And the Emmy Goes to...

This week was amazing. On Monday, I worked in the newsroom and did my regular routine. Although, I got a better understanding of the assignment desk. I answered two phone calls. It was kind of fun. The assignment desk crew is really nice and helpful. 

On Tuesday, I shadowed reporter Nefertiti Jaquez as she covered a story about a man that allegedly killed his girlfriend in her car in Memphis and ditched the car in Grant Park. Jaquez interviewed three residents. In addition, the third interviewee had pictures of the car before authorities picked it up. After Jaquez finished the interviews, she went live with the story at noon, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

On Thursday, I shadowed investigative reporter Aaron Diamant as he covered a story about the general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport who was fired. Diamant was the first reporter to cover the story when the former general manager was first fired and since then, he had been trying to find out the exact reason why Mayor Kasim Reed fired him. Every time Diamant tried to get in contact with the mayor for an interview, the mayor and his team continually said "No." Not letting that be an excuse, Diamant tracked the mayor down at a public event and interviewed him as he got out of his car. It was so cool to see a reporter be so passionate about a story and not allow "No" to stand in his way. 

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to be a volunteer for the Southeast Emmy Awards. It was amazing seeing journalists who have inspired me since I was a young boy. My jobs included setting out programs, unloading the Emmys, cutting tickets and being a star chaser. What is a star chaser, you ask? A star chaser is someone who gets the presenters from their seats and walks them backstage to get prepped before they go on stage. This was AWESOME! It was amazing to be in the presence of excellence. It was evident that everyone in the ballroom worked hard to be there, whether they won an Emmy or not. Being there served as motivation for me to "work hard and persevere" as anchor Karyn Greer told me.  

I continue to stand amazed at the opportunities that God allows me to experience. This internship has stretched every part of me, but God has remained faithful and has guided me every step of the way.

Me working at the assignment desk. 

I have begun to look at the footage from my stand-ups. 

Investigative reporter Aaron Diamant interviewing Mayor Kasim Reed.

Investigative reporter Aaron Diamant interviewing Councilwomen Felicia Reed about the former general manager of the airport.

The production crew adding the finishing touches to the ballroom. 

Anchor Karyn Greer and me. I have looked up to her since I was a young boy. 

Me on the red carpet. 

Anchor Joanne Feldman from Fox 5 and me. She is very nice. 

Emmy Award-winning make-up artist Nyssa Green and me. She is hilarious. 

Anchor Brenda Wood and me. She has inspired me since I was a young boy. It was an honor meeting her. 

Mrs. Wood and me sharing a funny moment. 

Me practicing for when I win my first Emmy.