Jeff Varner (Outback)

Ex-'Survivor' Contestant Working in News

Greensboro, N.C. (AP) - Jeff Varner, who was bumped from "Survivor" in 2001, has a new job in reality television: TV newsman. Varner will join WGHP, the Fox affiliate based in High Point, as a weekend anchor, the station announced Friday.

Prior to his stint on "Survivor," Varner worked as an Internet project manager in New York City and earned a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Still, he says his "Survivor" ties have created some career challenges.

"I have the label of reality-show contestant tattooed across my face," he told the News & Record in an earlier interview. "I have a journalism degree, the experience, and I can write better than most producers. But I know I have to work three times as hard because credibility is a big issue."

After his ejection from "Survivor," Varner's charm earned him a series of television appearances and jobs, including one as an interviewer and correspondent for the TV Guide channel.

"Jeff brings to the table charisma, energy and his strong desire to return home," said Karen Koutsky, WGHP's vice president of news.

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Note: I don't remember him but he did make it to the merge on Survivor Outback. I don't know if he made the jury or not. Does anyone remember?

Jeff's Bio at CBS

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