Meet Janet Lomax

Breaking News, Breaking In

Lomax got her start in television at the tender age of 21, when she was hired a week out of college in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky as a reporter. A "Jill" of all trades, Lomax demonstrated that she was multi-talented in the field-serving as reporter, photographer and editor. But she did more than that. Lomax was also host of a weekly public affairs program called Urban Insight--a show she says went beyond your average TV fare for the day.

"We did more than just ‘talking heads’...we took our film crews out into the community, we devoted entire shows to jazz and jazz artists--bringing in baby grand pianos and letting the artist play or sing. Then we'd do a little chit-chat."

Lomax says that show helped her hone her interviewing skills, and in 1980, she was lured to Rochester by WHEC-TV (Now News 10 NBC). Lomax excelled despite working grueling schedules--working the night-side shows for 24 years, and anchoring 3 shows a day from 1995-2000. In 2006, she shifted to anchoring the 5pm & 6 pm shows, where you see her today, and exactly where she loves to be. But her favorite part of her job isn't in front of the camera.

"I meet some of the greatest people -- not just those I interview, but viewers themselves are interesting people. I went to get my hair done and another woman was telling me about a special meal she makes for her family. Meeting people is the best part of my job."

And it's those people, the community that includes her family, that Lomax is committed to outside the newsroom.

Reaching Out

As any working mother can tell you, balancing parenting and your profession are more than enough for most women's plates. But Lomax has made the community that adores her something she is passionate about seeing thrive-especially on the family front and in African American families. She is a member of, and served as the local chapter president of Jack & Jill of America. The organization's founder, Marion Turner Stubbs Thomas, summed up the group's mission back in 1938:

"To us as mothers, it [Jack and Jill] has become a means of furthering an inherent and natural desire ...to bestow upon our children all the opportunities possible for a normal and graceful approach to a beautiful adulthood."

Lomax is also a member of The Links, a national

organization of women of color who are committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community.

On Family

Growing up, Lomax revered her mother and her aunts-known as the Mayes Girls. Her mother's most important words to her were "Remember, you're a Lomax."

"When my sisters and I were teenagers, it wasn't something we wanted to hear, " says Lomax. But the words have a deeper meaning.

"My mother wanted us to remember to be aware of not only who we are, but whose we are."

The Lomax sisters remain very close and keep in touch via email when they aren't doing a 3-way phone call. Lomax's father, James died last year, and Lomax recalls how strongly he affected her growing up.

"We are still 'Daddy's Girls' despite our ages. He was always 'Daddy'...the one who wouldn't let us cut the grass or paint or who always made sure our cars were 'in order.' He was a great father." Her mother, Sedalia lives in Louisville, and both of her parents were educators.

Lomax is proud and polite-something she has instilled in her children. Long-time friend Tina Chapman says it is Lomax's dedication to her family over the years that make the difference between average and amazing parenting.

"Janet is a mother who has a heart of gold. Her children are first and foremost."

Neither Chapman nor Lomax has extended family in Rochester. They work together at Jack & Jill events, and they get together for other special occasions. Chapman recalls them arranging a Father's Day of fishing whereby the "kids" would take dad fishing. But her point is that no matter what the circumstance-Lomax is focused on the family.

"Wherever there was an opportunity for Janet to be able to provide for her family throughout the demands of her work, she capitalized on that. For example, she had a dinner break between the 6 & 11 shows. Janet went home to have dinner with her family," says Chapman.

Lomax’s own family includes her husband, son, daughter and

granddaughter.

On the Future

When asked what Lomax would like to do when she leaves television-a career that she's spent more than half of her life doing-her thoughts run the gamut.

"I am a voracious reader. I collect and love to read books," says Lomax. She says that aside from continuing professional interests such as public relations, she'd love nothing more than to sit anywhere near the water and immerse herself in a good book. Ask her who her favorite author is, and she chimes, "James Patterson, Lawrence, Sanders, Greg Iles, Terry McMillan, Connie Brisco…" That she loves books is an understatement. Lomax says she'd even love to work in a bookstore or volunteer using her journalistic talents.

And what might Lomax have done had she not gone into television? She says she would loved to be a singer, but there was a problem.

"I had no voice. I wanted to sing jazz, wear red dresses, (and I'd have to look good in it!) and work in a jazz club. "

That and Lomax dreamed of acting on Broadway-she was even in a children's professional children's theater group in Louisville. But the camera called instead of the curtain, and that has been a blessing for many. Arnold Klinsky, Vice President and General Manager of News 10 NBC knows that too well.

"I have worked with Janet for over 23 years. There is not a classier or more concerned woman that I've met. That's not only in our operation here, but also in the community. She handles her advocacy for both in a first class way."

Let's keep the cameras rolling on that one, Janet.