Chris Velardi currently works in public relations at Gaffney Bennett Public Relations in New Britain, CT.
Chris joined Gaffney Bennett from WTNH-TV ABC 8 in New Haven, where he was most recently the anchor of "Good Morning Connecticut." In his 15 years at WTNH, Chris covered many stories of national importance from the September 11 Terrorist Attacks to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Before being promoted to anchor of the morning show in 2010, Chris "worked every shift on the schedule - mornings, days, nights and weekends" at WTNH, including anchoring weekend evenings, and weekend mornings. He has also worked as a reporter at WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA; and got his start at Clear Channel radio as a disc jockey.
A native of Branford, CT, Chris is a 1995 graduate of Syracuse University where he studied broadcast journalism. As loyal viewers of WTNH know, Chris bleeds orange, and is a diehard fan of the sports teams at his alma mater.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I'm an Android guy. I have an LG G2 and I really like it. I'm not app-crazy -- the apps I use most are the social media ones (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram), the WatchESPN app and, in season, the MLB app.
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
As you may be able to tell from my app usage, I'm a big sports fan. I loved when I got the opportunity to "play sportscaster" and cover sports stories. I was never a big fan of the silly celebrity stories, but I know people care. It was hard for me not to cover a Kardashian story without adding a little snark.
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
Well, I'm about to see how well not working in TV news works out for me. I've joined a Connecticut public relations firm -- Gaffney Bennett -- after nearly 20 years in the media. I've always been interested in that process and have seen plenty of the good and bad of it from a reporter's perspective. I'm excited to put that perspective to good use in my new job.
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
I was a SuperFriends fan. I remember getting up on Saturday mornings and waiting for it to come on ABC at 8AM. I also liked GI Joe... because knowing is half the battle.
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
What's free-time? Haha... my first choice would be to go for a run. But, on the old schedule, I'd usually wind up napping. #AMAnchorProblems
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I'd like to visit Italy. I've never done much traveling in my life... and, as an Italian, it's tops on my list.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
This is always a tough question for me to answer. Intellectually, I feel pressure to pick some influential world leader. Sentimentally, I'd like to say my grandfather (or grandmother). I was close to both growing up and would love to hear more old family stories and would enjoy hearing what they have to say about the world today. But honestly, I'd love the opportunity to talk broadcasting and baseball with Bob Costas.
8. Do you collect anything?
When I was a kid, I used to be a baseball card collector. I've got a fair amount of minor league and major league baseball hats. And I've got a decent amount of sports jerseys. But, I'd honestly say I don't collect anything.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
As a former Top 40 radio guy (and the father of a 10-year old daughter), my iPod playlist is pretty diverse but regularly updated. So anything from Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to Billy Joel and James Taylor could spend time as the top played.
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
Something my grandfather told me when I was little: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
As a "wise" 42-year old, I'd like to think just about every experience has made me stronger. But what I've been through recently -- researching, networking and ultimately making the decision to leave television -- has definitely made me stronger. Obviously, staying in TV would have been safe and comfortable. But I was ready for a change and I'm excited to take on this new challenge.
More about Chris Velardi
No endorsement between Gaffney Bennett Public Relations and New England One is implied or intended by Chris Velardi's participation in "11 Questions"
