KSNT-TV Internship Reflection

Introduction

Welcome! My name is Marika Davis, and I am a Senior studying Strategic Communications at Kansas State University. Currently, I am minoring in Marketing and Leadership Studies, but I am also receiving a certificate in Business of Sports and Entertainment. My area of study allows me to pursue different branches of journalism and communications, and that reflects my interest in Public Relations and Broadcast Journalism. I am originally from Overland Park, Kansas, and I am passionate about sports and broadcasting industry.

Summer Internship

This summer, I am a Newsroom Intern for KSNT-TV in Topeka, KS. KSNT-TV is a television station in Topeka and represents the channels of Fox 43, KTKA-TV, and KSNT Channel 27. This company is an affiliate of NBC, Fox, and most of all Nexstar Media. Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is America’s largest local television and media company with 200 broadcast stations (including partner stations) in 116 markets addressing more than 68% of U.S. television households and a growing digital media operation. Nexstar’s platform delivers exceptional local content and network programming to inform and entertain viewers while providing premium, scalable local advertising opportunities for advertisers and brands across all screens and devices.

This internship is part-time, and I am able to shadow and learn about all the different departments and aspects of broadcast journalism. My shifts are from 2:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. which is a working shift that I am not used to, however, I am beginning to enjoy working during the night time. So far, I have shadowed a news tracker, multi-media journalist (also known as a reporter), anchor, meteorologist, producer, director, the Sports team, the Capitol Bureau, and an online reporter. Out of all the positions I have shadowed this summer, the positions I have enjoyed the most were the multi-media journalist and the anchor.

Reporting at the State Capitol

A shift that I really enjoyed this summer in Topeka was when I had the opportunity to shadow the Capitol Bureau Reporter, Rebekah Chung, while she was working the Kansas State Capitol building. We began our day at the KSNT-TV station for the 9:30 Editorial meeting, where we discuss potential story ideas and assign reporters to cover different areas within the region. From there we proceed to go to the State Capitol. At the Capitol, I watched Rebekah prepare her package over the interview she had with the Kansas Secretary of State.

Later on, I was able to watch Rebekah as a panelist on “I’ve Got Issues” with Dr. Bob Beatty from Washburn University. From there, Rebekah and I spent the rest of the day flipping her package and contacting other communications specialists for politicians and government officials. Overall, I really enjoyed shadowing Rebekah, she has taught me a lot about reporting and the political environment in Kansas.

Following the Face of KSNT-TV

A day I really enjoyed during my time at KSNT-TV has been when I shadowed evening anchor, David George. He is a long-term veteran of broadcast journalism, as he has been a meteorologist and anchor for decades. I am fortunate to have learned a lot of great broadcasting advice from him. Throughout the day, David taught me about production and his daily process of reviewing and altering scripts to match his voice/personality better. It was fascinating to learn about his journey in broadcasting, and he definitely has valuable wisdom to share.

After the afternoon shows, I was able to help David prepare a package for a St. Jude family. From there, David returned to anchor the late-night broadcasts, which was interesting to learn and see how he is able to keep his energy up although it was a late night. Anchoring is something that I have had a good experience with in both high school and college, so I enjoyed being able to shadow one of the best anchors in Kansas.

Reflection

Overall, I am really enjoying my time at KSNT-TV and I am thankful for all the amazing mentors I am learning from. Broadcast journalism is something that I am passionate about, so it is exciting to be able to learn and participate with industry professionals. It is still taking time for me to adjust to the unique night time schedule that most reporters have. That said, I am so thankful to have this opportunity and to connect with local residents in our region. I look forward to becoming an official reporter throughout the 2023-2024 school year.