Jarell Baker joined the WKMG-TV team in May 2024 as a general assignment reporter.
Before coming to the station, Jarell worked in Central Texas at KXXV 25 News in Waco. He was promoted to weekend anchor at 25 News in 2022.
During his three years in Central Texas, he won a 2022 Lone Star EMMY in the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for his role the “Uncovering Our History” special. It’s one of the only two EMMYs KXXV won in its 40-year history.
He’s also covered several stories in Central Texas, including the 2021 Big Freeze, The Killeen Mall Shooting, Vanessa Guillén Death Investigation, several parades and events.
Jarell graduated from Florida A&M University in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. In 2015, Jarell graduated from Full Sail University with a master's degree in New Media Journalism.
Originally, Jarell was not interested in the news, but he developed a passion for telling stories during his college years.
In 2016, he decided to begin his news career working as a TV producer for Polk County Government Television.
After five months, Jarell decided to take another step in his news career by joining his first news station, WTXL ABC27, as a photographer in Tallahassee.
Throughout the next two years, Jarell quickly excelled at his position and eventually worked his way up to becoming a reporter.
Seeking a change of scenery, Jarell decided to and join WJHG Newschannel 7 in Panama City Beach, Florida. During his time at WJHG, Jarell covered Hurricane Michael and the city's recovery efforts, the coronavirus outbreak and other local stories. He also won a Florida News Award for his story “Glenwood and Millville Forgotten.”
Jarell and his wife are excited to come back home to the Sunshine State!
Jarell was born and raised in Winter Haven, Florida.
He is an huge fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat.
When he’s away from the camera, Jarell enjoys gaming, watching anime, working out, listening to hip-hop and spending time with his wife, family and friends.
If you see Jarell out and about, don’t be afraid to say hello!
If you have any story ideas you can reach out to Jarell via Facebook, X, Instagram or by email.
Favorite Restaurant: Mr. and Mrs. Crab
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Genre Of Music: Hip-Hop
Favorite Musical Group/Singer: Kendrick Lamar/J.Cole
Favorite Web Site: YouTube
Favorite Author: Dr. Seuss
Favorite Book: Green Eggs and Ham
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Team: Buccaneers
Favorite Movie: John Q
Favorite TV Show: A Different World
Favorite Actor/Actress: Jamie Foxx
Favorite Quote: “If I can help someone as I pass along, then my living has not been in vain.”
Place You Would Love To Visit: Tokyo
