From a young age, ABC 15 reporter Jordan Bontke saw firsthand the importance of using one’s platform to help others.
“My father, who passed in 2019, was Santa for thousands of kids in Texas, which allowed me to see the power of lifting others up,” said Bontke, a Houston native whose father drove across Texas as Kris Kringle to spread holiday joy each year to kids from all walks of life.
Once in high school, Bontke began giving back himself, albeit in a nontraditional way.
“I was our high school mascot – a falcon – and took it very seriously, even competing in the 2008 Capital One Mascot Challenge,” said Bontke, whose spirited performances led to a series of opportunities to brighten the days of kids in hospitals, senior citizens, and other community service beyond cheering at pep rallies.
After graduating in 2008, Bontke was accepted to Sam Houston University, during which time the Broadcast Journalism college was renamed to honor alumnus Dan Rather.
“As a student in the program, I had the chance to meet Rather,” said Bontke, who traded his mascot costume for a microphone by freshman year, leading his own radio show on campus. “They say to never meet your heroes, but in my case the meeting provided the inspiration I needed. Rather was adamant about always working on one’s writing to be a successful reporter, so I did.”
Bontke became so adept at writing stories for television that by his senior year, he anchored the school’s news station. Upon graduation in 2012, he was offered a reporting role in Waco, Tex.
While in Waco earning his stripes, Bontke met an Ahwatukee native named Ashley and quickly fell in love. When he was hired at a station in Arkansas, she went with him, and by the time the two moved to Austin in the mid-2010s, they decided to marry.
“Ashley always knew she wanted to come back home to Ahwatukee, and whenever we visited, we always turned to ABC15 for our news, so I made it my mission to earn a role at the station,” said Bontke, who was hired on as a reporter in late 2021 after connecting with the assistant news director about a shared love of Oregano’s.
Today, Bontke – who welcomed a daughter, Mary, with Ashley in 2022 – focuses on hard news as well as a segment called Uplifting Arizona, which has taken his life full circle.
“I get to tell stories that help and inspire people each day, using my platform to do the most good, and that is extremely rewarding,” said Bontke.
This year, Bontke is focused on consistent quality and impact, as well as seizing opportunities as they come.
“At ABC 15, our leadership empowers us to understanding our viewers concerns and making sure those in power not only hear but take action,” said Bontke. “We stand for what is right, and I will continue to tell the stories that reflect that.”
“I get to tell stories that help and inspire people each day, using my platform to do the most good, and that is extremely rewarding."