Contact Info

jbushman@wkbt.com

James was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, but grew up since he was almost 3 in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. After graduating from Sun Prairie High School in 2007, he attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated in the Spring of 2011 with a degree in Communication Studies, with an emphasis in Broadcast & Digital Media Management and a minor in Professional Writing. James interned in the sports department at NBC-15 in Madison the summer of 2009, then interned here at News 8 the summer of 2010. After that, he was hired part-time as a Sports Photographer was promoted to the weekend Producer, then again to the Morning Show Producer.

Some of his fondest memories working at News 8 include getting into the neighborhoods the night of the tornadoes in 2011, covering the UW-L Football team (and being recognized by his fellow students), and watching his first produced newscast go live on the air.  James can't wait to see what the future holds for him, and is looking forward to enjoying all of his time at News 8.

Favorite band: My favorite band is Jack's Mannequin.  They're an alternative-rock band from California and have really powerful lyrics, especially when you learn the story about the lead vocalist, Andrew McMahon.

Favorite book: My favorite book is 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.'  I was never an avid reader, but was totally drawn into the Harry Potter series and loved the books as they became darker and darker.  I don't count the epilogue in this selection.

My best day at News 8 was the day... My best day at News 8 was the day I got to do his first Highlight Zone.  It was such an incredible feeling getting the assignment and being trusted to go out and get the footage, then hurry back and help with other behind the scene work as the team scrambled to be ready on time.

If you could interview one person, living or deceased, who would that be? An inspiration to my everyday life is Gandhi.  The way he lived his life and fought for what he believed in without actually fighting makes I believe the world isn't the scary place we are so often led to think it is.  It also makes me believe that I can make a difference in the world. 

What sports team are you a big fan of? I am a proud Denver Broncos fan and look forward to another winning season - eventually.  I can't say I'll apologize for Super Bowl 32, but since I do cheer for the Packers every chance I get I do feel a little bad.

What are you bad at and wish you could do better? I wish he could run for longer periods of time.  Growing up, I always played sports that required quick bursts of speed, like tennis and baseball.  I ran my first 5k last summer, but want to be faster and avoid the feeling that I need to crash for the rest of the day.

Do you have a hobby or collect anything special to you? I collect obscure and strange board games, especially those involving epic combat.  My favorites include Heroscape, Settlers of Catan, and Pit.

What do you like about your job? I love the people I work with.  It has been a privilege to work with everyone here at News 8 as I continue to grow into this role and grow as a person.  I know I wouldn't be where I am now without all of their support and encouragement.