Name: Jacki Jing
Age: Perfectly aged
Title: Morning Anchor, FOX19
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado
Why we love her: For being a leading lady on our morning news and
being very interactive through social media, via Twitter and Facebook.
At 6-foot-1 with a wingspan of 6-foot-4, Colorado native Jacki Jing is a little taller than your average morning news anchor. And she put her height to use in college; Jing received a full-ride volleyball scholarship to the State University of New York in Binghamton, graduating magna cum laude with degrees in political science and English.
After college, she began her carreer as a reporter in Binghamton, moving on to become a morning news anchor in Springfield, Mass., and Denver. Jing is happy to now live in Cincinnati and work as a morning anchor for FOX19. “I have a wonderful job. I get to work with great people,” she says. “I am blessed with a fantastic morning team. My bosses are both smart and sharp; they’ve created a great news station and I am honored to be a part of it.” Jing gives frequent updates about work and Cincinnati news via Twitter (@JackiJing) and Facebook (facebook.com/JackiJing).
As a reporter, Jing has covered some stories that will always stick with her, including the Aurora, Colo. theater shooting in 2012; the American Civic Association shooting in Binghamton, N.Y. in 2009; and a deadly tornado in western Massachusetts in 2011.
“I have covered some really tragic, heart-wrenching stories,” she says. “But those days really test you as a journalist. You realize how important it is to inform the public about a rapidly changing, serious situation. You know you have to step up and deliver — provide them with the coverage and details they’re looking for.” (All of her interviews, including her celebrity interviews with the likes of Tom Hanks and Bradley Cooper, are available at youtube.com/JackiJing.)
Jing also really enjoys watching anime in her spare time and used to go to Comicons. “I have cosplayed as Chun-Li, Lara Croft, Cat Woman and Lady Deathstrike,” she says. “I like old school video games. Now that I’ve gotten older, though, I guess I’ve become more focused on adult matters — bills, car payments and saving.”
What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about my job. I am passionate about my career. I am passionate about making my morning news show the best it can be by working hard on myself and working hard with my peers. I am passionate about volleyball; sports — love watching football, hockey, soccer; reading — the news, non-fiction, fiction; staying informed; and writing.
It’s Friday night after a long week. Where would you love to be?
In bed, curled up with my cat Lao Tao, sipping on some ginger tea, reading a good book, relaxing. And then after a little rest, I love to dance. I would probably call up some of my friends around here and see if any of them wanted to tear up the dance floor somewhere! I love watching sports, too. If there’s a game — basketball, football, soccer, hockey — I enjoy kicking back a local craft beer and cheering ... loudly.
Do you believe in love — love at first sight, lasting love?
I believe in love. I do believe in love at first sight. You just click with someone instantaneously — there’s some unusual connection, chemistry. Does it typically last? That’s another question. I do believe in lasting love. I have eternal love for my family and friends. I have seen people in loving, long-term relationships. It definitely exists and it’s beautiful.
What is the best lesson life has taught you about love?
That your family and true friends will love you no matter what. Whenever you face darkness, they will be your light. They will shower you with love, hope, encouragement. I am so very blessed for the loved ones in my life.