“For 20 years, Jason Pederson was the award-winning broadcast journalist and host of KATV’s 7 On Your Side. His new book, Somebody’s Knocking, brings back memories of his intriguing stories as a consumer advocate, confronting and bringing to justice the crooks and scammers who conned Arkansas consumers. An interesting and satisfying read.”
— Mike Beebe, former Arkansas attorney general and former governor of Arkansas
“Want an inside look at TV reporting from a truly honest and humble man defending the public from scoundrels and rip-offs? Jason Pederson will entertain and uplift you.”
— Jeff Kemp, author, speaker, and former NFL quarterback
“Judging by your cover photograph, I would not want you knocking on my door. You look like a serious dude. Including the QR codes is an interesting way of bringing your subject to life. I wish you good luck on the book.”
— Ted Koppel, British-born American broadcast journalist
“The lessons that Jason Pederson shares from his decades as a television reporter are evergreen and apply to every aspect of life:
- Those who love you the most tend to offer the best advice.
- Anchor your identity in something other than your work.
- Allow criticism to improve you, not define you.
- The vulnerable need advocates.
Jason’s chronicles of his days as a reporter offer the reader insight into the pressures of daily deadlines, the palpable dangers of shining a light on bad actors, and the absolute frustration permeating our legal system.
I ran the full emotional spectrum pouring over Somebody’s Knocking. We were blessed with many close friendships that were forged over decades in small-market television news. The tragic deaths of a few broke all of our hearts. I was angered by the calculated and evil efforts of the greedy con artists who prey on those susceptible to fraud. I found satisfaction in Jason’s 7 On Your Side reports that resulted in justice for the consumer. And as a bonus, his use of QR codes throughout this book add an enjoyable aspect for the reader: instant access to video clips that bring the written words to life!”
— Anne Broadwater, former KTHV-TV news anchor
“Candid, readable, entertaining, vulnerable, revealing, and compelling. I loved it! I particularly liked the behind-the-scenes approach Jason takes on his experiences as a reporter and with the stories. Very enlightening. Honest and straightforward and fair, just as I remembered him to be as a reporter.”
— Dan McDonald, former director of the Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement
“Jason Pederson’s colorful career has brought him face-to-face with scoundrels, carnival barkers, and assorted con-men, the kind of people who take advantage of the innocent without regard or regret then disappear into the shadows until they emerge to take aim at their next unsuspecting target. His unique ability to stare down these hucksters in the pursuit of justice represents the very best of journalism.
In Somebody’s Knocking, our intrepid reporter tells the tales of his pursuits in hilarious and eye-opening detail (the story of one victim’s “indecent disposal” will leave you eternally grateful for your own indoor plumbing). More importantly, he does so with a humanity that’s rarely on display in today’s mass media.
One man who found himself on the wrong side of the door when Pederson came knocking declared “The devil sent you here.” But this book leaves no doubt that the author was sent by a higher, divine power to do good – and to be “On Your Side.”
— Chris May, KATV-TV anchor
“Jason Pederson’s book, Somebody’s Knocking, Lessons Learned from a Quarter Century of TV Reporting, should be a “must-read” for any young journalist hoping to do meaningful work in an industry that requires a great deal from its practitioners. Pederson takes us through his career, from beginning to end – how he started and how he ended. His reporting years are highlighted by his job as a consumer reporter. Pederson gives us a good sampling of stories he covered and punctuates each with “Lessons Learned.” As a longtime college teacher, preparing students to work in the TV News business, I’m not sure there is a better handbook to follow. Pederson was an outstanding medium market reporter, and his lessons are well told and applicable.”
— Larry Foley, professor, School of Journalism and Strategic Media, University of Arkansas
“A very personal and entertaining ‘inside look’ at television news reporting. Jason’s great stories and adventures will quickly draw you in. And the ‘see it in real-time’ QR codes and practical takeaways bring a creative bonus. I highly recommend this book.”
— Dr. Robert Lewis, author of Raising a Modern Day Knight and Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage
“Jason delivers a product that matches his days as a television consumer reporter by combining accuracy with empathy, which is what makes him a superior storyteller. Plus, Jason is able to weave his own life lessons into this book that shows his earnest desire to do the right thing at work and in marriage.”
— Lisa Fischer, journalist/podcaster