Name: Jason "J'Ben" Pikstein
Title: Media Prep Tech II
Phone:
Email: jason.pikstein@fox47news.com
What is your job?
Media Prep Tech, which I like to describe as watching TV & playing on the computer all day, but in actuality I help prepare programs, promos, and commercials to be ready for airing, checking to make sure they are in house, have closed captioning, and are properly segmented. I also make sure that everything is working and that we are on-air.
But I do so much more than that. I also fill a number of other roles. Satellite Coordinator - keeping track of which programs are coming from where, and when, and helping schedule them to be received. School Closings Administrator - maintaining our database of schools and businesses, and working with them to help get notifications of closures or delays either on-air or on our website. And Morning Blend Director/Producer - creating graphics for Blend segments, directing the in-studio tapings of these segments, and producing them so they are ready for airing.
When did you start working here?
October 24th, 2002
Where else have you worked?
WHTV, WLAJ, a couple different video production companies in Michigan, not to mention retail stores, and a party company. I am also an artist and do some personal and commission artwork in my off hours.
Where did you go to college/Trade school?
Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, Oakland Community College and Lansing Community College
Where did you grow up?
Michigan born and bred.
What makes you passionate about what you do?
I am a creative person by nature and this job allows me to use my creativity on multiple projects in and around the station.
What is your philosophy on the work that you do?
I don't really have a philosophy. There's work to get done, so I get it done. I like it when I can not only get my work done, but also help in other areas. It keeps things interesting.
What do you love about living here?
Honestly, living in Lansing began as a matter of convenience. Many of my friends were here, I found a job here, I eventually met my wife here, and we are halfway between her family and mine. But I like the people I have met here and I like that Lansing has a pretty diverse culture.
