Introduction
Jason Kennedy is a well-known journalist from Tennessee who has made a name for himself in the world of entertainment reporting. Born on December 11, 1981, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Kennedy grew up in a family of four, with his parents and younger sister.
Early Life and Education
Kennedy attended the University of Miami, where he studied broadcast journalism. During his time at college, he worked as a reporter for the student-run television station, UMTV. After graduating in 2004, he began his career as a reporter for local news stations in Florida.
Entertainment Reporting
In 2005, Kennedy moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment reporting. He worked as a correspondent for E! News, covering red carpet events and interviewing celebrities. In 2012, he was promoted to co-host of E! News alongside Giuliana Rancic.
Philanthropy
Kennedy is also known for his philanthropic work. He is a board member of the Lollipop Theater Network, a non-profit organization that brings movies to children in hospitals. He also works with the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Personal Life
Kennedy married his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Scruggs, in December 2014. Scruggs is a fashion blogger and author who survived a plane propeller accident in 2011. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Monroe, in 2018.
Controversy
In 2018, Kennedy came under fire for allegedly being paid significantly more than his female co-host, Catt Sadler, for their work on E! News. Sadler left the show in protest, citing gender pay disparity as the reason for her departure. Kennedy denied any knowledge of the pay discrepancy and expressed support for Sadler.
Awards and Recognition
Kennedy has received several awards for his work in entertainment reporting, including four Emmy nominations. In 2014, he was named to the Hollywood Reporter's "35 Most Powerful People in Media" list.
Conclusion
Jason Kennedy is a respected journalist and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the world of entertainment reporting. Despite controversy surrounding his pay on E! News, Kennedy remains a prominent figure in the industry and continues to work towards making a positive impact in his community.