The News Director's Office

KTLA Audio Network

4.8 (69)
CAREERS

A Podcast hosted by KTLA 5 News Director Jason Ball and producer Bobby Gonzalez. Jason explores topics in the news, issues facing journalists, and the newsgathering process. Each episode includes an in-depth interview with journalists, newsmakers, or interesting people. Jason also offers reading/viewer recommendations including articles, books, Ted Talks, and more. He also takes listener questions and offers inspirational quotes.

02/04/2021

Leaving the Office: the Final Episode

On January 18th, 2021, 12 years after first walking through the doors at KTLA, Jason Ball announced he would be leaving the station to begin a new chapter of his life. After more than 2 years and 200 episodes of the podcast, Jason and Bobby enter the News Director's Office one last time to reminisce about the past and look towards the future. Jason opens up about his experiences in the news business, shares some of his favorite moments, and reflects on the many lessons learned throughout his career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

42 min
01/28/2021

Expanding the Reach of Local Journalism with Laura Davis

Laura Davis is is a professor at USC Annenberg School of Journalism. KTLA is partnering with Davis on a new project to expand the reach of local journalism. Laura discusses why she became interested in this project, and ways to innovate storytelling techniques. She discusses the role of social media has in how Millennials and Gen Z consume news. She also talks about Stylebot, a copy-editing chatbot she created for her students at USC Annenberg that is now used by newsrooms nationwide. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

46 min
01/21/2021

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates with the 5 Live Team

Earlier this week, KTLA News Director Jason Ball announced that he would be leaving KTLA after 12 years with the station. Moments after making the announcement, Jason spoke with the team from 5 Live, KTLA's digital streaming show, for this episode of the podcast. Samantha Cortese, Andy Reismeyer, Robert Puente, and Bobby Gonzalez talk about what makes 5 Live so unique. They react to Jason's shocking announcement, and Jason shares some of his plans for the next chapter in his life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

48 min
01/14/2021

The Biz of Show Biz with Ryan Faughnder

Ryan Faughnder is a film business reporter for the Los Angeles Times. In this episode, Ryan joins us to talk about some of the struggles the film industry has had during the coronavirus pandemic. He shares his thoughts on some of the solutions the major studios have implemented to weather the storm, including their use of streaming services. Ryan also tells us about the L.A. Times' new newsletter, "The Wide Shot." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

35 min
12/31/2020

Top Downloads of 2020

Today on the podcast, we're counting down the most downloaded episodes of the year! First, KTLA tech reporter Rich DeMuro talks about the challenges of having to suddenly work from home, and shares some helpful tips. KTLA general manager Janene Drafs started her new job in Los Angeles at the beginning of the relentless year, and joined the podcast to share her insight on leading a news station during these times. Motivational speaker and author Mel Robbins joins us to talk about the power of failure, and KTLA reporter Wendy Burch opens up about her relationship with her son Brady. Finally, Perry Sook, President & CEO of Nexstar, gave a candid interview about the state of the company amidst the global pandemic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

39 min
12/24/2020

The Not-Quite-Ghosts of Christmas Past

On this Christmas Eve, we're looking back at some conversations with some of our KTLA family who have moved on to brighter things! CBS News correspondent David Begnaud shares compelling accounts from his reporting at on major events such as Occupy L.A. and his award-winning coverage of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Dave Malkoff, now at The Weather Channel, tells us about his reporting from Iraq at the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Elizabeth Espinosa, the executive director of communication for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department, opens up about her special relationship with her brother. Long time KTLA photographer Gary Reyes looks back at his storied career, and shares what he is looking forward to in retirement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

49 min
12/17/2020

Talking Politics with Trevor Shirley

Trevor Shirley is the Washington, D.C. , Bureau correspondent for Nexstar. He is now a frequent reporter for the KTLA Morning News. In this episode, Trevor shares what it's like reporting for multiple stations across the country. He also explains what it is like reporting on politics during an unprecedented election year. Jason, Bobby, and Trevor also discuss this year's rapid-moving news cycle. Trevor also talks about what it has been like joining the KTLA Morning team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

39 min
12/10/2020

The Business of Storytelling with Craig Lucie

Craig Lucie is a former anchor at WSB in Atlanta, and the founder of Lucie Content, a company that provides media consulting, crisis communications and content subscriptions for businesses and non-profits. In this episode of the podcast, Craig joins us to talk about how his company runs similar to a newsroom when helping business tell their story. He also shares what it is like growing a company in the midst of the pandemic. Craig also highlights his work with the non-profit Top Dogg K9 Foundation, who provide service dogs for our veterans. He also details his recent experiences with COVID-19. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

47 min

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4.8

out of 5

69 Ratings

We go way back

03/09/2019

craig cycles

I feel like I know the guests, Bobby and Jason Ball because the conversations are real, genuine and so interesting. I feel like I’m in the room with them and we’re just hanging out talking like old friends... like we go way back. I find it’s sometimes easy to relate to the experiences shared. It’s really cool hearing personal stories. It’s a reminder that no matter what we do for a living or what’s going on in life, we’re all just people, trying to live and hopefully spreading some positive energy!
Love this podcast!

08/31/2019

princessofmiami

Jason has that rare quality of being authoritative...yet so incredibly relatable. He has the wisdom of decades of experience in the tv newsroom, but don’t expect to hear some old school newsy curmudgeon. Jason brings a warm, unexpected charm and a friendly curiosity to his podcast. It is apparent how much the guests respect him...and truly like him. He and Bobby create a vibe that feels like you are a fly on the wall...quietly eavesdropping on an interesting conversation within the new’s director’s office. If you ever have wondered, “WHAT are they talking about in there?”....this podcast is for you!
Henry DiCarlo Great.

01/13/2019

Disnydude1

With a preface to these pods done pre Dec. 27, 2018. That Chris Burrous was still with us. It is hard knowing that we will not hear him with you interviewing him and NOT WRITING HIM UP after a Weekend shift. That said, listening to Henry and you, I now see why the dedication to CHOC he and his wife have. During the next Disneyland marathon, he will be there to cover it and host. I enjoy hearing your different quotes for each on air guest. I have a question for you Jason Ball: What quote would you give to somebody who has Epilepsy? Your one of many thousands of KTLA 7 day a week loyal viewer from La Habra.
Loving this perspective!

09/19/2018

Loveit&loveyou

I am a huge podcast fan, always looking for a new perspective and this was exactly what I needed. I love the quotes, the inside look at the guests and the general vibe of the conversation. Oh, and best of all, DOLLY FUN FACTS, it’s wonderful to hear others love for Dolly and help pass that happiness around to all!

A Podcast hosted by KTLA 5 News Director Jason Ball and producer Bobby Gonzalez. Jason explores topics in the news, issues facing journalists, and the newsgathering process. Each episode includes an in-depth interview with journalists, newsmakers, or interesting people. Jason also offers reading/viewer recommendations including articles, books, Ted Talks, and more. He also takes listener questions and offers inspirational quotes.