‘Little Known Facts’ With ProNews 7’s Lisa Schmidt
While holding her 20-pound baby, Miller, doing laundry and talking to me, multi-tasking Lisa Schmidt from ProNews 7 took time out of her very busy schedule for our 'Little Known Facts' series. Lisa is a graduate from Canyon High School, known for their girl's basketball program. Although she is surrounded by a family of basketball lovers and players, she realized in the 6th grade that playing the sport wasn't for her. Schmidt decided that she 'didn't like to sweat.'
Do you have any hobbies?
'I love to play golf with my husband, watch movies and listen to live music. I am a huge music nerd. I'm a fan of all types of music, except 80's hair bands. You can usually find me and the ProNews 7 staff playing the lyrics game. Someone will mention the lyrics to a song and I can tell you what the song is. We also will have a little karaoke singing right before the camera roll for the 6pm and 10pm newscast.
What's your favorite band?
'I love the Old 97's out of Dallas. I got turned out to their music when I was in College.
How has mother changed your perspective?
'I don't even remember what life was like before motherhood. I thought I was busy before Miller, but I had no idea. I am so happy to be a Mom and loving every minute of it. I wish I could be with him every minute of every day. I know that as soon as he learns to walk we're going to teach him to play golf.'
If you we're stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
My family, a TV, I want to stay connected to the rest of the world, even if they don't know where I am. Also, to keep up with the current events in the world and my reality TV. Plus, my 'ultimate playlist,' with artists to be determined.'
Do you have any unusual talents?
'My knowledge of music. You name the lyrics and I can tell you the song. I also play the clarinet, a little guitar and I am an excellent drummer on "Rock Band." Also, I can put on my make up in 3 minutes. Plus, I can play a mean round of "Name that County Seat.'
What's the weirdest job related question you've been asked?
'Well, it's not really a weird question, but I get asked about my co-anchors all the time. Like, "What's Lee Baker really like?" (He's got a big 'ole heart), "Who does your hair and makeup and "Who picks out your clothes?" (Each of us do our own makeup and make our own clothes selections).'
If you weren't a journalist, what would you have been?
'I have thought of teaching and I have substituted, but that is a hard job. It gave me a new respect for the teaching profession. I would probably would be working for a non-profit."
(ed note: Lisa has a long standing relationship working with the MS Society)
Who are your occupational inspirations?
'I love Meredith Vieira and Robin Roberts. I adore their demeanor and delivery. They come across as genuine people. I think the key to being successful is just to be yourself.'
Any funny 'behind the scenes' job related stories?
'I remember one day I came in wearing a baseball cap, no makeup and my hair in a ponytail. I was working at my desk, it was about 4:45pm, when Jay (Ricci) leaned around the corner and reminded me that I was doing the 5pm Newscast that day. Within 15 minutes, I had my hair and makeup done and was ready for the camera to roll.'
What got you started in Broadcasting?
'It was my Junior year at WT. I'd been in the broadcasting program for a year and thought the radio station was coo. One day, I filled in on a radio shift for a friend and fell in love with it. I enjoyed all the music and ad libbing. That same year I took a broadcast class at the "Canyon Weekly" and began putting stories together and anchoring. I love a good "feature" story. What I find to be the most challenging and rewarding is putting a good feature story together.'