Jason DeRusha
{{Short description|Minnesota journalist and broadcaster}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jason DeRusha
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|01|24}}
| birth_place = Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.
| occupation = Radio host, journalist
| spouse = Alyssa DeRusha
| children = 2
| employer = WCCO Radio
| known_for = WCCO-TV anchor, food critic, radio host
}}
Jason DeRusha (born January 24, 1975) is an American journalist and radio host best known for his long tenure as a news anchor at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. He is currently the host of the afternoon drive program on WCCO (AM), and is recognized for his approachable style, versatility across formats, and extensive coverage of Minnesota news and culture.{{cite web |title=Jason DeRusha Announces Transition To New Role At WCCO‑TV |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/jason-derusha-announces-transition-to-new-role-at-wcco-tv/ |publisher=CBS Minnesota |date=May 24, 2022 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Jason DeRusha to join WCCO radio lineup with afternoon show |url=https://www.startribune.com/jason-derusha-to-join-wcco-radio-lineup-with-afternoon-show/600181823/ |publisher=Star Tribune |author=Neal Justin |date=June 7, 2022 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}
Early life and education
DeRusha was born in Des Plaines, Illinois, and grew up in suburban Chicago. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and broadcast journalism. During college, he gained early media experience through internships and student-run media outlets.{{cite web |title=Daily Inspiration: Meet Jason DeRusha |url=https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-jason-derusha/ |publisher=Voyage Minnesota |date=April 10, 2024 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}
Career
DeRusha began his professional journalism career as a reporter at stations in Milwaukee and Davenport, Iowa, before joining WCCO-TV in 2003. He gained local prominence through his role as a morning anchor and as the station's food critic, where his segments combined lifestyle reporting with a deep appreciation for the Twin Cities culinary scene.
In May 2022, DeRusha announced he would be leaving the WCCO morning anchor desk after nearly two decades, stating that it was time for a "new adventure."{{cite web |title=Jason DeRusha announces he's leaving WCCO morning show |url=https://www.startribune.com/jason-derusha-announces-hes-leaving-wcco-morning-show/600175223/ |publisher=Star Tribune |author=Neal Justin |date=May 24, 2022 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}} He officially signed off from WCCO-TV on June 23, 2022.{{cite web |title=Jason DeRusha signs off after 19 years at WCCO |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/jason-derusha-signs-off-after-19-years-at-wcco/ |publisher=CBS Minnesota |date=June 23, 2022 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}
Shortly thereafter, it was announced that DeRusha would transition to radio, hosting the afternoon drive program on WCCO (AM). His show debuted on June 27, 2022, blending news, interviews, listener calls, and commentary on local issues.{{cite web |title=WCCO Adds Jason DeRusha As Afternoon Host |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/229217/wcco-adds-jason-derusha-as-afternoon-host/ |publisher=RadioInsight |date=June 7, 2022 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}
Awards and recognition
Throughout his career, DeRusha has received multiple Emmy Awards for his reporting and anchoring. He has also been recognized by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and was named one of "Minnesota's Most Influential Media Personalities" by local publications.
In 2015, DeRusha was named a finalist for a James Beard Foundation Award in the "Television Segment" category for his work as a food reporter on WCCO-TV.{{cite web |title=2015 James Beard Foundation Broadcast and New Media Award Nominees |url=https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2015-james-beard-broadcast-and-journalism-award-nominees |publisher=James Beard Foundation |date=March 24, 2015 |accessdate=June 13, 2025}}
His food reporting helped elevate local culinary journalism and earned accolades from both industry professionals and viewers.
Personal life
Jason DeRusha lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota, with his wife, Alyssa, and their two sons. He is active in community events and charitable initiatives and is known for his passion for food, often sharing dining recommendations and culinary insights on social media.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/hosts/jason-derusha Jason DeRusha profile at WCCO Radio]
- [https://www.marquette.edu/alumni/ Marquette University Alumni Association]
Category:People from Des Plaines, Illinois
Category:Journalists from Minneapolis
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