I’m Jake Chapman, a recent first time Emmy winning reporter for KIRO-7. I’ve been reporting now for 5 years and this job has taken me across the Southeast and now to the Pacific Northwest. You can catch me on KIRO 7 weeknights at 7 and 11. 7 Questions With Jake: Where did you grow up? I am from Jefferson City, TN, a small town outside Knoxville. Why did you become a journalist? I originally wanted to become a sports commentator like any guy who grew up playing sports; however, the news drew my interest once I got my foot in the door of this industry. The more I worked behind the scenes of local news, the more I fell in love with it. What cities have you worked in during your journalism career? I started my career at FOX 13 in Memphis, TN back in 2016 as a part Production Assistant. From there, I became a news photographer to “get out in the field.” In the fall of 2017, I made my way back to my college town Chattanooga, TN where I worked as a photographer for WRCB for a year. In 2018, I made my on-air debut as a reporter. In the fall of 2020, I moved to Birmingham, AL and worked at CBS42 for nearly two years before moving out to Seattle in May of 2022. What’s the most memorable story you’ve ever covered? I’ve covered all sorts of stories in my short career, but I would argue the 2020 protests were something that will always stick with me. What are you most proud of in your career in news? I have done a lot of stories in my career that I am genuinely proud of, but a recent story that has happened during my time in Seattle that I will always treasure is speaking with Marchany Roman, the lucky fan who caught Cal Raleigh’s game-winning home run back in 2022 that sent the Mariners to the playoffs for the first time in two decades. Not only was this his first M’s game, but he got a chance to meet Cal Raleigh after the game. The best part of the story? (Besides the M’s making it to the playoffs) once he met Raleigh, he gave him the ball back because he knew it meant more to him. Arguably one of the reasons I have always believed that sports can bring out the best in us. What do you like to do when you’re not working? When I’m not working, I’ve always enjoyed exploring new places and cities. And with everything that the PNW has to offer, I plan to explore as much as possible. But if you haven’t guessed by some of my previous answers, I’m a pretty big sports fan. (Particularly college football) And Seattle has some of the best sports fans out there and I can’t wait to embrace the chaos with you all!