Jim Scott

Broadcasting has been part of Jim Scott’s life since he was a sophomore in high school in Casper, Wyoming.

At the age of 15, he landed his first radio job as a disc jockey on KATI AM, working the graveyard shift on the weekends at the Top-40 rock-and-roll station. That summer he worked his way into a drive-time shift during the weekdays. He continued to DJ through his high school and college years until he was selected as student news director at the campus station at University of Wyoming. He held for his last two years at U.W. where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting.

Fresh out of college, Jim was hired as news director for KASL-AM in Newcastle, Wyoming. He got his first job as a television journalist at KCWY TV in Casper.

In 1983, Jim moved to Bakersfield to take a job as anchor-reporter for KERO TV. It was there he met Robin Mangarin in 1986. They anchored together and were married in 1989.

In 1994, Jim and Robin moved their family to San Diego to take on new challenges. Robin took a job as anchor/reporter at KFMB TV and Jim went to work for KUSI TV as a reporter and weekend anchor.

In late 1996, KGET TV offered Jim and Robin an opportunity to come back to Bakersfield and work for Circle 17. They readily accepted the offer and have been in Bakersfield ever since.

Jim has now been with 17News for 23 years … and still finds his job rewarding and challenging.

He is grateful for the support he receives from the faithful viewers of 17 News.

His favorite news beats are agriculture, the environment, government affairs and aerospace.

He also hosts and produces a weekly talk show, Kern County: In Depth covering local issues of interest.

In addition, Jim is often called on to emcee fundraising events for a wide variety of non-profit organizations. He considers it his way of giving back to the good and generous people of Kern County.

Jim and Robin have two sons. Riley is 28 and living in Atlanta. Jack is 22 and is studying electrical engineering. They also have a 4-year-old grandson, Jacob, who they spoil on a regular basis.

While born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Jim considers Bakersfield his home. He says the best thing about living in Kern County is the giving spirit of the people in the Golden Empire.