Justin Lum: The Story Behind FOX 10 Phoenix’s Award-Winning Journalist
Justin Lum is an award-winning investigative journalist currently working for FOX 10 Phoenix. He joined the FOX 10 team in January 2019.
Justin has covered key topics such as local crime, courts, and justice, and has connected with countless victims and their affected families.
He is known for his coverage of the Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell case, which gained national attention.
Justin has received several accolades for his work, including a regional Emmy in 2021 for continuing coverage and a Murrow award.
He also helped launch the “FOX 10 Investigates: Missing in Arizona” series to shed light on missing persons cases across the state.
Before joining FOX 10, Justin reported in multiple markets, including Fresno, CA, and the Tri-Cities of Washington state, where he also served as a sports anchor.
He is a proud Oakland native and earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from San Francisco State University.
In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, going to local restaurants and breweries, and cheering on his Oakland Raiders.
Early Life and Education:
Justin Lum is originally from Oakland, California, where he grew up in the Bay Area.
He developed an early interest in journalism and storytelling, which eventually led him to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
He attended San Francisco State University, where he earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
His education provided him with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of investigative reporting.
Career:
Justin Lum began his journalism career reporting in various markets, including Fresno, California, and the Tri-Cities area of Washington state, where he also served as a sports anchor.
In 2019, he joined FOX 10 Phoenix as a night-side general assignment reporter, focusing extensively on local crime, courts, and justice.
His relentless coverage of the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case, involving two missing children from Arizona, earned him a regional Emmy in 2021 for continuing coverage.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in launching “FOX 10 Investigates: Missing in Arizona,” a series dedicated to shedding light on missing persons cases across the state, particularly those involving people of color marginalized by national media.
KEPR (Pasco, Washington)
Justin Lum began his career at KEPR, a CBS-affiliated television station in Pasco, Washington.
As a one-man-band reporter and weekend sports anchor, Justin was responsible for researching, writing, shooting, and editing his own stories.
This role required a high level of versatility and adaptability, as he had to manage multiple aspects of the reporting process on his own.
One-Man-Band Reporter and Weekend Sports Anchor:
- Researching: Justin had to identify and investigate potential news stories, often focusing on hyper-local issues that were important to the community. This involved attending local events, interviewing residents, and staying informed about local government activities.
- Writing: He wrote scripts for his news reports, ensuring that the information was accurate, engaging, and easy to understand for viewers.
- Shooting: Justin operated the camera to capture video footage for his stories. This included setting up shots, conducting on-camera interviews, and recording live events.
- Editing: He edited the video footage to create polished news segments that were ready for broadcast. This involved selecting the best clips, adding graphics and text, and ensuring the final product met the station’s standards for quality.
Through this experience, Justin developed a strong foundation in all aspects of news production, learning the importance of hyper-local news and sports to small communities.
His ability to handle multiple roles and deliver high-quality stories helped him build a reputation as a dedicated and capable journalist.
Fresno, California
After his tenure at KEPR, Justin moved to Fresno, California, where he continued to build his career as a reporter.
In Fresno, Justin focused on covering local crime, courts, and justice issues.
period allowed him to deepen his understanding of the criminal justice system and develop strong investigative reporting skills.
Coverage of Local Crime, Courts, and Justice Issues:
- Crime Reporting: Justin covered a wide range of crime stories, from minor incidents to major criminal cases. This involved working closely with law enforcement agencies, attending press conferences, and interviewing crime victims and their families.
- Court Reporting: He reported on court proceedings, providing detailed coverage of trials, hearings, and legal decisions. This required a thorough understanding of legal processes and the ability to explain complex legal concepts to viewers.
- Investigative Reporting: Justin developed strong investigative reporting skills, uncovering information that was not readily available to the public. This involved conducting in-depth research, interviewing sources, and verifying facts to ensure accuracy.
His work in Fresno helped him establish a reputation as a dedicated and thorough journalist who was committed to uncovering the truth.
His ability to cover complex and sensitive topics with professionalism and accuracy earned him the trust and respect of viewers and colleagues alike.
Tri-Cities, Washington
Justin also worked in the Tri-Cities area of Washington state, where he served as both a reporter and a sports anchor.
This role further expanded his versatility as a journalist, allowing him to cover a wide range of topics from breaking news to sports events.
Reporter and Sports Anchor:
- News Reporting: Justin continued to cover a variety of news stories, including local government, community events, and human interest pieces. His ability to connect with the community and tell compelling stories made him a valuable asset to the news team.
- Sports Anchoring: In addition to his news reporting duties, Justin served as a sports anchor, covering local high school and college sports events. This role required a deep knowledge of sports and the ability to deliver engaging and informative sports reports.
His experience in the Tri-Cities demonstrated his adaptability and breadth of knowledge in the field of journalism.
He was able to seamlessly transition between different types of reporting, showcasing his versatility and dedication to delivering high-quality news coverage.
Oakland Raiders Silver & Black Productions
Justin spent a significant part of his career as a producer for the Oakland Raiders’ Silver & Black Productions.
During his time with the Raiders, he and his colleagues received an Emmy award in 2015 for a 30-minute program on Ray Guy’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
Producer for Silver & Black Productions:
- Content Creation: Justin was responsible for producing high-quality content that highlighted the achievements and stories of Raiders players and staff. This included creating documentaries, feature stories, and other multimedia content.
- Emmy Award-Winning Program: One of Justin’s notable achievements was producing a 30-minute program on Ray Guy’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. This program received an Emmy award in 2015, recognizing its excellence in storytelling and production.
His work with the Raiders allowed Justin to combine his passion for sports with his skills in production, contributing to compelling stories that resonated with audiences.
His ability to produce high-quality content that celebrated the achievements of notable sports figures highlighted his talent and dedication as a journalist.
FOX 10 Phoenix
In January 2019, Justin joined FOX 10 Phoenix as a night-side general assignment reporter.
At FOX 10, Justin has extensively covered local crime, courts, and justice issues, connecting with countless victims and their affected families.
He is particularly known for his coverage of the Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell case, which gained national attention due to its complex and high-profile nature.
Night-Side General Assignment Reporter:
- Crime and Court Reporting: Justin has extensively covered local crime, courts, and justice issues, providing in-depth coverage of important cases and events. His work has helped bring attention to critical issues affecting the community and has earned him recognition for his dedication to uncovering the truth.
- Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell Case: Justin is particularly known for his coverage of the Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell case, a high-profile investigation that gained national attention. His comprehensive reporting on the case showcased his dedication to providing accurate and detailed information to the public.
“FOX 10 Investigates: Missing in Arizona” Series:
- Launching the Series: Justin played a key role in launching the “FOX 10 Investigates: Missing in Arizona” series, which aims to shed light on missing persons cases across the state. This series reflects Justin’s commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless and bringing attention to critical issues that impact the community.
- Impactful Reporting: Through this series, Justin has connected with countless victims and their affected families, providing them with a platform to share their stories and seek justice. His work has helped bring attention to cases that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, highlighting his dedication to impactful reporting.
Justin’s work at FOX 10 has earned him several accolades, including a regional Emmy in 2021 for continuing coverage and a Murrow award.
Here are Justin Lum’s notable reports:
- Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell Case: National attention for uncovering crucial details of the high-profile case involving the disappearance and deaths of Lori Vallow’s children.
- “FOX 10 Investigates: Missing in Arizona” Series: Launched a series focusing on missing persons cases across Arizona, especially in marginalized communities.
- DEA Phoenix: Industrial Chemical in Fentanyl Supply: Exclusive access to a DEA mobile lab, highlighting the discovery of an industrial chemical in the fentanyl supply.
- Kingpin: Arizona Father and Son Drug Trafficking Ring: Reported on a large-scale drug trafficking ring, with the DOJ charging two men under the “Kingpin” statute.
- Sober Living Scandal: Covered a class-action lawsuit alleging Arizona ignored exploitation and harm to Native Americans in sober living facilities.
Justin Lum has received several awards and recognitions for his outstanding work in journalism:
- Regional Emmy Award (2021): Justin won a regional Emmy in the continuing coverage category for his extensive reporting on the Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell case.
- Murrow Award: Justin has also been honored with a Murrow award, recognizing his excellence in broadcast journalism.
- Emmy Award for Silver & Black Productions: While working with the Oakland Raiders Silver & Black Productions, Justin and his team received an Emmy award in 2015 for a 30-minute program on Ray Guy’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.\
Here are six reporters and anchors at FOX 10 Phoenix who could be Justin Lum’s colleagues:
- Kenzie Beach – General assignment reporter.
- Lauren Clark – Joined the team in the Fall of 2022.
- Ty Brennan: Weather anchor/reporter.
- Irene Snyder – Emmy-award-winning reporter who joined in September 2020.
- John Hook – Co-anchors weekdays at 4, 5, and 9 pm.
Financial Status:
Justin Lum’s estimated net worth is around $250,000. This estimation takes into account his extensive career in journalism, particularly his investigative reporting, which has brought him significant recognition.
Net worth calculations for journalists can vary widely based on factors such as years of experience, salary, investments, and additional sources of income like speaking engagements or book deals.
Salary:
Justin Lum’s annual salary as an investigative reporter at FOX 10 Phoenix is estimated to range from $27,700 to $78,800.
These figures are based on industry averages for investigative journalists in similar roles and markets. In addition, the exact details of his contract and compensation package are not publicly disclosed.
Salaries for journalists can depend on a variety of factors including market size, the journalist’s level of experience, and their role within the organization.
Justin Lum’s Personal Life:
- Age: Justin Lum was born on January 27, 1989, which makes him 36 years old.
- Zodiac Sign: Justin Lum’s zodiac sign is Aquarius
- Ethnicity: Justin Lum is of Asian descent, as indicated by his surname “Lum.”
- Nationality: Justin Lum is American, having grown up in Oakland, California.
- Relationship Status: Justin Lum is married.
Wife:
Justin Lum’s wife is named Laura. They have a daughter named Giselle. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, going to local restaurants and breweries, and cheering on his Oakland Raiders. He also loves binge-watching his favorite shows and working out.
Additionally, he often shares moments from his family life on social media. In a 2023 Instagram post, he celebrated five years of marriage, reflecting on their journey together as a family.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Justin Lum is estimated to be around 6 feet tall (approximately 1.83 meters).
- Weight: He is estimated to weigh around 176 pounds (approximately 80 kg).
- Distinguishing Features: Justin Lum has black hair and brown eyes.
Justin Lum is active on social media. He uses platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share updates about his work and engage with his audience.