PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

The Lead with Jake Tapper, CNN

October 2021 - present

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I make graphic and video elements for the show. My job is to think of visually compelling ways to tell a story. So, my day-to-day entails combing through pictures, graphs, tweets, statements and videos online and in NewsApps to complement show segments. And in the control room, I call these elements, seamlessly communicating with show directors, seniors and graphics operators. I also segment produce -- pitching stories, planning the editorial direction of my segments with seniors and coordinating on-air hit times with reporters. 

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NEWS ASSOCIATE

CNN Washington, DC Bureau

September 2020 - September 2021

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Along with CNN's Crime and Justice team, I covered ongoing January 6 Capitol Riot cases. Most of the hearings were held virtually and I dialed into the proceedings to report. Outside these virtual courtrooms, I researched, combed through court documents relating to the cases, and wrote articles for CNN.com. For CNN's broadcast news coverage, I worked with daily TV news shows -- including New Day, Inside Politics, The Lead and The Situation Room -- where I assisted with on-air guests, scripts, teleprompting, produced for and coordinated live segments with on-air reporters. I also monitored socials for trends and news, and logged transcripts of interviews, press conferences and news events. 

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CRIME & JUSTICE INTERN

CNN Washington, DC Bureau

September 2019 - April 2020

 

From detailed researching and thorough fact-checking to logging transcripts of press conferences and judicial hearings, I was involved in breaking pertinent and developing stories in politics and the justice sector. Along with my colleagues, I covered the release of the whistleblower complaint involving the infamous call between then-President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the trial of Trump's former political advisor Roger Stone, the House impeachment inquiry against Trump and the subsequent impeachment trial in the Senate.

 

 

REPORTING INTERN

HBCU Times Inc., LLC

August 2018 - May 2019

 

My primary job was to write articles for the magazine - mainly feature stories and, occasionally, news articles. Working for the magazine helped me fortify my interviewing and feature writing skills. I improved my photography skills using the Canon EOS Rebel T6 as I shot different types of pictures: portraits, wide-angle shots, etc. Among other works, I covered political events featuring CNN commentator Bakari Sellers and U.S. presidential candidate Senator Cory Booker.

 

 

EDITOR

The Panther

August 2018 - May 2019

 

I assigned student reporters to cover events, proof-read their articles and checked for accuracy. This role helped me develop an editorial eye for news and engaging stories. Working with a team allowed me to improve my communication skills, to become objective, constructively critical and open to varying perspectives from my news team.

 

 

CORRESPONDENT

The Times and Democrat

August 2017 - May 2019

 

Writing for The Times and Democrat improved my ability to write succinctly and accurately in AP style. I built a strong work ethic, eager to put in the work required to effectively cover a story. The T&D also allowed me to sharpen my communication and collaborative skills while working with its newsroom. The importance of working quickly to meet strict deadlines was ever clear to me and I honed these skills in this role. In addition to improving my writing and reporting skills, this position also challenged me to be diligent in fact-checking and researching background information on the subject matter of a news story.

 

 

REPORTER

The Panther, Claflin University

August 2017 - May 2019

 

This was my foray into news writing and reporting. I learned the importance of versatility and the ability to multi-task as a reporter for the student newspaper. I quickly adapted to the time-sensitive world of journalism and learned how to work with a news team . I covered a wide range of topics: politics, business, campus and local news in the Orangeburg, S.C. area. So, I took care to stay up-to-date on current affairs, and continue to do so.

 

 

CO-HOST

Planet Claflin Podcast

September 2016 - February 2017

 

My introduction to sound production came while working on the university's student podcast. In addition to co-hosting with my colleagues, I researched and developed the topics for discussion. I was also involved in planning the overall layout of the episodes. We primarily used Protools 11 to edit. Since then, I have also worked with Adobe Audition CS6 and Adobe Premiere Pro.