Growing up in Chicago, Jonas Chaney found himself bit by the
radio bug at the young age of 12. “I heard the announcer, and I thought, ‘I
could do that. That’s what I want’,” remembers Jonas. It took him just five
years to get there. He started in radio at 17, while still in high school. Soon
his passion for communications, bolstered by his Masters in Journalism,
branched out to include television. It was there that Jonas hit his stride and
it appears his calling as well. As the Public Affairs Director at WPXI he
produces two shows, Impact and Talking Pittsburgh, both of which
discuss issues of importance in the various diverse communities of Greater
Pittsburgh.
“I have a very rewarding job. A lot of the stations in the
country do not have a public affairs director. I’m happy to have the Position,”
Jonas says. He continues, “I can delve into areas that highlight non-profits
and feature stories from people who aren’t always heard from. I can tell
people’s stories that otherwise wouldn’t be out there. Sometimes the news
department will pick up stories I have on the public affairs shows and do
further reporting on them, exposing these people and nonprofits to an even
wider audience.” Impact has featured shows on such varied topics as Muslim faith in
Pittsburgh and POISE, an African American foundation focused on building
sustainable black communities. Talking
Pittsburgh has given voice to Community Options, an employment service for
people with disabilities.
Carole Cohen was a coworker of Chaney’s at
INROADS/Pittsburgh, a former local affiliate of the organization that trains
and develops African-American, Latino, Native Americans and other minorities
for corporate careers. She nominated Chaney as a Dignity & Respect
Champion. While working at INROADS, Jonas lent his talents as a producer and
editor for many projects. Carole says, “He lent his talents for these projects
on his personal time. He also connected people to his vast network, helping
them to further their causes. He still does that. As an advocate for many, he
makes Pittsburgh a better, stronger place for all its residents. He achieves
this by dispelling stereotypes, introducing people from diverse communities and
showcasing the best the region has to offer.”
When asked how he feels about being recognized as a Dignity
& Respect Champion, Jonas says he is “Very happy, I didn’t expect it. I
recognize the importance of treating people well. It is the first step in opening
people’s eyes to the need to be more inclusive, and that can only make life
better for everyone. We should all see what we can do to give help and a voice
to those who need it.”
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