Ava, Journalist at ABC 10News KGTV: Advize Career Interview
A career in broadcast journalism, as detailed by a reporter and producer at ABC 10News KGTV, offers a dynamic and exciting path.
This individual's journey began with student newspaper leadership and blossomed through broadcast experiences at Cal Poly, overcoming pandemic challenges to secure roles at various stations before reaching their current position.
The work is multifaceted, encompassing reporting, producing, and even weather segments, demanding strong time management and a thick skin.
A love for the adrenaline rush of live television, the diversity of roles, and the ability to work from diverse locations, including the beach, are highlighted.
Success in the field requires a blend of strong writing skills and on-camera presence, often found in individuals with prior theater experience.
The interconnectedness of the newsroom and the importance of every role are crucial lessons learned, along with the need to filter criticism and focus on self-improvement.
Entry-level positions often begin in smaller markets, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn all aspects of the production process.
Extensive hands-on experience in various journalism formats during undergraduate studies, combined with perseverance, is emphasized as a key to early success in this fast-paced and rewarding field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Ava Kershner
Journalist
ABC 10News KGTV
Cal Poly, Cuesta College, Hancock College, Cal State Northridge
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Creative Writing, Journalism
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of a Journalist at NBC 10 KGTV
Ava's journalism career began at Questa College, where she became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, then blossomed at Cal Poly, where she immersed herself in broadcast opportunities at KCPR and Mustang TV, overcoming COVID-related internship challenges to land a role at KSBY, which led to positions at KERO and finally Ava's current role as reporter and producer at ABC 10News KGTV in San Diego, where Ava says they are "in front of the camera most days, but...behind the scenes at least once a week".
Main Responsibilities of a Journalist at ABC 10News KGTV
Ava's role at ABC 10News KGTV is multifaceted, encompassing reporting ("I come to work every day with a pitch"), producing ("I choose what stories we are going to be airing"), and even filling in on weather segments ("doing live hits"). This variety keeps the work interesting, with Ava writing and editing stories, managing the newscast flow down to the second, and contributing across different broadcast times.
A day in the life of a Journalist at ABC 10News KGTV
Ava's typical day as a reporter involves "running around to the last second," conducting interviews, writing a "look live," gathering footage, and editing the story, a process that culminates in a 1.5- to 2-minute news segment. Producing, especially on weekends, presents a fast-paced challenge, requiring Ava to write "a whole half hour of news" in a short time frame, showcasing the high-pressure, adrenaline-filled nature of live television.
Most Important Skills for a Journalist at ABC 10News KGTV
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, emphasizes that "time management is definitely the most important" skill, due to strict deadlines and demanding stories. The ability to develop "a thick skin" is also crucial for long-term success, as the job involves frequent rejection and negative interactions.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Journalist At ABC 10News KGTV
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, thrives on the "diversity of roles" her job offers, avoiding monotony by working in various locations. The freedom to work from anywhere, even enjoying "one of my favorite places to work...at the beach," is a highlight of the position.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Journalist at ABC 10News KGTV
Ava's greatest challenge as a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV is "getting to know the market," which includes understanding the local geography, officials, and community nuances to accurately report the news. This learning curve, exemplified by Ava's initial difficulties covering a border story, highlights the crucial need for thorough research and understanding of a new reporting area.
Favorite parts of working in the News industry as an ABC 10News KGTV Journalist
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, finds the adrenaline rush of live TV, particularly "going live at a fire," incredibly exciting, a feeling amplified by the "rush of it all" and the opportunity to show viewers unique perspectives. The job's glamorous side, "playing dress up" and "getting all fancy," is also a favorite, a less-discussed aspect of the profession.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Journalism Industry, According to a Journalist at ABC 10News
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, notes a surprising trend: many successful on-camera journalists were "theater kids," possessing a natural performance ability crucial for the role, which combines strong writing skills with a confident on-camera presence; a blend of "good writing" and a compelling on-screen personality is key for advancement to higher levels in the industry.
What a Journalist at ABC 10News wishes they had known before entering the Journalism industry
Ava, a multimedia journalist (MMJ) at ABC 10News KGTV, reveals a crucial lesson learned: the "entire orchestra of people" required for a news broadcast, highlighting the "crucialness of each job" and how the fragility of the system depends on every role, from reporters to directors, producers, and anchors. This interconnectedness, and the fact that many roles, like Ava's, are combined, was something that was unexpected.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Journalists
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, highlights that entry-level positions often begin in "the middle of nowhere," requiring individuals to "do everything" and learn broadly. Opportunities like internships and roles such as producer, photographer, or floor director in smaller markets offer valuable experience, often leading to MMJ/reporter positions which serve as a common starting point for on-air careers.
Significant Career Lesson From A Journalist At ABC 10News
Ava, a journalist at ABC 10News KGTV, learned that "not let[ting] other people's opinions weigh you down too much" is crucial for success in a high-profile role where constant public scrutiny is inevitable; the ability to filter criticism and focus on self-improvement, despite opinions from colleagues and viewers alike, is essential for career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped A Journalist At ABC 10News KGTV Succeed
Ava's undergraduate success stemmed from extensive hands-on experience across print, radio, and television journalism, gaining "writing skills," "vocal skills," and "visual skills," making Ava a highly competitive candidate. This, coupled with Ava's relentless pursuit of opportunities, including multiple campus news organizations and summer work on a high-profile case like the Paul Flores/ Kristin Smart case, secured Ava a job before graduation.
How Identity Has Influenced A Journalist At ABC 10News KGTV's Career
Ava's experience as a transfer student during COVID-19 significantly shaped their career trajectory, forcing them to "stretch [themselves] very thin" to maximize a limited in-person college experience. This intense period taught valuable time management skills and the importance of making the most of every opportunity, leading to diverse experiences ranging from internships and reporting jobs to a receptionist role, all contributing to their current success at ABC 10News KGTV.
Advizer Personal Links
Instagram @avakershner, facebook @Ava Kershner TV, Tiktok @avaontheair, Linked In @avakershner