Meet Emmy Winning Journalist |

Joshua Short

@Joshuaishort

Can you introduce yourself to our readers? Tell us your full name, and your story leading up to your career in Journalism here in Denver?

My name is Joshua Short, and I’m a journalist at FOX31. I’ve won two Emmys and hope to continue impacting lives through storytelling. 

I hail from Chicago, Illinois. I was born, alongside my older twin brother Julian – in Hampton, Virginia. We barely remember Virginia though, because we were about four years old when we moved to Chicago. Growing up in Chicago was memorable, challenging and rewarding. The toughness of the city, its unpredictability, the fact we live right next-door to our in-laws, and our overprotective mother, all help keep us grounded, and prepared for the world. 

I also have a sister, who is 14 years older than the both of us. She acted as a second mom to us, which was necessary, for my mom, raised all three of us on her own. 

After graduating from Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, I pursued my secondary education at Columbia College Chicago, studying broadcast journalism. 

While there, I interned in several news rooms. When I wasn’t in those newsrooms, I was using on the top of a double-decker with a microphone in hand as a tour guide in downtown Chicago. That really helped prepare me for live TV. 

After graduating from Columbia in 2017, I began my career in journalism two weeks later on-air in South Bend, Indiana. 

I begin as a reporter in the field. But after a Black Friday live shot went viral, I was shockingly promoted to morning anchor. 

I stayed there 4 1/2 years, and won my first Emmy for a story surrounding shootings in the city, and diving into why they happen.

Which neighborhood did you eventually choose to call home? And why? How does Denver life compare to Chicago? 

I now live in the South Broadway, neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. This is a distant planet compared to Chicago’s South Side, which is responsible for my upbringing.

What are some of your most notable stories you have covered throughout your career so far? And the most notable Denver related stories? 

My most notable stories actually have to do with both Emmy’s that I’ve won. The first, in South Bend, Indiana for a story called “Why Shoot?”  This was an enterprise story that I thought of after what was a violent year for shootings in South Bend. I knew there was a story here, because people look at shootings as a problem directly linked race. That’s not true, in fact, there’s more to it. I was proud to do the story, and delve into the “Why,” even though I received pushback from some in the newsroom who thought I wouldn’t have been able to gather the elements necessary for it. Not only did we air the seven-minute piece during a news broadcast, which is a no-no due to the length of time, but it also won an Emmy a year later. 

Here in Denver, I was part of our team’s coverage of the devastating Marshall fire. I wasn’t here three full months, before the unthinkable happened. It was my first big story in a much bigger market. For over a month, me and our team spent time in Boulder County, meeting families and other community members as they grieved, but also began to quickly rebuild. It was such a sad story to cover. I’ll never forget, a family impacted by the fire spoke with me on New Year’s Eve, the day after the fire sparked. They were so thankful for our coverage the night prior. It was a surreal moment for me as a journalist.

How would you describe the Personality or “Vibe” of Denver? 

I always tell people that Denver is a melting pot of people with different backgrounds, practices, beliefs and interests. I think the  Denver neighborhoods have strong identities. But as a city, as a region, the identity is undefined in ever evolving. Some people fit that mold, perfectly, and some have trouble navigating it. I don’t think there’s another place in the United States like it. There is so much to do, not just outdoors either. There’s so much to see and so much history here. It’s hard to put a label this place. It has this beautifully complicated mystique, which is why it’s such a vibe!

What are some of your favorite Denver spots (Businesses, Parks, etc.) that stand out to you? 

I am genuinely in love with the Five Points neighborhood. There is so much history there that I’ve still yet to discover. It’s the Harlem of the West. Some believe the neighborhood is being gentrified. As a journalist, I’ve talked extensively with business owners, and community members who say the neighborhood is definitely changing. Whether it be for good or for bad, it depends on who you ask. Also, Wash Park is a vibe. Especially in the summer. Also, for those who know me, they know I’m a foodie. I love trying new places in the city with friends and many times by myself!

If people want to watch your reporting on Fox31, when / how can they? 

People can turn to fox 31 weeknights at 9 and 10. Usually I report nights, so you can see my reporting at nine and 10 o’clock. I anchor at the desk weekend nights, so you can see me in a Macy’s suit and poignant tie on your Saturday and Sunday nights.

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