An Interview with Anita Padilla.TV News Reporter In this first installment of Close-up, our student journalists, MeDeanna Love and Monique McCullough, interview Anita Padilla, a general assignment reporter for NBC News NBC News (along with NBC News + HD) is the news division of American television network NBC, a part of NBC Universal, which is majority-owned by General Electric. Its current president is Steve Capus. It is the top-rated broadcast news division and has been for a decade. in Chicago, Illinois Illinois, river, United States Illinois, river, 273 mi (439 km) long, formed by the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers, NE Ill., and flowing SW to the Mississippi at Grafton, Ill. It is an important commercial and recreational waterway. . Tell us about your upbrigning. A: I grew up in a Mexican-American family with five children. My parents worked very hard and always told us to get a good education. I loved school and got good grades, but teachers frequently wrote on my report card that I talked too much. Well, I wish they could see me now. I actually get paid very well for talking! What college did you attend; and what was it like? A: I attended Columbia University Columbia University, mainly in New York City; founded 1754 as King's College by grant of King George II; first college in New York City, fifth oldest in the United States; one of the eight Ivy League institutions. and graduated with a degree in journalism. It was a difficult time, but not because of the class work. Even though I was a Fischetti Journalism Scholarship winner, it was hard keeping up with expenses. I didn't have much to live on, but all I cared about was getting my degree. What was your first big career break? A: My first job as a news reporter was at WXLC/CKRS Radio as the afternoon drive anchor in Waukegan, Illinois Waukegan (IPA: /wɔˈkiːgən/) is a city in Lake County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 87,901. Estimated population in 2006: 93,389 . . Radio opened the door to an opportunity in TV news reporting. Where else have you worked? A: I worked at WFTV-TV in Orlando, Florida The city of Orlando is a major city in central Florida and is the county seat of Orange County, Florida. According to the 2000 census, the city population was 185,951. A 2006 U.S. , as the only reporter covering an area with 22 cities. Also, I worked as a field reporter for the "Fox5 Live" and the "10 O'Clock News" on Fox/WNYW in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of . What is the most difficult story you have ever covered? A: I covered the explosion of TWA TWA Time-weighted average, see there Flight 800. It was very sad because so many lives were affected by that tragedy. It was also the biggest story that I had ever covered. It's the one that got me noticed. Is your job competitive? A: Yes. And you always have to be ready to cover the next story. You have to learn to cope with plenty of stress. Any other personal notes? A: I'm married to a former police officer who I actually interviewed during a murder investigation. We have a 6-month-old son, Seth. I'm the provider, and Tom is the homemaker. What special message would you like to share with our readers? A: Become well-educated and prepare for the future. Stay ahead of technology and keep up with change. If you follow what you love to do, you will succeed. |
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