DALLAS — Jay Wallis is a reporter and multimedia journalist at WFAA in Dallas, TX, specializing in finding new ways to connect his stories on air and online.
1) Who are you? That question is still in the process of being answered! I'm a born and raised Texan who grew up in the Dallas suburb of Rowlett. I started reporting while in college at the University of Missouri and was able to cover high school football games on Friday nights. I eventually shifted to news reporting, which took me to Tyler and then to Austin. I always envisioned Dallas being the next step after that – and it was!
Most of my family still lives in Texas, and I hope to put down roots here myself. The Metroplex is such a great place, and I Iook forward to connecting with its people and communities.
2) What are your interests? My favorite stories are the ones that connect with humanity. That might sound cliche, but I truly mean it. When I can show the strength, heart or power in someone overcoming or fighting through something, I get motivated to share that story with as many people as possible.
I also try to create stories in unconventional yet interesting ways. We are consuming news like never before, and I want the stories I tell to really stand out in both style and substance. To put it simply: be different.
Outside of work, a lot of my free time consists of following the NBA (Dallas Mavericks fan since before I could read) and keeping up with the fast-changing landscape of television shows and movies. You might even catch me taking notes if I see a particularly creative editing trick or camera move. Oh -- and if I ever find myself in a 70s/80s music battle, I'd give myself a fighting chance against anyone.
3) What do you like about working at WFAA? It's a reputable yet unconventional newsroom. This place is filled with some of the best journalists I've worked with, and they are all committed to fighting for the people in North Texas. It’s true that it’s becoming more and more difficult to get people to turn on their TV to watch the news, but everyone here is pushing each other to be themselves. I think our viewers will respond to that authenticity. That's the kind of team I want to be a part of.
4) What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? Brace yourself. Most people are shocked by this...I don't like chocolate. Any type, any kind, any amount. I wish I could explain it, but it's just the way my taste buds work. I can actually be pretty adventurous when it comes to food, but if someone brings chocolate chip cookies to the office, I'm out.
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Jay Wallis
Dallas isn't just the next stop in my career, it's the place I've always considered home.
