Central Florida Public Media in Orlando, FL
Radio intern (at formerly 90.7 WMFE)
After participating in a virtual internship fair through the Nicholson School of Communication and Media at UCF, I landed a summer internship at 90.7 WMFE (now called Central Florida Public Media). It was my first journalism internship, and I was grateful for the chance to begin my professional career in my hometown.
I primarily learned under the guidance of Matthew Peddie, the then-host of the weekly public affairs show Intersection. He saw my potential as a writer and storyteller, which helped him manage his role as interim news director and radio show host.
From May through August 2021, I researched story topics, attended daily pitch meetings, compiled interview questions, clipped audio segments using Adobe Audition, and wrote brief features on each interview segment. I also had the chance to work with reporters Abe Aboraya, Talia Blake, Brendan Byrne, Joe Byrnes, and Nicole Darden Creston.
I learned how much goes on in a newsroom and appreciated how everyone was welcoming and eager to help me grow. The only downside was that the COVID-19 pandemic forced circumstances to be less-than-ideal, and I only went into the studio twice in four months.
I worked 12 hours each week for course credit, but I gained so much more knowledge than money could buy.
See the stories I worked on below:
Orange County Schools Urge Families to Send Their Kids to Class Wearing Face Masks
A story about Orange County Public Schools’ plans for face masks during the pandemic. This was the first time that I attended a press conference and collaborated with a reporter on my final day as an intern. I chose the quotes and helped write/edit the story.
How Hurricanes Shape Florida’s Environment
A conversation about hurricanes and Florida ecology.
School Safety And The Role Of School Resource Officers
A conversation about school resource officers ahead of the school year.
Coping With Back To School Anxiety As COVID Cases Rise
A conversation on the role psychology plays during back-to-school season.
Greg Francis & John Rivers Address Diversity In Agriculture
A conversation about an Orlando attorney’s new book, “Just Harvest,” and how it explores the plight of Black farmers, along with John Rivers, the founder and CEO of the 4Rivers brand.
The New Frontier Of Space Tourism
A conversation about the frontier of space tourism with WMFE space reporter and Are We There Yet host Brendan Byrne. This story followed the Blue Origin sub-orbital mission on July 20, 2021.
A Central Florida Church Reflects On Turmoil In Haiti
A conversation on a church’s Haiti mission.
Helping First Responders On The Front Lines Of The Surfside Disaster
A conversation about aftermath of the Surfside condo collapse.
Launch Tourism Booms As Space Coast Contemplates Post-Covid Comeback
A conversation about Space Coast tourism.
The Center Broadens Its Reach By Partnering With Translation Company
A conversation about the The Center Language Translation Services.
The Politics Of The Surfside Condo Collapse
A conversation about Florida politics and how it affects disaster rescue and recovery efforts.
The Pandemic’s Toll On Nurses
A conversation about nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Nurses Discuss The Pandemic And The Nursing Shortage
A conversation detailing the human connection of the nurse shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VA Secretary Discusses Challenges Facing The Department
A conversation with the VA Secretary about gender confirmation surgeries during Pride Month, along with COVID-19 concerns and veteran suicide.
Reflecting On Juneteenth And African American History In Florida
A conversation about the significance of Juneteenth.
A conversation about what marine mammal vets accomplish.
Barbara Poma Discusses Pulse Permanent Memorial Plans
A conversation about the possible Pulse Memorial.
Filmmaker Charlie Minn Re-Releases “49 Pulses” Five Years After The Shooting
A conversation with the filmmaker of “49 Pulses” in remembrance of the Pulse Nightclub shooting.
BolderX Competition Aims To Bridge The Generational Gaming Gap
A conversation about BolderX and the multimedia lifestyle brand “Growing Bolder.”
Getting Ready For Hurricane Season
A conversation about what you should prepare for during hurricane season, which begins June 1 annually.
Masks, Vaccines And Preparing For The Next School Year
A conversation about masks, vaccines, and preparing for the next school year in 2021.