JASON HACKETT, born on this date, is an American television anchor andreporter currently working at KOCO 5 News in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He anchors KOCO5 news on weekday mornings with co-anchor Shebly Cashman. Hacket was previously working as a reporter at WPTV, the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

On May 3, 2024, Hackett, the newest anchor for Minneapolis NBC affiliate KARE’s Sunrise morning show, captivated audiences by coming out live on air. This marked the first time Hackett publicly addressed his sexuality after previously keeping his private life under wraps.

In the video, Hackett addressed viewers with a heartfelt message: “I want to share this with you,” he said as he explained how he’d been approached to appear on the cover of Lavender Magazine, a local LGBTQ+ publication.

His message to those grappling with similar issues was clear in his original message. “For anyone that is watching this now, who is struggling to find acceptance or struggling with their family or their friends, take it from me: a gay, Black son of immigrants. The road may not be easy. I won’t lie to you and say that it is but don’t worry. Keep going. You’re going to make it.”

He encouraged others struggling with their own coming out to consider his story.

“I was asked if I wanted to be on this month’s cover and talk about my coming out story, and I put some thought into it, and I said, why not?” he said.