From USU classroom to KUTV reporter
Being hit by a bull, repelling down a large building in Salt Lake City, scuba diving with Santa Claus and hanging out with jumping water dogs is just the average week for KUTV 2 feature reporter Casey Scott.
Scott’s job is unique compared to many others. He said he spends each morning on KUTV 2 News showcasing events, activities and performances across the state. His unique reporting style not only comes from his talent, but from the education he received while attending USU a few years ago.
Scott grew up in Ogden and said he chose USU because he wanted a true college experience. He said many colleges across the state are commuter schools but in Logan, Scott said he knew he could have a lot of fun.
“I chose USU because I thought I would get in more trouble than if I went to the U,” he said.
Becoming a True Aggie, sledding down Old Main Hill, eating breakfast at Angie’s and walking up Old Main Hill until his nostrils were frozen are only a few of the memories Scott said he had while attending USU. But Scott said the best decision he made while at school was becoming involved and joining the Sigma Chi fraternity. Scott said he lived in the fraternity house for four years and made friends he has kept in touch with many years later.
“When I joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, it was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “I grew a lot, but you don’t need a frat to do that.”
Scott said the teachers at USU helped make his experience at USU much more enjoyable. Scott said the teachers were “cool” and felt they genuinely cared for him. Scott majored in broadcast journalism and said he enjoyed his communications classes, but his attendance in the generals and large auditorium classes depended upon one thing.
“You would show up to class the first day and see if there were any hot chicks. If not, you wouldn’t go to class,” he said.
Scott said he was the class clown throughout college and thought many professors and peers never thought he would make it to where he is today.
“How many people on TV actually have sideburns and a goatee?” Scott said.
However, Scott said when planning to attend USU, there are a few musts students have to do before they graduate. He said they must be a True Aggie, have a Big Dog or burger at the White Owl, eat breakfast at Angie’s, experience one trip to La Tienda in Preston, Idaho, and spend one summer in Logan.
“Have fun, because you will never have fun like that again,” Scott said.
After five years attending USU and enjoying the party life involved, Scott headed to Salt Lake City and pursued a career in radio. Scott worked for nine years as part of the “Chunga and Mister Show” on 101.9 The End and said his job included broadcasting remotes and giving the station personality and driven segments.
“If we didn’t get two complaints a week,” he said, “we weren’t doing our job.”
Along with his radio career, Scott was filling in for TV personalities until an opening became available.
“I sent the producer flowers that said ‘If you need a reporter, call Casey’ along with my phone number,” Scott said. “They then called.”
Scott said he enjoyed his time with radio, but he always had to follow someone else’s lead, whereas with his job in TV, Scott said he gets to pick his own lead.
Every day is different for Scott, and he said he will never have the same day twice. Scott plans his week by calling different companies and looking for events and activities that sound fun.
If granted permission by the different companies, Scott said he spends the morning hanging out and promoting the event or activity occurring. He describes the state of Utah as his office and has done segments from Tremonton down to Cedar City.
Because Scott’s TV segments are live and oftentimes dangerous, Scott said he has had to second guess many of his activities and decisions.
“I’ve thought, if something happens is it worth it?” he said. “Yes, it always is.”
Scott said once that camera is placed on him, he gains courage. Scott said he loves his job and loves what he is doing in life, even if he does have to get up early every morning.
– courtnie.packer@aggiemail.usu.edu