Breakthrough in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1: My top five takeaways

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – I’m just two weeks out from completing my internship with WAVY TV 10, something little me could only dream of doing. I have pages and pages of notes, filled with gems from all of the amazing people I’ve shadowed. Everyday I’m here I never stop learning, but I thought I’d share five of the many takeaways I’ve had the pleasure of absorbing.

Let the countdown begin in 5…4…3…2…1!

#5 Make them listen.

Why should people listen to me? Answering this question has always been hard for me, as a naturally quiet person. I’m soft spoken, calm, and more of a listener than talker. Figuring out how to bring pieces of my personality into my reporting, while also commanding the screen, proved to be a different task. It was at times uncomfortable. But I quickly realized that if I want to make a difference through communication, I can’t be afraid of my own voice. Working with Anchor Katie Collett completely flipped the script! I sat with her for just 30 minutes, and left a more confident, powerful, and engaging Brooklynn. Comparing my past packages to the more recent ones I’ve created, I can see the night and day difference between my voice, and that drives my story forward. Now, I hope when my package plays: they stop, listen, and learn from my stories!

#4 Get comfortable making split second decisions and do it confidently.

News doesn’t stop or slow down. Things are constantly happening that need to be reported on, and you need to be able to make decisions in seconds. Making a quick executive decision can cost you everything. This is an overarching lesson I’ve gained from all of my experiences out in the field with reporters and photographers. They all may work different, shoot and write differently, or choose filming locations differently. But they all share one thing: quick thinking and adaptability. One 3 a.m. shift comes to mind when I walked in and was briefed that we would be heading over by the highway to cover holiday travel. The reporter and I wrote, researched, and began driving towards the location, when our photog said, “Change of plans, there has been a shooting.” We had to pivot – write and research a new story that was actively developing. When we arrived at the scene, police and detectives were still searching the property, the medical examiner was on the way, and Norfolk prosecutors were taking notes. By 4:30 a.m., Keagan and LV were ready for the first live hit. I was astonished by how quickly they were both able to adapt and tell a completely new story within an extremely short deadline. Here I learned keeping a steady mind is key, as you need to be able to change the plan at the drop of a hat and are expected to be ready when producers say, “Standby.”

#3 Know your story better than anyone else.

No one knows the story like you. As a journalist, I hope to dedicate my full attention to each and every story I tell, because I want to do it justice. Technology fails, and when it does you need to be prepared to tell the story, because with or without a script, that’s the goal. Knowing your story front and back not only helps in cases where something goes wrong while you’re live. It also helps in connecting to your interviewee, postproduction editing, and advocating for future representation. During my time here, I’ve seen every reporter is passionate about the story they are telling whether they personally relate to it or not. They all take the time to thoroughly research to maintain accuracy and integrity, that way the viewer can trust them. Knowing your story builds trust not just with your interviewee, but the community as a whole.

#2 Journalism is a service.

From newsroom to web desk, to the HRS show, to sales, the same phrase has been engrained into my brain: “Journalism is a service.” Interacting with each department, regardless of position or work tasks, every WAVY employee has told me they do this because they care about people. Newsroom serves through telling the stories of often underrepresented communities. The Hampton Roads Show serves by connecting viewers to organizations, initiatives, and companies who support the community. Sales serves local business by giving them the platform to reach a large target audience. And that’s just a few of the many departments in this building. One example I can call on was as I shadowed assignment desk, and it surprised me. As I sat with Dominic he answered emails and calls back-to-back, often of civilians asking for help outside of WAVY’s reach. I remember a woman called upset about her living situation and this issue wasn’t something WAVY could help with in that moment. Instead, of brushing off the woman and saying, “We can’t help,” Dominic researched her community’s compliance office and got her set up with a phone number to call for help. This could seem like a simple nice gesture, but to me it again confirmed the dedication WAVY employees have to helping people in any way they can.

#1 Remain trustful in God’s plan.

Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

This verse keeps be going each day here. I know God placed me at WAVY for a reason and placed me in the path of people within the station right at the perfect time. As I was shadowing in the newsroom, I happened to mention that I wanted to shadow a political beat reporter. I was just voicing interest, not thinking anything of it. Senior Producer Bob Bennett, said “Well today’s the perfect day! Grab your stuff, let’s go!” I went from sitting at the assignment desk ready to take notes, to catching Reporter Brett Hall right as he ran out the door for a report on the gubernatorial race. If I hadn’t mentioned it right at that time, I wouldn’t be writing this today. Another example that comes to mind is my time out nightside reporting with Markeisha Jackson. I spoke with her about remaining faithful in moments of covering tragedy. She reminded me that I must lean on God and never be hesitant to pray before and during my work, not only for myself but the people affected. I am learning, although difficult, I could be placed in moments of someone’s worst day, but it’s for a reason. And I trust that reason can help another!