Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Andrews.
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
There’s nothing extravagant about how I became a TV journalist! I’ll walk you through it, though! So as a kid, my mouth got me in trouble! I’d always talk back in class – so much so – I would get in-school suspension ALL THE TIME. I always maintained great grades, though. At least that’s what my parents told me!! I remember leaving my elementary school telling myself, “Justin! You can control your tongue. Don’t enter middle school the same way you’re ending elementary.” From there on, life changed! I loved talking, loved giving presentations all through middle and high school. I thought I wanted to be an attorney. That was until I took a creative writing course my sophomore year of high school. I loved it!!! It birthed my writing passion. I took a journalistic writing class the following semester and discovered I wanted to be a television journalist.
I interned at KMBC, an ABC affiliate in Kansas City, MO, the summer entering my senior year at the University of Central Missouri. Two months after the internship ended, they hired me as an associate producer/fill-in assignment desk editor – before I graduated college!! So I finished my last year of college while working at a top 35 TV market in the country. Almost unheard of. My career has taken me all over the country. I’ve reported from Colorado Springs, CO, Iowa City, IA, all and over Missouri covering wildfires to tornadoes, protests to state policy changes. For the last nearly ten years, I’ve been telling the stories of people who felt theirs were untold! I love what I do. I recently launched ReDEFINED Image Consulting LLC. I’m the CEO and lead image enhancer for the firm. We combine marketing knowledge to help individuals and organizations improve impressions. As we all know, image will influence how others view success. So, ReDEFINED invests in our clients growth— committed to advising, enhancing and revamping brands — carving a strong visual and digital footprint. I also helped launch an organization: DreamWoke. It’s one that empowered young adults to fulfill every “dream” or aspiration they want by realizing their own dreams… WOKE!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth, but it’s very rewarding! In TV news, you have to have tough skin. It’s vital you know your strengths and weaknesses. You have to be aggressive at getting the story and making sure it’s told objectively. Another challenge has been being a black man. That’s a challenge for many of us, even in the news business. Throughout my career, I’ve been often overlooked for promotions and I’ve been judged more harshly than my counterparts. It’s unfortunate, but it also drives me the shift thr narrative, because I am essential! When children of color are able to sit at home and see someone who looks like them – educated, well dressed and strong in their talent – it inspires them. THAT is a vital part of what I do. I want to inspire.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a television journalist, it’s my job to tell stories, challenge leaders, bring positive stories to the forefront. What sets me apart from other journalists – in my opinion – is that every story I’m assigned, I take a few minutes to step back. So often journalists can get into the routine of reporting the news, simply telling people what’s going on. I feel I’m different. I strive to capture emotion – in every story I deliver. I use texture and tone in my voice to bring every viewer or listener to experience what I see, taste, smell, feel or hear. People usually don’t remember what someone said, but they always remember how you made them feel. Every report, I strive to make sure there’s an emotional pull or memory. Journalists in general are influential. Being a television journalist for me, allows problems that arise in a community to be placed on platforms. It births conversations, demands change, recalibrates racism, and injects injustices with integrity and impartiality. My mantra in life is to elevate entire groups by changing minds, changing lives and changing environments. God has given me so many gifts, that I haven’t even fully tapped into just yet, but I am wholeheartedly willing to share my gifts to built better individuals, households, neighborhoods, communities and ultimately building God’s Kingdom!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the talking kid. I always had something to say – no matter what!! I always loved writing. I’d take a 20-page paper over a test any day. People would probably describe me as a go-getter, a loving a caring person. I’d hope people also realize I’m real and just like them.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jandrewsreports@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_eandrews/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/JustinAndrewsKMOV/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/justin_eandrews?lang=en
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/jandrews2015
Image Credits
The professional pictures with white or gray backgrounds credit: Suzy Gorman
