It was the day before the Homecoming weekend festivities began; also known as the day no one wants to go to class; but better known as a time when you never know whose head will pop through the door of your classroom. Thankfully, bringing the newsroom into the classroom always makes the hour and thirty-minute session fly by so much faster.
To our advantage, three amazing and esteemed graduates of Howard University’s School of Communications joined us to give some insight on what it’s like as a journalist in the real world: Anna-Lysa Gayle, a reporter in Louisville, Emmy Victor, a reporter in Des Moines, and Ashley Pulliam, a producer in Jacksonville.
What I appreciated most about them is that they were recently in my shoes – sitting at the same computers as me. But what’s so encouraging about their visit is that they are all making taking outstanding strides in the television news industry at such a young age.
As a senior in college, I am encountering one of the most daunting times of my life, as I transition out of a structured institution and enter the real world… with careers… and bills… and other grown folk things that I’m not even slightly ready to accept.
But this visit really eased my spirit. They each had unique qualities that made me understand why they’re so successful. Anna-Lysa mentioned how she always dresses professionally to work. “Everyday I wear a blazer. I never go on air without my blazer,” she said. Eventually, her news director adopted the policy that all of the on-air talent was required to wear a blazer. It’s interesting because as a black, female intern, I always make sure I am dressed appropriately, and have receive a great deal of feedback for my style. However, in the news stations I’ve worked for, several of the personalities are very nonchalant about their appearance. I found it to be very amazing that Anna-Lysa did not adapt to what the people around her were doing, but instead, set the trend as a leader.
Emmy, reporter for KCCI News, is the only black on-air reporter for her station in Des Moines, Utah. She shared many of her episodes with racial tensions at the station, as she has received hate mail and lots of negative feedback from viewers. However, she strikes me to be a very strong young woman, who knows that this is what it takes to be in this field. It builds character. One of my favorite tips from Emmy was “for every 1 person I need, I call 6.” She is the main, morning reporter, and usually goes live once every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. She suggested that we make good impressions so that when things do go bad, it’s not as bad.
Ashley, a producer in Jacksonville, told us about her experiences and her journey to actually becoming a producer. She started as an editor, even though that isn’t what she wanted to be. But she said she made it clear to her news director where she wanted to grow, and when the producing opportunity came, she was able to take advantage. From her, I really learned that the position you want may not be the one you get right off the bat, but getting your foot in the door and learning as much as possible is the most important part. She also explained how small the business is… which I can attest to!
About two weeks ago, Lyne Pitts, Managing Editor for The Root, came to visit our class… and I realized I know her husband, Byron Pitts – a well-known correspondent (pictured). My favorite tidbit from her was to “admit what you don’t know.” She also encouraged us to have an elevator speech prepared because relationships will propel you!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of our guests. They are all strong women, and have sacrificed a lot to be where they are today. One common thread, they are all hardworking, persistent, and stay true to themselves… all things that I am striving to do and be.
To our advantage, three amazing and esteemed graduates of Howard University’s School of Communications joined us to give some insight on what it’s like as a journalist in the real world: Anna-Lysa Gayle, a reporter in Louisville, Emmy Victor, a reporter in Des Moines, and Ashley Pulliam, a producer in Jacksonville.
What I appreciated most about them is that they were recently in my shoes – sitting at the same computers as me. But what’s so encouraging about their visit is that they are all making taking outstanding strides in the television news industry at such a young age.
As a senior in college, I am encountering one of the most daunting times of my life, as I transition out of a structured institution and enter the real world… with careers… and bills… and other grown folk things that I’m not even slightly ready to accept.
But this visit really eased my spirit. They each had unique qualities that made me understand why they’re so successful. Anna-Lysa mentioned how she always dresses professionally to work. “Everyday I wear a blazer. I never go on air without my blazer,” she said. Eventually, her news director adopted the policy that all of the on-air talent was required to wear a blazer. It’s interesting because as a black, female intern, I always make sure I am dressed appropriately, and have receive a great deal of feedback for my style. However, in the news stations I’ve worked for, several of the personalities are very nonchalant about their appearance. I found it to be very amazing that Anna-Lysa did not adapt to what the people around her were doing, but instead, set the trend as a leader.
Emmy, reporter for KCCI News, is the only black on-air reporter for her station in Des Moines, Utah. She shared many of her episodes with racial tensions at the station, as she has received hate mail and lots of negative feedback from viewers. However, she strikes me to be a very strong young woman, who knows that this is what it takes to be in this field. It builds character. One of my favorite tips from Emmy was “for every 1 person I need, I call 6.” She is the main, morning reporter, and usually goes live once every hour from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. She suggested that we make good impressions so that when things do go bad, it’s not as bad.
Ashley, a producer in Jacksonville, told us about her experiences and her journey to actually becoming a producer. She started as an editor, even though that isn’t what she wanted to be. But she said she made it clear to her news director where she wanted to grow, and when the producing opportunity came, she was able to take advantage. From her, I really learned that the position you want may not be the one you get right off the bat, but getting your foot in the door and learning as much as possible is the most important part. She also explained how small the business is… which I can attest to!
About two weeks ago, Lyne Pitts, Managing Editor for The Root, came to visit our class… and I realized I know her husband, Byron Pitts – a well-known correspondent (pictured). My favorite tidbit from her was to “admit what you don’t know.” She also encouraged us to have an elevator speech prepared because relationships will propel you!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of our guests. They are all strong women, and have sacrificed a lot to be where they are today. One common thread, they are all hardworking, persistent, and stay true to themselves… all things that I am striving to do and be.