She’s a fan.
Steelers. Pirates. Penguins.
And not the kind of fan who only wears the sparkly and colorful clothes either Nope, this lady named Jaime Baker knows the names, their numbers, the stats, and even contractual details and years to free agency for each member of her favorite black-and-gold teams. Her fandom, in fact, likely explains why she and her fiancé, Tim Benz – one of the top sports reporters in the Pittsburgh sports market – are such a perfect match.
And ESPN – go figure – is to blame for her passion to become the next great sports broadcaster, and that’s exactly how she began her career once graduated from Ohio University’s journalism program in 2009. But then, in 2018, she found us right here nestled in our little valley region where we adore our sports, love our kids, and continue to fight our way out of a recessed economy that took a dump back when the country’s manufacturing industry was forfeited to overseas workforces, and steel died a slow and painful death.
Baker, though, seems to see something. A light, or maybe just a trickle of a glimmer of something positive for a change, and that’s why she’s started a new series during her WTOV TV9 broadcasts called, “The Wheeling Feeling.”
Baker is covering special events, local landmarks, historical milestones, and, yes, some sports highlights, too, that all play into what makes up today’s version of the “Wheeling Feeling.”
What are the best and most difficult parts about reporting on the Upper Ohio Valley?
I have loved reporting in the Ohio Valley. My favorite part is meeting new people, learning their stories and having the opportunity to share them. I think the most difficult part about it is just the fact that some subjects can be so frustrating because no matter how much you do, it’s tough to move the needle.
Subjects like the opioid epidemic or recidivism are good examples- sometimes it feels like for every step you take forward, something sends you two steps back. I think that’s the case in all markets, but it can be a very frustrating (and humbling) part of the job.
You MUST be a sports expert now since you’re now engaged to one of the most popular sports reporters in Pittsburgh, right?
While I do feel like I get some “insider info” thanks to my fiance, I have actually been a huge sports fan my entire life. Prior to starting at WTOV, I spent 8 years as a sports anchor at stations in West Virginia and Central Pennsylvania, covering WVU, Penn State, the Steelers and more.
I’ve been a diehard Pittsburgh fan as long as I can remember, so sports have always held a huge part of my heart. Being engaged to a sports reporter is just an added bonus!
Are you a dog or cat person?
I am a dog person through and through. I love their loyalty, I love that they can be a running or walking partner. We hope to get a dog of our own eventually!
How do you define the Wheeling Feeling?
While I know “Wheeling Feeling” definitely has its meaning from decades ago, to me, it’s something very different. I’ve watched Wheeling develop and change so much since 2018. That’s not to say the city hasn’t had its issues, or that I’ve agreed with every decision made by elected officials.
But I truly believe Wheeling’s arrow is pointing up. So, for me, Wheeling Feeling is about being optimistic about the future- and seeing just how far the Friendly City can go.
Please tell the short version of the story about how you got into the TV side of media.
I’ve wanted to be on television since the summer before 8th grade. I was watching SportsCenter one morning and decided that I wanted to be a sportscaster and really never looked back! I went to Ohio University and majored in journalism and started in TV in 2009.
