Kent joined News 8 as a general assignment reporter on the final day of 1999.
Before joining News 8, Pierce was a Reporter and Field Anchor for WRNN-TV in New York City. There he covered breaking news, features, and politics throughout the tri-state area. Prior to WRNN, he worked for the Associated Press Radio Network as a reporter.
Kent also held positions as Writer/Researcher at Media Studies Center, Producer at Newsweek On Air, Station Manager and News Producer at WKCR-FM and News Director and Newscaster at WHVW-AM.
He received his B.A. from Columbia College and his M.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University in New York City.
Journalist who inspired you growing up: My mom, the first female hard-news reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal. As a baby, she took me to work and I’d happily play in a box next to her desk. I guess I’ve always liked newsrooms.
Favorite thing about your job: Having something to show for your effort at the end of the day.
Hardest thing about your job: Knocking on the door of someone who’s just lost a loved one. I know I have to do it, I know it’s part of the job, but I sure wish I didn’t have to do it.
Three words that describe you: Resilient, thinking, wordsmith
First job: Overnight board operator at WHVW-AM, an 800 watt radio station in Hyde Park, NY. I was 17.
Person you would like to eat lunch with: My Dad
How do you take your coffee: I only take it when necessary.
Favorite quote: “For every complex problem there is a simple solution…and it is wrong.” – H.L. Mencken
Hobbies: Finding the perfect cocktail
Can’t live without: Martinis
Best dish you can cook: Whatever the delivery guy brings
Favorite TV show: The Daily Show
Favorite movie: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Favorite food: Depends on the day…I’ve got a favorite place to eat in just about every town in Connecticut. Whatever they make, that’s my favorite food at that moment.
Favorite drink: Ummm, see “can’t live without”
Favorite snack: Twizzlers
Favorite musical group: Bird, Diz, Miles…if you have to ask, never mind
Favorite book: “The Sea Wolf” by Jack London
Favorite city to visit: New York
Advice for students interested in being a TV journalist: This is what I tell interns at News 8: Hang out with me for a few days…if I can’t talk you out of it, and if you can deal with the hours, the stress and the material…then go for it.
Most memorable story you covered while at WTNH: All the people from Connecticut who went to the Gulf Coast to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina
