Hometown: Kingdom City, MO

Family: Wife-Victoria & Daughter-Tori (She's 3 1/2)

Education: Bachelor of Journalism University of Missouri - Columbia (Columbia, MO)

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (German) University of Missouri - Columbia (Columbia, MO)

Career: I have been at WBTV since 1996. Before that I was the Morning and Noon anchor for WSAZ-TV in Huntington/Charleston, West Virginia from 1988-1996. I started my TV career in 1984 in Columbia, MO at KOMU-TV as an Anchor/Reporter. I began my broacasting career in high school working at radio stations in Fulton, MO.

Beat: Aviation / Transportation / Development / Government / Politics

Honors: Charlotte Chamber Leadership School. Outstanding Young Men of America. Society of Professional Journalists - Sigma Delta Chi

Community Involvement: I'm a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte where over the years I've taught Sunday School, been a Deacon, and performed in the church choir and church ensemble.

Hobbies: Jogging, racquetball and weightlifting. I enjoy shopping and sightseeing with my wife and daughter (We love the beach and mountains) and spending "Daddy Time" with my daughter on the playground.

Favorite Food: Steak (What else is there? I grew up on a farm in the Midwest!)

Email: jatkinson@wbtv.com