Covering the Bay area 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a demanding job, and it's exactly what viewers count on Spectrum Bay News 9 to do. Reporter Jason Lanning is passionate about going wherever the story leads him to fulfill that mission.
Before coming to Bay News 9, Jason was a general assignment and investigative reporter for CBS affiliate WIFR-TV in Rockford, Ill. His investigative reports led to several prostitution arrests and the shutdown of two motels for drug trafficking and prostitution.
Since joining the Bay News 9 team back in January of 2003, Jason has broken a number of stories across the Bay area. He uncovered a serious mold problem at a Clearwater apartment community, forcing a round of mold testing by the State of Florida. He was the first to tell you about Regal Cruise Line's ship being seized by U.S. marshals at Port Manatee.
In early 2004, Jason exposed a serious crime and gang problem plaguing a Tampa apartment community, and a fraud scheme being conducted through a payroll service in Hernando County. He also uncovered safety concerns of the popular SUV-style limos, many of which go through no formal inspection after being stretched and modified.
If you've lived in Tampa for even just a few years, chances are you've seen Jason stuck in the middle of hurricanes on both of Florida's coasts and beyond. His storm coverage for Spectrum Bay News 9 and partner stations has won him an Associated Press award, and also motivated him to become a licensed Ham Radio Operator as well as a certified Storm Spotter for the National Weather Service in Ruskin.
Jason is a proud dad of three boys in Hillsborough County Schools and a proud husband of his better half, a local ER nurse. He also likes to spend as much time as he can at local golf courses. Don't be surprised if you see him strolling some local fairways or hacking his way through the woods to find his ball!