He’s the coolest little guy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m a firm believer in the fact that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Timing is everything in your career and in life.

I believe in working hard and being a good person. Eventually, if you do those two things…an opportunity will present itself. And that may be your shot! But if it’s not your time…if it doesn’t work out…I also believe it’s not meant for you and better things are ahead. Remember to enjoy what you have now. You don’t want to miss out on the present because you’re so focused on the future. (I have to remind myself of this as well every now and then!)

And I always think it’s worth mentioning…if there’s something you want…you need to go after it! Don’t sit on the sidelines and miss your opportunity. Sometimes you have to make the first move.

All of this played a role in how I landed my current job. I believe I was ready at just the right time. And when the opening popped up, I made sure to go after it. And from there…have fun and keep being you!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joechiodotv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeChiodoTV/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeChiodo