Jim Kenyon is the chief investigative reporter for CNY Central’s I-team. He joined CNY Central in 1976.
Jim is the 1992 recipient of the U.S. Justice Department Public Service Award, and the 1998 recipient of the Pew Foundation Primary Care Journalism Award. In 2002, Jim received recognition from the U.S. Justice Department for his reporting on victims' rights. In 2007, he was nominated for a New York Emmy Award and was honored with the NAACP Community Service Award. He has also been honored with numerous awards from the New York State Associated Press and the Syracuse Press Club.
Jim’s passion for journalism stems from the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As chief investigate reporter for the I-team, he enjoys digging deep into stories to expose the truth. Jim’s most memorable story is Roy Brown’s wrongful murder conviction.
Jim was born in Wilmington, Del. and raised in Syracuse. Jim earned his associate degree in journalism from Morrisville State University. Each year, the university’s journalism department gives an award in Jim’s name.
Jim resides in Salina, N.Y. with his wife of 38 years, Janice, and their French bulldog, Chloe. They have a daughter, Gina, and son-in-law, Brian, who live in New York City. Jim’s hobbies include motorcycling, hunting, fishing, skiing and competitive pistol shooting.
• Memorable story: In 1991 I uncovered widespread fraud among a number of companies in the local trash hauling industry. My reports directly led to an FBI investigation which resulting in federal prison terms for 6 executives, about 30 guilty pleas among public employees for bribery, and a million dollars in fines and restitution. The reports won several state local and national awards including the coveted IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors) award from the University of Missouri.
More recently, I’ve been involved in a 15 year investigation into the wrongful conviction of Roy Brown for the 1991 murder of Sabina Kulakowski. Brown gained national attention when he was recently set free after DNA evidence proved his innocence. Brown feels my reporting contributed to his exoneration.
• Memorable interview: A bizarre and sometimes confrontational jailhouse interview with serial killer Nicholas Wiley on the day he was convicted of killing three women in Syracuse.
• Dream interview: To me there are no “dream interviews”. Though I try to treat everyone with respect, as a journalist I am not in awe of anyone.
• Dream job: To head up a significant archeological dig that uncovers radical revelations about an ancient civilization. Just a dream. I’ve always had a fascination with history.
• Role model: Jesus Christ - I’m not all that religious, but I can’t think of anyone better
• Hometown: I was born in Wilmington Delaware, but moved to Syracuse when I was 6, so I consider Central New York my “hometown”.
• Astrological sign: Cancer — At least that was the line I used to impress girls in the ‘70s.
• Favorite sports team: Buffalo Bills - not the Jets and CERTAINLY NOT THE PATRIOTS!
• Favorite musical group: It changes almost daily, what used to be the Beatles is now Coco Montoya
• Favorite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
• Favorite movie: All the Rocky Movies except V
• Favorite TV show: Friends
• Favorite food: Slow Roasted Chicken
• Favorite destination: The Adirondacks, stunningly beautiful twelve months of the year.
