A couple weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to cover More Perfect University’s town hall event titled “Students vs. Billionaires” featuring Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). As an intern at WBNG 12 News. I had the chance to not only be an audience member, but to be there behind the press line. It was a surreal moment to have a press badge with a station I love. I felt as though my hard work and passion for storytelling had come to fruition.
My story
For a little back story, I discovered my calling for broadcast journalism a little “late” in the game. I had always been drawn to television and the creative process that goes into it, but I didn’t know where I saw myself in the grand scheme of things. I thought on-camera reporting was far out of my reach. I didn’t have the confidence to go out of my comfort zone. I realized that I was only holding myself back from opportunities and limiting my talent. I finally took the big step and auditioned for my first on-camera position junior year and I fell in love with it. I enjoyed reporting and creating stories that highlighted communities and people whose voices aren’t heard.
Through my internship, I have been able to pursue reporting while also learning and strengthening my skills in producing and writing digital stories. I am extremely grateful that, through the town hall event, I had the opportunity to hone in specifically on my reporting skills. My role was to shadow the 12 News’ wonderful reporters, take detailed notes on topics AOC discussed, and start to actively craft my story for the package I would be making.
The town hall
AOC discussed many important topics that I felt were important to include in my package, such as mass surveillance, freedom of speech, artificial intelligence, and “the culture of rape being protected in elite institutions across the country.” Finding the heart of my piece was the most challenging part. When creating a news story, I ask myself: Why does this matter to the viewer? Holding onto that mindset guided how I built my package. Instead of relying solely on national policy talk, I used a student interview too. Using their voice helped bring big national concepts into a more local and relatable perspective.
Looking back at where I started, overcoming my own self-doubt to step in front of the camera was the best risk I ever took. Experiencing an event this scale alongside the WBNG 12 News team transformed how I see myself in broadcast journalism. Wearing that press badge was proof of what happens when you stop holding yourself back. I’m walking away from this experience with stronger reporting skills, a deeper appreciation for local news, and greater confidence that I belong in this industry.