Meet this week's WCW, Jeannie McBride of the WFFT/Fox 55 News Team.
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- How long have you been a part of the WFFT News Team?
I have been a part of the WFFT/FOX 55 News Team in Fort Wayne, Indiana, since October 2016. This is my first job as an on-air Reporter/Multi-Media Journalist. Before this, I was a Floor Director and On-Air Contributor at WKYC Channel 3 News in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Have you always wanted to be in the public eye?
I always loved to perform. Growing up I danced, sang, acted in plays and musicals – the list goes on. I enjoyed entertaining people and having people be able to actually see my talents. I honestly think that is what encouraged me to be on TV.
- What’s a common misconception about news/media?
A lot of people ask me if we get our clothes picked out for us or if someone does our hair and make-up every day. Well, let me tell you – No. Especially at a local level, we do it all ourselves. It’s not glamorous. What viewers see on the screen is only a small percent of what reporters actually have to do.
- What does your job entail?
I report for the 10pm newscast, so my workday starts at 2pm. We pitch our stories, get the story or stories assigned to us, and then it is a constant battle against the clock. I carry the camera, tripod, shoot my own footage, get the interviews, write, edit, and then somehow manage to be on live TV without looking like a hot mess. It can be stressful, but I love it. You never know what the day will bring. I could be assigned to a homicide or I could get a story about a stand-up paddle board fitness class- never a dull moment!
- It takes a village, so who are your biggest supporters?
I honestly could not be doing this without the support of my family and my friends. Breaking into the broadcasting industry is difficult – especially if you want to be an on-air personality. There were e people who doubted I could do it, but thanks to my family, friends, and various mentors along the way, it was possible.
- How did you advance your career?
I was involved in The University of Akron’s student broadcasting network: Z-TV. I was an anchor and a reporter for our news show: ‘Lights, Camera, Akron.” This allowed me to land an internship at WKYC Channel 3 news twice. The second time, the internship was during my second semester of my senior year, which turned into a part-time job as a Production Assistant/Floor Director. It allowed me to work behind the scenes at a big market TV station, while applying for reporting jobs at the same time. The connections and memories I made at WKYC were amazing and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without getting that first internship.
- What is your personal brand?
Right now, I am still working on my personal brand. Being only one year out of college, “adulting” is still something I’m getting used to. Right now, I think it would be: driven and determined-, girl next door- and can usually been seen laughing at herself.
- How do you spread the word about your brand?
Even though I’m supposed to be seen as a serious reporter, I never want to lose what makes me... well, me. So when I am on Twitter or Facebook or meeting with viewers, I always let my inner personality come out. It’s important to not lose yourself and to let others see what truly makes you shine.
- How important is social media?
Social Media is huge! Almost everyone has some form of social media. It makes our world so small and it keeps people connected. You can find out what is happening across the world or you can even stay in touch with your best friend from third grade or your sorority sister who lives across the United States. Some people don’t like social media, but I think it has made more people communicate with each other than ever before.
- How do you measure success?
Success is measured in the eyes of the beholder. For me, it is happiness. When I am truly at peace with myself, my life, and look back and say, ‘wow, this life has been a good one,” that to me, is success.
- What’s happening in pop culture right now that has your full attention?
Currently, I am obsessed with the Olympics. Swimming and gymnastics are my favorite.
- Where did you go to school? What did you go for?
I went to the University of Akron (#GoZips) and I was Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications: Radio/TV Broadcasting and I minored in Dance.
- How did that help you get to where you are now?
- What’s your greatest professional achievement?
- How do you handle stress?
If I’m really stressed out I know I need to go on a run or put in head phones and dance around my apartment. Sometimes, wine is necessary.
- Do you have a mentor/mentee?
I have many, but three that truly stand out to me are Virgil Dominic, Isabella Moller, and Alaina Pinto. Virgil Dominic and Isabella Moller are always there giving me advice on reporting/news when I need it or giving me tips on how to improve my work. They give great constructive criticism and when they complement me… it is like winning a medal. Alaina Pinto was in Alpha Delta Pi with me at Akron. She was a year older and a communications major as well. She was the first person I knew to get a job as a reporter and she inspired and encouraged me to pursue my dream. It is so nice having someone who knows what you’re talking about or going through. We both are there for each other and I couldn’t be luckier.
- What makes up your wardrobe?
- Where do you shop?
- Who is your fashion icon?
- What can’t you leave home without?
- Are you a member of any organizations? Trade organizations? etc.
- What is your “pump up” music?
- What’s the average day in the life of Jeannie look like?
- What advice do you have for other young women wanting to follow their dreams?
- Why do you do what you do?
I am a reporter because I love telling stories. A lot of people think all news is bad, but I try and find the good stories or at least find ones with a positive message. It gives me 2 minutes to brighten up or educate people about different things happening locally or even on the national level. I love when I get recognized at the grocery store or at the gym because it shows that I’m doing my job well. And hearing compliments from the viewers – it makes every stressful day so worthwhile. I get paid to do what I love – what could be better?
Thanks Jeannie!
xo,
KJB
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