jill valley

I grew up in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and was a member of AERho, the student broadcasting honor club. I also wrote for the school newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, and was the Public Relations chairman for the local Greek System.

I spent my last semester of college as an intern reporter at KAPP-TV in Yakima, Washington

My first job was as a reporter at WOWL-TV in Florence, Alabama. I was there for five months. My first professional story was a double homicide so I didn't get to ease into it! I also experienced tornados and Opossoms. Then I saw in a trade magazine a job opening at KECI-TV in Missoula so, I applied.

I was hired in April of 1989 by Jim Harmon, the News Director, to be a tapes/graphics operator and reporter. Lucky for them, I got to forego the technical job and got to just report where I soon became the morning news cut-in anchor then the 6:00 and 10:00 anchor.

In November 1992, KPAX hired me as Assistant News Director and Anchor for the 5:30 and 10:00 newscasts.

I have had opportunities to move to different markets but chose to make my home in Missoula. I've moderated countless political debates, hosted the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon for 20 years, and been a part of most major news events in Western Montana.

I've been lucky to win several awards for reporting over the years from an Emmy, a Murrow, and countless awards from the Montana Broadcasters Association. The real reward is contributing to the art of journalism.