People in Minnesota: Jana Shortal

Last updated on February 18th, 2022 at 10:08 pm

Multiple award-winning Kare 11 reporter and co-anchor of Breaking the News, Jana Shortal knows her music. Her straight-to-the-point approach, stylish personality, and ability to bring to light stories once held in the dark have made her a leader in the Minnesota LGBTQ community and one of the most esteemed reporters among viewers and her peers.

[MiM] Who are you currently listening too?
[Jana Shortal] I do listen to music. A lot. And it varies. A lot. In no order: Kendrick Lamar, Brandi Carlile, Anouar Brahem (album,Le Pas Du Chat Noir), Boygenius, Beth Ditto, Lorde, Sade, Janelle Monae, Whitney Houston, Neil Young, Patti Smith, Paul Simon, Leon Bridges, Maggie Rogers, Sylvan Esso, Otis Redding, STEVIE WONDER (sorry, he’s a God in ALL CAPS), The National, Chance The Rapper, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, Dolly Parton, Alabama Shakes, Bon Iver, Kate Bush, Aretha, Solange, Fleetwood Mac, Leonard Cohen, Pearl Jam.
Locally I like Lizzo, I like J.S. Ondara, Ashley Gold, Dessa.

[MiM] What do you think is the most important/essential song which represents the current state of this country and why?

[Jana Shortal] This is America (Childish Gambino) and The Joke (Brandi Carlile) – They speak for themselves

[MiM] Being in the spotlight as a journalist and television anchor, you have been an inspiration to women and the LGBTQ people for your willingness to tackle their issues, but you have also broken barriers with your style. Artist-wise, who has had the greatest consequential influence on you, and why?

[Jana Shortal] Oh man….Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monae, Robyn (although IDK her identity)….from the LGBT angle / lens of what it means to be a queer woman under a spotlight when so many tried to bully you away from it. They write and sing and perform anthems that feel like chapstick on the coldest day, a balm, an island, where the misfits know the words and the chorus.

[MiM] Who was the first and last concert you ever attended?

[Jana Shortal] First: Bon Jovi ( I was 9, thanks Dad) Last: Boygenius

[MiM] What was the hardest story you have ever reported?

[Jana Shortal] Any harm that comes to anyone othered.