Greetings and thank you for stopping by my little space in the big world. My name is Jon Jensen, “J.J.” for short, and I am a hardcore sports junkie. Originally from the Skagit Valley region, I have had the pleasure of working in broadcast media for more than 30 years throughout the state of Washington. A 1999 graduate of The Washington State University with degrees in broadcast communications and sports management, my perspective in sports coverage is all about information, education and entertainment. I bleed crimson and gray and have no intention of bowing down to “The Dub.” Prior to my college education, I served honorably and proudly in the U.S. Air Force in the Gulf War era. In my experience in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin over the years, I have found folks down to earth, community minded, andmore passionate about their sports than they seem on the west side. Moreover, the quality of life is more laid back and simple. It is a pleasure to work with the wonderful folks of Townsquare Media -- Yakima and Tri-Cities, as an I.T. / studio engineer along with my duties as brand manager / market play-by-play announcer with 1460 ESPN Yakima. My passion for sports broadcasting runs deep, with influence from great announcers like Dave Niehaus, Pete Gross, Rick Rizz, Bob Blackburn, Bob Robertson and Kevin Calabro. I have presented sports from high school, NCAA, and the professional ranks. The biggest priority for me at 1460 ESPN / Newstalk KIT sports broadcasts is simple: to deliver a top-flight product for every event we cover, every school we represent, and to build a culture for sports fans, student-athletes that brings communities together. To accomplish these objectives, we encourage our listeners to support local businesses who support our broadcast coverage, thus engaging in local commerce. Point to note, when I call the action for the schools in the Yakima Valley, no matter the classification, I am a supporter of every school I cover, and passionate about the success of everyone who engages in athletic competition. If I am called a homer, it's only for the area I represent -- the Yakima Valley. Outside of broadcasting, I am active in education, work with folks with special needs, and a proud member of the Professional Bowlers Association. Been bowling competitively for 29 years, actively coach fellow bowlers, and also competent in fitting and drilling bowling equipment. I encourage everyone, no matter the class or caliber, to share in the tools I have learned in life to achieve success and build lasting relationships. Isn’t that what life is all about? Achieve ... Believe ... Receive.
