This month’s spotlight features Senait Gebregiorgis, a Television News Reporter for WESH 2. Read on to learn about Senait’s incredible career as a broadcast journalist and her inspiring path to becoming an Emmy award winner.
Please briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
I am a television news reporter for WESH 2 News – a local NBC news affiliate in Orlando, Florida. We cover all of Central Florida. Each day could look different depending on what’s happening in the communities we cover. I come in with at least two to three story ideas to pitch to my producers, editors, and managers (unless there is breaking news to chase.) I make calls and set up interviews. From there, it’s a race against time. I have a strict deadline to meet. My photojournalist and I go out and gather all the elements. I log the interviews and my photojournalist edits the video. I send updates to the newsroom through pictures, texts, and emails. Once my script is approved by the executive producer, I track it in the audio booth, or I use a mic in the field to record my voice. Then, the story is edited and ready for air. I report the story live on television from the scene for the 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Finally, it’s time to work with my digital partner to publish the story on our website. Sometimes we have to juggle multiple stories and projects at once and report for the earlier newscasts like 4, 5 and 6 p.m.
How did you decide that this was the right career path for you?
I just have a passion for storytelling, video editing, and asking LOTS of questions. I love deep conversations, empathy over apathy, learning new things, meeting new people, seeing new places, spreading hope, amplifying marginalized voices, and being the change I want to see in the world. I’ve learned a lot about my cultural background, Eritrea’s struggle for freedom, and my parents’ journey to America through storytelling. My dad is one of the best writers and storytellers I know. Traveling back home to Eritrea when I was 14 years old has also played a pivotal role. Most of all, there was a pattern in media that bothered me… Major media outlets overrepresented people who like me as welfare-dependent, poor, violent, criminals, broken families etc. There is so much power in seeking and telling the truth and changing the narrative – that’s part of what keeps me going.
How did you get your start as a television reporter?
I have a bachelor’s in broadcast journalism with a specialization in African American studies and political science. After graduation, I moved to New York City for the summer to take part in a media fellowship. I also took part in a one-week media bootcamp in Washington D.C. and worked with the ABC news affiliate there. While in D.C. I met a news anchor from L.A. who introduced me to a recruiter. That recruiter helped me get my first job in television news. Funny enough I ended up moving back to my University’s city since that’s where my first news station was located.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your career?
Helping spark change in peoples’ lives. We get lots of calls/emails from people who need help or want to spread awareness about something worth highlighting. Even if my reporting can make one small difference for the better, then I feel like I’ve done my job. Sometimes I take a moment to reflect on how incredible it is to meet new people each day (good or bad experiences) because I learn so much about the world through the stories I tell and the conversations I have. It makes me want to be a better person. I also have many press passes from over the years that remind me of some amazing historical events I got to witness and be a part of. Every day is a new day – you just never know what you’re going to cover and who you’re going to shake hands with.
What have been some of the challenging aspects of your career, and how have you navigated through them?
Crime is never fun to cover. It’s horrible. A lot of the time I’m talking to people on the worst days of their lives. I’m someone who can never become numb to it. I can’t tell you how many families I’ve sat with who lost their loved ones to gun violence. I’ve covered countless protests, candlelight vigils, and memorials. It takes a toll. It’s hard to keep your reporter hat on when covering tragedies. I always try to take care of every story I tell. I never take it lightly because I recognize how much strength and courage it takes for people to speak to someone with a camera and mic.
What types of stories do you enjoy covering?
Human interest stories; stories that spread hope or inspire someone to do something positive. Profiling someone who is making a difference in their community. Milestones, children, politics (sometimes), social justice, culture, and art.
Are there any famous television reporters that inspire you? Why do they inspire you?
I grew up watching powerful women on television like Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Robin Roberts and more. They’re examples of people who are/were not afraid to ask the tough questions. I’ve taken notes from watching them. Morgan Radford is one of my current inspirations. Her reporting is captivating.
What are your top three pieces of advice for someone looking to become a news reporter?
First and foremost be yourself. There are enough people in this world who are trying to be like someone else. Everyone else is taken, but you. I was told to change my last name, my hair, my look, and my voice when I entered the business. It’s a constant struggle and it can mess with your confidence. When I find myself feeling discouraged, I’m blessed to have a village that reminds me that my authentic self is my best self.
Second, read books, write, journal, network, find mentors and a really good therapist.
Third, don’t make your career your whole life. This job has taught me how fragile life can be. Find time to unplug and do things you love. Go enjoy your hobbies, spend time with people who uplift and help you grow, and live your best life!
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Helping families who’ve lost loved get justice through journalism is always a rewarding feeling. If I can choose one though, I would say taking home my first Edward R. Murrow award and regional News Emmy awards from my time as a multimedia journalist in Louisville, KY. I remember an older reporter once telling me it would take years and years until I can even get past a nomination, but I was about four years in the business when I took home the awards. I never got in the business to be recognized or to win fancy awards. But I will say, I worked my a** off when I was a solo, one-woman-band journalist in Louisville (through a pandemic and protests). I usually shy away from celebrating my accomplishments. I’m slowly learning how to do that more. I couldn’t help but feel proud of my growth especially at a time when I wanted to give up. I say all this to remind people to never let anyone’s own insecurities and projections make you lose sight of your worth. It’s challenging to practice that, but don’t downplay yourself—know that you can manifest anything. Faith over fear.
Outside of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I love fitness classes. Yoga, barre, dance, and Pilates are some of my favorites. I love visiting local coffee shops and trying new restaurants. Hanging with family and friends, traveling abroad, journaling, zen stuff, some adrenaline-inducing activities, Netflixing, and biking.