WQAD's Jason Fechner anchors News 8 at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. He also chats with viewers daily about the world's top stories @ Facebook.com/jasonfechner.
Before joining WQAD as the station's weekend anchor and reporter in August, 2006, Jason worked just up the Mississippi River as a general assignment reporter at WXOW, the ABC-affiliate in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He moved to the bluffs of "God's country" from Washington, D.C., where he covered Capitol Hill for several television and radio affiliates.
Originally from Park Ridge, Illinois, Jason studied political science and business at Valparaiso University. It was there he got his start in broadcasting, co-hosting a popular college radio show, "The Rootdown," with his fraternity brother Tom Roshar (who owes him $5 whenever anyone clicks on this page -- visit often!). Jason went on to earn his masters from Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism, with focuses on broadcasting, legal ethics and journalism.
Anchor of the Associated Press's Best Newscast in 2007, Jason loves to share the unique opportunities he gets to experience with viewers, both through the stories and through social networking. From his travels through the Middle East to meet Quad City troops on the Sinai Peninsula, to a chance to play against the Harlem Globetrotters as a Washington General (4 points in limited action!), to a Hollywood adventure behind-the-scenes of "Dancing with the Stars" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Jason's been grateful for every moment since deciding to become a journalist and for a chance to work with some wonderful people along the way...
If you have any story ideas for Jason or just want to get his insights into Bruce Springsteen, American-made cars, the Chicago Cubs and Bears, or to get his epic baby back rib chili recipe, feel free to drop a him a line at Jason.Fechner@wqad.com... or on Twitter @ Twitter.com/jasonfechner... or on Facebook.com/jasonfechner...or his YouTube channel at YouTube.com/jasonfechnermedia.











