What was your first reaction when you heard you were nominated?

I was speechless, which as you know is very difficult for me. I felt honored and extremely humbled.

How long have you worked in the Chicago market? When did you decide to start your own business?

I have been in the Chicago market since 1974. I worked in radio in Philadelphia after 4 years in the Army; went to grad school and then came to Chicago in 1973. In 1974 I went to work for WTTW, rose to VP of Marketing & Development and then left to start my own business in 1985.

What's it like being CEO of JWA Video?

Just terrific. When I started the company, on the form where the state asks for your title, I put Emperor. I found the state has no sense of humor and so, after that I was just President and CEO. I have the joy of working with people that are the best at what they do.

The awardees for this honor include some of the most famous names in Chicago television. How long have you been a board member, and what do you consider to be your contributions to the Academy?

Again, when I look at the list of recipients I am humbled and honored. I feel very proud to just have my name mentioned in their company. I have been on the board for more than 25 years. When it comes to contributions let me use a baseball analogy. I am a singles hitter. I don't hit home runs but when you are lucky enough to hit singles, every once in while you score a run or two. I help where I can.

How has the NATAS board changed over the years? What do you see as future goals for the TV Academy in the new century?

Our board, like the entire TV community in Chicago, is a family. We help each other and are there for each other. We may compete but when it is time to come together we do it better than any other city. The TV Academy board has changed over the years, but it still views its mission as recognizing excellence in television. We do that, and I believe we do it well. Our future is to continue to recognize excellence in whatever television becomes--computer generated, iPod-delivered, etc.

You have been a very successful and hard working officer, National Trustee, and committee chair. Many call you the "go-to" guy. What was your favorite job?

They all have been fun. However, a moment that I will always remember is honoring Bill Heitz with the Silver Circle. He was a terrific director and producer--one of the most well read people I have ever met. I only wish he had been here to receive the award. I know he was watching and saying, "What ARE you doing?" He was a great human being.

You're considered a great quipster at meetings. Is that a role you enjoy?

I really have never considered myself a quipster, however, I believe humor is critical to what we do. We have to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously.

You have another love, a homestead in Kansas. Is it true you and Bill Kurtis are locked in battle to buy up the entire state?

Yes, that is true. In fact between Bill and my wife and I, we own 10,115 acres in Kansas. OK, so Bill owns 10,000 acres, but Kathy and I are trying hard! Speaking of Bill, he is another example of how we are part of a terrific TV family. When I talked with Bill about our love of Kansas, he gave Kathy and me the names of members of the TV and film community in Lawrence, Kansas, where we built our home. They have made us feel at home and accepted. Thanks Bill! I still have my office and work here in Chicago. What a great place to ply your trade.

Congratulations Jack.

Again, I thank the Academy for this honor.