Royce Jones Biography: Emmy-Nominated Journalist & Community Advocate | ROJO DJ
Royce Jones is an Emmy-nominated journalist known for his dedication to storytelling and community advocacy.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, he has built a remarkable career in broadcast journalism, honing his skills as a reporter and anchor.
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised in New Kensington, PA, Royce Jones graduated from Valley High School.
He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Point Park University.
His passion for communication was evident early on, though he initially considered a career in talk radio before being drawn to television.
Journalism Career Highlights:
Jones has worked as a freelance reporter for KDKA in Pittsburgh and also has experience reporting and anchoring for other local television stations, including WTRF in West Virginia.
His work has covered a range of topics, and he is known for his commitment to impactful journalism and for giving a voice to the communities he covers.
Some of the rewarding aspects of his career, as he has stated, include meeting remarkable people, getting results through good journalism, and telling stories that challenge thoughts and open minds.
Awards and Recognition:
Royce Jones’s dedication and advocacy, particularly for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities, have earned him significant recognition.
He has received both a Golden Quill Award and a Vann Award, in addition to an Emmy nomination.
Beyond Journalism:
Outside of his journalism career, Royce Jones is also a multitalented DJ and Event Curator, known as “ROJO.”
He founded “Twirlosophy,” a Black/Queer-led music and events collective in Pittsburgh, focusing on diversity, equity, unity, and acceptance within the music and nightlife industry. He also has experience as an actor.
Age:
Royce Jones was born on October 25, 1998, making him 27 years old as of 2025. As a Scorpio, he exhibits traits commonly associated with this zodiac sign, such as determination and passion.
Royce is of African American descent and holds American nationality. His cultural and familial background has contributed to his unique perspective and dedication to journalism.
Parents and Siblings
Royce’s upbringing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was influential in shaping his career. Growing up in a diverse and vibrant city, he developed a passion for storytelling and journalism at a young age.
His environment provided a rich tapestry of experiences that fueled his desire to pursue a career in the media industry.
His mother, Sandra Jones, played a significant role in his life. Sandra was a cancer survivor and a devout dog mom who loved music.
Unfortunately, she passed away in March 2021, which was a profound loss for Royce. His father’s identity remains private.
Royce also has a brother and a sister, though details about them are not publicly disclosed. The support and influence of his family have been instrumental in his journey.
Height:
Royce Jones stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 7 inches (around 170 cm).
Career and Background:
Royce Jones has built a successful career in journalism, marked by his dedication and versatility. Here are some detailed insights into his professional journey:
Early Career and Education
- Education: Royce Jones graduated from Point Park University in 2020 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During his time at the university, he hosted and reported for the student-run show “UView”.
- Internships: He interned at KDKA-TV from May 2017 to July 2018, gaining valuable experience in the field.
Career at Nexstar Media Group
- WTRF-TV: From August 2018 to December 2019, Royce worked as a Multimedia Journalist for WTRF-TV in Wheeling, West Virginia. In this role, he reported, shot, and edited stories for the station.
Career at KDKA-TV
- Freelance Reporter: In January 2020, Royce joined KDKA-TV as a freelance reporter. He quickly made a name for himself by covering a wide range of stories, from local news to significant events.
- News Anchor: Royce’s talent and dedication led to his promotion as a news anchor at KDKA-TV. He provided local perspectives on national news stories, such as the Impeachment of President Donald Trump, Hurricane Dorian, and the Tree of Life shooting.
- Notable Coverage: Some of his notable reports include the Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Plant fire, the Weirton Steel Basic Oxygen Plant implosion, and Hurricane Florence. He also assisted dogs fleeing Hurricane Florence in finding new homes, leading to their adoption by a local animal shelter.
National Coverage
- Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Plant Fire: Royce reported on the fire at the Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Plant, providing comprehensive coverage of the incident and its aftermath.
- Weirton Steel Basic Oxygen Plant Implosion: He covered the implosion of the Weirton Steel Basic Oxygen Plant, detailing the event and its significance to the local community.
- Paden City Water Contamination: Royce reported on the water contamination issue in Paden City, highlighting the challenges faced by residents and the efforts to address the problem.
- Hurricane Florence: During Hurricane Florence, Royce assisted dogs fleeing the storm in finding new homes, leading to their adoption by a local animal shelter.
- Visits by President Trump: He covered two visits by President Donald Trump to the region, providing local perspectives on the events.
- Impeachment of President Donald Trump: Royce provided local insights and coverage of the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
- Hurricane Dorian: He reported on the impact of Hurricane Dorian, offering detailed coverage of the storm’s effects on affected areas.
- Tree of Life Shooting: Royce covered the tragic Tree of Life shooting, delivering sensitive and thorough reporting on the incident.
Awards and Recognition
- Emmy Nomination: Royce was nominated for an Emmy Award for his exceptional journalism. This nomination highlights his hard work, dedication, and skill as a reporter and anchor.
- Golden Quill Award: Royce won a Golden Quill Award for his reporting. This award is given to journalists who demonstrate excellence in their field and produce impactful stories.
- Vann Award: Royce was honored with a Vann Award for his dedication and advocacy for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities through his journalism work.
Recent Developments
- Departure from KDKA-TV: In 2023, Royce Jones parted ways with KDKA-TV. His departure left fans and colleagues curious about his next career move. Although the exact reasons for his exit and the identity of his successor remain undisclosed, Royce’s departure from KDKA-TV marked the end of an era and the beginning of new opportunities.
Here are a few notable anchors and reporters at KDKA-TV who have worked alongside Royce Jones:
- Ken Rice: Evening news anchor.
- Kristine Sorensen: Evening news anchor.
- Kym Gable: Evening news anchor.
- Meghan Schiller: Evening news anchor.
- Shelley Bortz: Reporter.
- Jessica Guay: Reporter.
- Chris Hoffman: Reporter.
Royce Jones’s career showcases his commitment to journalism and his ability to cover a wide range of impactful stories.
Additionally, his dedication and versatility have earned him recognition and accolades in the field, making him a respected and influential figure in the industry.
Net Worth and Salary:
Royce Jones has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as a journalist, news anchor, and multimedia reporter.
Regarding his salary, Royce Jones earned an annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $110,500 during his tenure at KDKA-TV.
Is Royce Jones Married?
Royce Jones has managed to keep his personal life quite private, including details about his marital status.
There is no publicly available information about whether he is married or has children. He prefers to keep this aspect of his life out of the public eye.
How Old Is Royce Jones?
Royce Jones was born in 1998, making him 27 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Royce Jones Working?
Royce Jones parted ways with KDKA-TV in 2023. His departure was announced by the news director, Shawn Hoder, who extended good wishes for Royce’s future endeavors.
The exact reasons behind his exit and the identity of his successor remain undisclosed.
As of now, Royce Jones’s current role and whereabouts aren’t publicly disclosed. However, his recent social media activity suggests that he is still residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Royce Jones is active on social media. He has a presence on platforms like Facebook, where he shares updates and interacts with his audience. He also addresses discussions and comments regarding his career and recent developments.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.