Questionnaire for Media: Dan Jaehnig, NBC 10 News WJAR

ERPR’s series, "Questionnaire for Media," features members of the media and asks about their lives and careers.

Dan Jaehnig, anchor

I connected with Dan Jaehnig, Prime Evening Anchor at NBC 10 News WJAR.

How did you first get into journalism and what was your first job
From a young age, I was always interested in Journalism.  I created my elementary school’s first newspaper and the first newspaper in my high school.   I volunteered at the local community cable station and appeared on TV in 7th grade.  I worked at the local newspaper, The Quincy Sun, and through internships, I got my first reporter job at WWLP in Springfield, MA.

How do you decide what you write or publish?  
Deciding which stories we cover is a group effort that includes a lot of factors.  How it impacts our viewers,  what information they need to know,  what information they are interested in or talking about.  The bottom line is we serve the public. 

What is the most interesting news story you’re following right now that you’re not covering?  
I think, like everyone, I’m closely following the COVID-19 pandemic. I follow it personally because it impacts my life and the lives of my family.  As a journalist, I am covering it nonstop.  If I have a strong interest in a story then I’m going to cover it.

If you weren’t in journalism, what would you be doing?   
I would be doing something that helps people.  Run for office to fight for people’s rights or being a motivational speaker.  I haven’t ruled that out yet!

What do you read or watch every morning?   
I skim through Twitter and read several different trusted news sources so that I am informed and open to several different stories and ideas.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?  
I’m sure others would say the six Emmys I’ve received or the Edward R. Murrow.  But if you truly know me, you know my greatest achievement is my family and my ability to empathize with people and help to inspire them.

What is your motto?  
“Your only choice in life is to succeed because no one chooses to fail.”