Jared Austin
Multimedia Journalist
Knoxville
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Jared joined the WVLT News team in October of 2021.
Before moving down south, Jared spent all of his life in the Midwest. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois. He's a fan of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears, but roots for the Minnesota Twins in baseball.
Jared went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he got a Bachelor's of Journalism in 2019.
His first job out of school took him to Lincoln, Nebraska: the home of the University of Nebraska. Jared covered several topics up there including capitol coverage, casino gaming and severe weather coverage.
Jared wanted to get to a warmer climate and set his sights on East Tennessee. He is very excited to be so close to the Smoky Mountains and several great places to hike. In his spare time, he enjoys checking out all of trails and going to they gym in his spare time.
If you ever have any story ideas, please send them to jared.smith@gray.tv!
Education
Updated: 17 hours ago
|By Jared Austin
As summer approaches many pet owners are likely looking for things to do outdoors with their pets. There are a couple of things pet owners should know beforehand to make sure their pets stay safe in the heat.
Updated: May. 28, 2023 at 12:45 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Currently, Knoxville Police Department or Knox County Sheriff’s Office officers handle animal control, but Young-Williams Animal Center is looking to change this.
Updated: May. 27, 2023 at 12:32 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Memorial Day has a touching meaning for everyone at the Knoxville National Cemetery.
Updated: May. 17, 2023 at 7:33 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
U.S. Cellular has created something for all smartphone users to get them off their phones to help their mental health.
Updated: May. 15, 2023 at 10:02 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
May is National Pet Month and Young-Williams said it’s the perfect time to spoil your pet even more than pet owners already do.
Updated: May. 9, 2023 at 8:27 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Metro Drug Coalition is working to bring awareness to the growing problem of fentanyl overdoses on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Tuesday.
Updated: May. 8, 2023 at 12:15 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center is trying to find their cats and dogs new forever homes during the ‘Empty the Shelters’ event.
Updated: Apr. 29, 2023 at 3:36 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Hundreds of members of law enforcement honored fallen volunteer fireman Roy Sewell Saturday. Agencies statewide went to Claiborne County to pay their final respects.
Updated: Apr. 27, 2023 at 6:46 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
WVLT’s Jared Austin will participate in Dancing for the Horses on Friday May 12 as a way to raise money for Horse Haven of Tennessee.
Updated: Apr. 24, 2023 at 5:08 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center volunteers worked more than 36,000 in 2022 to help care for the thousands of animals the shelter takes every year.
Updated: Apr. 20, 2023 at 3:48 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
The future home of the Tennessee Smokies in Knoxville's Old City is closer to reality after the Sports Authority approved the developers which allow construction to move forward as planned.
Updated: Apr. 19, 2023 at 9:12 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
A new app in East Tennessee helps parents find qualified and experienced babysitters.
Updated: Apr. 10, 2023 at 11:14 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center has several recommendations if your pet goes missing.
Updated: Apr. 3, 2023 at 5:53 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center has seen a rise in kittens and other animals coming to its shelter in recent weeks.
Updated: Mar. 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
55 fishers will compete in the Bassmaster Classic this weekend in Knoxville. The three-day event will be on the Tennessee River.
Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 10:02 AM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Three of the nine restaurants were originally at the food hall when it opened in 2021.
Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 8:31 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center has asked for the community’s help to either adopt or foster some of their current animals as the warmer months approach.
Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 11:47 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Dawn of the Dinosaurs includes 17 different species with a total of 22 dinosaurs.
Updated: Feb. 26, 2023 at 3:55 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
For the first time in years, East Tennessee Special Olympics athletes were able to get back onto the hardwood.
Updated: Feb. 26, 2023 at 3:25 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
The University of Tennessee School of Music shined a light on Ukrainian culture Sunday a year after the start of the Russia-Ukrainian War.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023 at 10:49 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
A unique show of contemporary dance has made its way to Knoxville this weekend. Cleopatra, The Last Pharaoh will have a mix of traditional ballet along with modern dance.
Updated: Feb. 22, 2023 at 8:30 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams said there are several health benefits to pets getting spayed and neutered.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 at 12:24 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
Dig’N Zone will offer rides on different construction equipment.
Updated: Feb. 20, 2023 at 10:26 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Friends and family remembered Gus Manning after he died last Sunday at 99 years old. Manning worked with UT Athletics for nearly 50 yeras full time before moving to a part time role until 2017.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 11:38 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Young-Williams Animal Center will host its 16th annual Mardi Growl parade on March 4 at World’s Fair Park.
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023 at 10:32 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
A Gatlinburg homeowner will have his home on the big screen during the Super Bowl after two bears broke into a car right outside it.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 8:22 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
People who still need Valentine’s Day plans have several options around east Tennessee which includes a possible trip to a Maryville staple. RT Lodge has two different options for this weekend and Valentine’s Day.
Updated: Feb. 6, 2023 at 11:37 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Two Tennessee lawmakers introduced legislation to make the day after the Super Bowl a state holiday replacing Columbus Day.
Updated: Feb. 2, 2023 at 11:14 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
UT Football and men’s basketball home games have brought amazing play to the playing surface which, in turn, brings good home crowds.
Updated: Jan. 27, 2023 at 12:01 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
No. 4 Tennessee will play #10 Texas at 6 pm Saturday night.
Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 at 10:55 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
Knoxville Animal Welfare Alliance brought this forward to city leaders, and the ban was approved by the Knoxville City Council meeting.
Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 at 8:53 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
MyFlight Tours is the first helicopter tour business in Knoxville.
Updated: Jan. 18, 2023 at 11:50 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Cats don’t always show their hurting, according to Young-Williams Animal Center.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023 at 11:49 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Teens considered some of the most distracted drivers, according to national pediatric studies.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2023 at 8:31 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Tub doors, grab bars and checking smoke detectors can help keep you safe at home.
Updated: Jan. 10, 2023 at 12:05 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
Avoid fad diets, eat 3 meals a day, expert says
Updated: Jan. 5, 2023 at 8:50 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Patience, positive reinforcement key factors in training a new pet
Updated: Dec. 22, 2022 at 8:34 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Cold weather is expected for most of east Tennessee this weekend and officials at Young-Williams said our pets can get as cold as we do. Laura Hunter with Young-Williams said the best thing to do is keep animals inside this weekend.
Updated: Dec. 20, 2022 at 10:08 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Online orders still an option, but going into stores is likely the safer option to get gifts on time.
Updated: Dec. 13, 2022 at 8:48 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
As winter approaches in east Tennessee many people will start to use their heat meaning their bills will likely rise, but Knoxville Utilities Board said there are a handful of things people can do to save some money.
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022 at 8:30 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Although holiday shopping can get a little expensive at times, experts said there are options for people to still get quality gifts for affordable prices.
Updated: Dec. 8, 2022 at 11:58 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
One of Second Harvest Food Banks’s biggest donations days happened Thursday during its Double Your Donation day.
Updated: Dec. 6, 2022 at 8:49 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Two Bikes, a non-profit located in the Old City, has asked people to donate bikes so they can restore them and give them to children in need.
Updated: Dec. 5, 2022 at 11:36 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
The Tennessee Volunteers will take on ACC Champion Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl and costs have already reached thousands of dollars for tickets and some flights.
Updated: Dec. 2, 2022 at 8:05 PM EST
|By Jared Austin
The 49th annual WIVK Christmas parade is back in Knoxville Friday, bringing traffic delays with it.
Updated: Nov. 22, 2022 at 8:39 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
An East Tennessee man helped create a non-profit to send food and supplies to his home country of Ukraine as the war wages on with Russia.
Updated: Nov. 14, 2022 at 11:56 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
Around 3 in 4 U.S. adults do not get enough exercise during the week, according to the CDC.
Updated: Nov. 11, 2022 at 9:04 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
The Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate Tour returns to Knoxville this weekend, where people will get to see their favorite Disney character hit the ice at the Knoxville Coliseum.
Updated: Nov. 10, 2022 at 10:56 AM EST
|By Jared Austin
An East Tennessee group said family members and new technology are ways to help older relatives avoid being scammed out of money and personal information.
Updated: Nov. 4, 2022 at 12:21 PM EDT
|By Jared Austin
Greek Fest returns to Knoxville Friday as vendors will bring food, souvenirs and dancing back to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
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