Jim Lokay is a reporter and anchor of NewsCenter 5 weekend EyeOpener on WCVB-TV ABC 5 in Boston.
Prior to joining WCVB in 2011, Jim was a reporter and anchor at KDKA-TV CBS 2 in Pittsburgh, PA for over 6 years. During his time at KDKA, Jim hosted a variety of non-news programs including the station's New Year's Eve special and the annual "Children's Hospital FreeCare Fund Telethon." In addition, he also co-hosted pre-game shows featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins and served as an occasional talk radio host at KDKA-AM radio. Jim has also worked as a reporter and anchor at News 10 Now (now YNN) in Syracuse, NY; and as a anchor and editor at Metro Networks. In addition to his work in broadcasting, Jim has been on the Board of Directors of the American Liver Foundation since 2006.
A native of East McKeesport, PA, Jim is a 2002 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania in California, PA where he studied communications.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
iPhone 6. I love to play with the camera, so I'm a big fan of Camera+, Photosphere, and Videolicious (we use it at work to create web videos, but it's open to everyone and it's a GREAT way to edit video on the fly.) I love Transit for getting around on the T. Acorns is a cool app that helps you invest with your spare change. RetailMeNot, which I'll use in stores to see if I can score a secret deal (and I usually do.)
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
When we get a chance to tell good stories with interesting people, that's when I really get excited about doing a particular piece. My A+ franchise, which profiles exceptional students, is rewarding. Severe weather is tough to cover, but I suspect that outside of meteorologists like my friend Danielle Vollmar, no one really LOVES standing outside in driving rain or seven feet of snow -- but it's all part of the job!
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
Working in education. I don't know if I'd make a great teacher, but I think I'd make a good guidance counselor -- or perhaps working in student affairs on the college level.
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
The Flintstones. Hands down.
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I have an innate ability to take a nap of any length at any time.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
At some point, I want to get out to Los Angeles for two reasons and two reasons alone: go to Dodger Stadium, and be an audience member on "The Price Is Right."
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
Stephen Colbert.
8. Do you collect anything?
I like crazy socks, so it's become a go-to gift and as a result, I have a set of drawers filled with only socks.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
"Pompeii" by Bastille
"Bang Your Drum" by Dead Man Fall
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
"There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting." - David Letterman
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
In 2012, my dad suffered a massive stroke. Suddenly, I found myself in the role of "man of the house," helping to make life or death decisions on his medical care, traveling back and forth to Pittsburgh to visit him on a weekly basis, and trying to keep my mom sane through his six-month hospital stay. He's still recovering at home, but considering where he was and where he is now, it's inspiring. The process helped me grow up, so to speak, in a way I didn't ever expect possible. Our family is stronger, and that's something that I feed off of daily.
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