Jay Shakur

Jay Shakur is an Emmy Award-winning Reporter and Fill-in Anchor at WCPO in Cincinnati. His latest accolades include winning for Continuing Coverage of the Big Mac Bridge fire. Jay’s story, as part of a team effort, garnered significant attention and rerouted traffic between Ohio and Kentucky for several months.

About Jay

Jay came to Cincinnati after spending a couple of years at WATN-ABC 24 in Memphis, TN. He captivates viewers by drawing them into the world around him, with a storytelling approach that pays homage to his grandmother. Born and raised on the West side of Chicago, Jay discovered his passion for TV news early in life, inspired by his grandmother’s dedication to watching the evening news without fail.

At only seven years old, Jay noticed how his grandmother switched between newscasts during commercial breaks, leaving no real "breaks" in her routine. Her answer to his question about why they always watched the news—"so I can know what's going on"—left a lasting impression. Though she had only a third-grade education and rarely traveled, the news gave her a command of current events and a sense of dignity. Jay recalls how the emotional impact of news stories moved her, sparking his love for the English language and storytelling.

Jay pursued journalism at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he interned as a congressional reporter for Northwestern University’s Medill News Service and FOX News. His first full-time position was as a dayside MMJ at KTAL in Shreveport, LA. From Shreveport to Memphis, Jay has reported on hundreds of stories, including the death of Tyre Nichols, gun laws in Tennessee, and the abduction of Eliza Fletcher. Through these experiences, he observed a common thread: people want and need a voice.

Jay prides himself on telling stories that truthfully and fully represent the "underdog" and offer solutions to everyday problems. He gives a voice to the voiceless, dedicating his career to defending the efficacy of journalism in both substance and definition. Jay credits his viewers for allowing him to participate in community events, from local runs and marathons to emceeing fundraisers.

Beyond his professional life, Jay values his roles as a son, big brother, friend, and mentor. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving in his local community and church, reading, watching classic TV shows and films, and listening to jazz, gospel, and classical music.