Deutsch joins college friend at Topeka’s WIBW-TV

(September 3, 2014) Jonathan Deutsch and Chris Lilly worked together for four years while learning television at the University of Missouri. Earlier this year, Lilly was hired as Sports Director at WIBW-TV in Topeka, KS. Now, Deutsch is joining him. An STAA client, Deutsch has been hired by the station as a Sports Reporter/Anchor.

“It’s probably a little abnormal to have two people fresh out of college working together in the sports department, but there’s a lot of benefits,” says Deutsch. “We have worked together for the last few years, so we know our chemistry and personalities will carry over to WIBW.”

During his time on the Columbia, MO campus, Deutsch gained anchoring, reporting and producing experience at KOMU — a fully commercial NBC affiliate that is owned by the university but essentially operates independently. In addition, he interned for Fox Sports Southwest in his hometown of Dallas during the summer of 2013.

While at MU, Deutsch also built his friendship with Lilly.

“He’s so easy to get along with, a great person to be around, and the two of us always have a good time when we’re together,” says Deutsch. “Another plus of working with a good friend is the trust and comfort we have. I know that I can be direct and honest about an idea or during a critique and it won’t affect our friendship, and the same goes for Chris.”

Deutsch’s advice for other young sportscasting job seekers is to follow-up your application and to research the market.

“If you’re aggressive and — for lack of a better word — relentless, there’s a good chance your name will be remembered by a news director,” suggests Deutsch. “More specifically, for sports broadcasting, I would say it’s important to study your craft and know the market you’re applying for. Know the teams, coaches, history, and get a feel for the local flavor. There’s no replacement for being well informed.