Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.
With a little flair.
Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.
This Week: Chris Daniels, King 5 News
Chris Daniels began reporting for KING 5 News in 2003. He came to Seattle in 2000 as a reporter for KCPQ-TV. Prior to that, he was a reporter and fill-in anchor for WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, MI, and a morning/noon anchor for KIDK-TV in Idaho Falls, ID.
Daniels has been honored with several prestigious awards including: Michigan’s “Reporter of the Year” from the Michigan chapter of the Associated Press in 1999; several awards for investigative pieces in Michigan and Seattle; and “The Award for Broadcast Media Excellence” from USA Equestrian in 2002 for the story on a local firefighter who is an Olympic Gold Medal winner on the US Equestrian Team.
Daniels was born and raised in University Place. He attended Washington State University and is still a proud Cougar football and basketball fan. Daniels lives in Seattle with his wife, daughter, and several pets. During their free time they love to travel, dine out at Seattle’s fine restaurants and attend sporting events.
Q: What’s your favorite story you’ve done in the last week?
A: It would probably be the Seattle Arena vote. Within a few minutes of the vote, I learned the owner of the Edmonton Oilers was in town and it changed the whole day and night. I’ve covered this story, and beat, for close to six years now. We filed four different stories in five different newscasts, with liveshots to boot. Sometimes ‘the chase’ is actually more fun than the actual story, because it has taken me on so many twists and turns. But I’ve met so many good people, and many good contacts in this city, and across the nation, along the way.
Q: What skills do new journalists need?
A: YOU MUST BE ON TWITTER. Yes, All CAPS for emphasis. It is a journalist’s best friend. I make contacts and break stories through the use of social media so much, that people have told me they rely on my twitter feed for news. I can’t tell you how many people in the last year have told me “I love your work…on Twitter”. They don’t even mention TV. It has become a staple in my daily work life. It builds a brand for our station, our website, and our social media arm. I believe I work for all three, because there are different audiences for the different mediums. I also learn about what’s happening around me faster than any other source, and get story ideas, or pitches in 140 characters or less.
Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?
A: I’m fascinated by the worlds of politics and sports business. I also have great admiration for my friends who do philanthropic work.
Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”
A: Someone who builds relationships and doesn’t just send me blanket, non personal emails from time to time. If I trust you, and know you, I might be more tempted to listen to what you have to say.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I have youth bowling trophies somewhere in storage…
The PR Pro Takeaway: Take the time to build a relationship with Chris, do it by Tweeting him @ChrisDaniels5. Email is still a great way to communicate but avoid the copied and pasted version, make it personal and make it good. Or, grab your bowling ball and issue a challenge.