Jazz in the Gardens 2016

Constance Jones & James T from HOT 105 at Jazz in the Gardens 2016/ Photo Credit: AJ Shorter

MIAMI GARDENS, FL: The 11th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music festival was held earlier this month, with thousands of music lovers filling Sun Life Stadium. The event is regarded as one of the most highly anticipated music festivals in the country, with world class artist that include: Usher, Babyface, Janelle Monae and Kool & The Gang.

 

Hanging with "The Hulk"

Don’t make him angry!  I had the pleasure of interviewing the Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno.  He was in South Florida for the Wizard World Comic Con in Fort Lauderdale.

Fashion Reporting

The colorful evolution of fashion is a constant reminder of our ever changing perspectives on beauty, sophistication and credibility.  We witness textile transformations season by season,  on social media, magazines and of course the catwalk. But how much do “women in power” play a role in changing fashion perspectives?

Meeting the Stars of Magic Mike XXL

It was HOT in Miami for more than on reason! I had the tough assignment of interviewing the cast from Magic Mike XXL. The stars from the sequel were in Miami to receive a star on Miami's Walk of Fame.

Truth About Women in Media

Bad news for women in media.  According to a new study by the Women’s Media Center, the status of women in news and entertainment has shown little progress!  The research also revealed a drop in women working in sports broadcasting, with 7% fewer women in the industry. Nationwide, men still dominate “hard news” coverage including evening newscast and politics. When it comes to management teams, they are overwhelming white and male with 92% white and 84 % male.

Insight On The World of Broadcasting

 With over 12 years of professional broadcasting experience, I am often asked to give advice and insight on surviving the business.  There are obvious challenges broadcasters face, specifically minorities and women. 

Tips for Being a Successful Mistress of Ceremonies

Constance Jones Hosting the South Florida HANA Gala, 2015/ Over the past decade, I’ve hosted dozens of events. 

 

4 Winning Writing Strategies

The first thing you have to understand about the business of broadcasting is that you have to be A GOOD WRITER!  It's not just about having a pretty face! In the age of technology, writing skills are imperative for every industry, especially broadcast journalism!

Thankful For Negative Words

In life, you will receive criticism. That's definitely the case for me, the good, the bad and the ugly! With over 2 million viewers in South Florida, everyone has an opinion. From advice on fashion to my lipstick color, social media opens the door for people to share their daily critiques on my performance and appearance.

6 Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd

How will you distinguish yourself among the competition? It’s a daily challenge for me. I work in one of the most aggressive news markets in the country, surrounded by dozens of amazing journalist!  So, how do I stand out in the crowd?

How do you get a job on TV?

  

How do you get a job in Television?  It’s the question I am asked several times a week! Many people believe the TV life is fun and exciting! One day you’re chatting it up with your favorite celebrities, the next you could be interviewing the Governor!  Plus there is a certain amount of “celebrity” attached to being an on-air talent! But before you pursue a career in broadcasting, I want to be upfront about a few things!  

Why are Constance Jones & Julie Durda talking about boogers?

 

Sharing a special moment with my co-worker--Local 10's Julie Durda!  Yes we talk about boogers in the morning! 

Gross right--but hey, it got your attention! Find out why we talk about boogers during the morning news-- click on the image below! 

 

At a time where Local TV news viewership is down—news anchors and reporters have to find better ways to connect with their audience. According to Pew Research Center’s annual “State of the NEWS Media”—there has been a 6 percent declined in viewership between 2006 and 2012! Only 28 percent of those aged 18 to 29 now regularly watch TV news. That’s down from 42 percent just six years earlier!

So, why do I say all this?!? SIMPLE—Dare to be different. Its helped our morning newscast! Our ratings continue to climb in a highly competitive South Florida Market. Don’t be afraid to take risk and find new, unusual or unexpected ways to connect with your audience! (or customers) 

What tips would you give to connect with viewers?

Journalists Bundle Up with Huggabeans

Constance Jones Covering the 2007 Ice Storm in OKC

While most of the country battles historic arctic temperatures, news and weather reporters are left shivering in the cold.  It’s all a part of the job!  But when wind chills are below freezing, news crews have to find a way to keep warm! For the past 6 years, I've been lucky to enjoy 80 degree temperatures during South Florida's winters. But it wasn't always that way--here's a clip of my Ice Storm Coverage from KOCO ABC!

Courtney Gousman

When out in the field,  CBS 2 Chicago Reporter Courtney Gousman bundles up with a big coat and Huggabeans! 

Scott Padgett

If he’s not in the studio, Meteorologist Scott Padgett from KTVT CBS in Dallas wears Huggabeans!

Jamie McGriff

Memphis News Reporter Jamie McGriff rocked this red scarf and hat set—keeping warm and fashionable while delivering the news!

Sean Muserallo

Here’s an image from WYFF-TV News Reporter Sean Muserallo – ready for the Polar Vortex!  The crochet scarf and beanie kept him warm!! 

For those who LOVE these hats-- feel free to check out Huggabeans-- and click on the Huggabeans for Adults LINK!

Super Mom-- Super Broadcaster

 My dear friend Aubrey Aquino made her NFL Network debut last week on their morning show, “NFL AM,” with a countdown style segment on NFL’s PopCulture Crossovers.

Can you believe that she just gave birth to her second child 3 weeks ago! So-- how does she do it? Aubrey sat down with me-- to share her advice for other working mothers! 

1. How do you balance your love life, your two kids and work? I'm a Libra, so I'm constantly striving to find balance and stay there. That being said, I'm the kind of gal who wants to fit it (life) all in, and everyday I try to figure it out how to make it work. I'd say what works for me is being organized, planning ahead and making time for anything and everything. At times my scales get out of balance, so I just keep working to get things back in place! 

2. What advice would you give to other mothers trying to get back in the work field? My best advice to other Mothers, who may be attempting to get back to work, is to stay focused. When I decided to become a Mother, I knew I'd be putting my career on the back burner, and I'm fine with that because there is no better job than being a Mother...BUT all the while, I have kept networking and looking for opportunities that suit my background, what I want to do and still work with my Mom role. There are times when it feels like you're losing yourself in this "kid" world, but don't lose sight of who you are and what you're capable of. I've been blessed to have unexpected opportunities knock at my door, so I'm letting them in!

Someone wants to play!

 3.What has been the best part of being a mother—the second time around?The best part about being a Mother, the second time around, is knowing that I didn't do so badly the first time and now I get to "fine tune" things! No two babies are the same, but I am more relaxed this go around and also more confident in my parenting skills. It's also great to see my 2 boys in front of me and know they will grow to be best of buds and always have each other.

4. What’s your next project? Honestly, my next "project" is to get back in pre-baby form! After delivering 2 children in 53 weeks, my body needs a break, and I can't wait to slip into my favorite pair of jeans from 2 years ago! So, fitness is at the top of my list, but work-wise, I plan to continue working as a TV Host and Reporter and do more segments as a contributor to television outlets like the NFL Network and The Welcome Channel. 

To find out more about Aubrey—check out her amazing website by clicking here!!