Jason DeRusha Biography
Jason DeRusha is a well-known American journalist, food critic, and radio host who calls the Minneapolis–St. Paul area home. He’s currently at the helm of the afternoon drive program on WCCO (AM) and also plays a key role as a producer and reporter for “DeRusha Eats,” a beloved food segment on the station. Beyond his broadcasting work, DeRusha has made a name for himself as a food critic, digital innovator, and strategic communicator.
In May 2022, DeRusha shared the news that he would be stepping away from the WCCO-TV morning anchor desk after nearly two decades, saying it was time for a “new adventure.” He officially signed off from television on June 23, 2022, closing the door on a significant and impactful era in local TV news.
Shortly after leaving television, WCCO announced that DeRusha would be moving to radio, taking over the afternoon drive time slot. His radio show kicked off on June 27, 2022, offering a lively blend of news, interviews, listener calls, food discussions, and insights on local and regional topics, giving him a chance to engage with audiences in a fresh and more conversational way.
Jason DeRusha Education
Jason attended Maine West High School, Des Plaines and graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Broadcast Communication.
Jason DeRusha Age
How old is Jason? DeRusha is 51 years old as of 2026. He was born on January 24, 1975, in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America. His birthday is always celebrated on 24th January of every year. READ: Amy Andrews
Jason DeRusha Nationality and Ethnicity
Jason holds American nationality and citizenship by birth. He was born and raised in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. He belongs to the White-America ethnicity/heritage/ancestry.
Jason DeRusha Height
How tall is Jason? He stands at an average height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.79 m).
Jason DeRusha Weight Loss
In Janaury 2012, Jason while on his “DeRushaEats” segment, he stated that he lost 175 pounds from 230 pounds which took him about six months to loose that much weight. He describes himself as the first television reporter in history to lose that much weight.
Jason DeRusha Family
DeRusha was born and raised in Des Plaines, Illinois by his parents. He is the son of (father) Gary and (mother) Maggie DeRusha.
Jason DeRusha Wife | Wedding
Is Jason married? Jason is happily married to his wife Alyssa Bannochie, a financial analyst. The couple got married through a wedding on September 19, 1998, in the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis. The couple met while studying at the Marquette University. Alyssa is a graduate of Wayzata, Minn., High School and Marquette University, Milwaukee.
Jason DeRusha Sons
DeRusha and his wife Alyssa are proud parents of two sons, Seth and Sam. The family currently resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota. RELATED: Olivia DiVenti
Jason DeRusha Salary
Jason working as a News Anchor, Reporter, Digital Innovator, Strategic Communicator, Curious Leader and Food Critic in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul earns an estimated annual salary of $130,245.
Jason DeRusha Net Worth
Jason as an accomplished American award-winning Journalist, Digital Innovator, Strategic Communicator, Curious Leader and Food Critic has an estimated net worth of 3$ million
Jason DeRusha WCCO WCCO (AM)
Jason DeRusha is a well-known American journalist, food critic, and radio host who calls the Minneapolis–St. Paul area home. He’s currently at the helm of the afternoon drive program on WCCO (AM) and also plays a key role as a producer and reporter for “DeRusha Eats,” a beloved food segment on the station. Beyond his broadcasting work, DeRusha has made a name for himself as a food critic, digital innovator, and strategic communicator.
In May 2022, DeRusha shared the news that he would be stepping away from the WCCO-TV morning anchor desk after nearly two decades, saying it was time for a “new adventure.” He officially signed off from television on June 23, 2022, closing the door on a significant and impactful era in local TV news RELATED: Jazz Charton
Prior to joining WCCO-TV, he served as a reporter for three years at WISN-TV in Milwaukee. Before joining WISN-TV, he worked as a weekend news anchor at KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa. He also worked as a reporter at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois. and interned at “ABC World News Tonight” in New York.
DeRusha is a frequent fill-in host at WCCO Radio and has been writing for Minnesota local magazines since 2009. He’s at present the food critic for Minnesota Monthly. Jason’s a glass craftsmanship collector, and he’s been an appointed authority for the Uptown Art Fair. He’s likewise attempted to blow a couple of glass workmanship pieces, with restricted achievement.
Jason’s acquired nine Emmy Awards, his food coverage was a finalist for Outstanding TV Segment in the renowned public James Beard Awards, the Jaycees named him one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans, and the city of Minneapolis announced Sept. 21 “Jason DeRusha Day.”
Shortly after leaving television, WCCO announced that DeRusha would be moving to radio, taking over the afternoon drive time slot. His radio show kicked off on June 27, 2022, offering a lively blend of news, interviews, listener calls, food discussions, and insights on local and regional topics, giving him a chance to engage with audiences in a fresh and more conversational way.
