Abbey Lord

"On day one of the internship, I was shadowing, practicing standups, and learning about the technical side of cameras from photographers. As the internship went on, I learned who to contact when you need a story, repetition is key, to keep it simple and to write what you see."
Abby Lord stands in front of a television camera.
Abbey Lord was an intern at Fox 26 Houston.

Fox 26 Houston

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at Fox 26 Houston which is a No. 7 market according to the Designated Market Areas list. When I got the call that I got the internship, I was so excited and a little scared because I knew expectations would be high. 

When I walked into the station on June 5, I thought I would see people running around everywhere with a bunch of papers and trying to get the best shot like the movies. That was far from the truth. Also, I thought I would be getting coffee and just shadowing reporters and not doing much. However, it was the complete opposite.

On day one of the internship, I was shadowing, practicing standups, and learning about the technical side of cameras from photographers. As the internship went on, I learned who to contact when you need a story, repetition is key, to keep it simple and to write what you see.

Since that first day, it has been go-go-go. I worked the morning shift which is 4 a.m. or 6 a.m. to 12;30 p.m. with three days with producers, three days with the digital team, five days with the assignment desk and three days with production. Not only was I with my main mentor Ruben Dominquez, the lifestyle/entertainment reporter, but also with different, experienced reporters, such as Shelby Rose, two-time Emmy Award winner hard news reporter, who helped me understand what it takes to cover hard news, write scripts, give valuable advice and was patient.  I was able to try the new restaurants in Houston and eat the amazing food covering Houston Independent School District story from playing baseball on national TV for Fox to making homemade pasta to pitching creative promos to the creative team. Also, I participate in meetings by pitching stories and two of them have been on TV and I made an appearance on one.

Despite working long nights and early mornings, I have learned a lot and it has been worth it. I love how friendly and cooperative everyone is here, and I love hearing how everyone journeys to the Houston market.

Before the internship is over (which is soon), I want to continue practicing my skills and talking to new people. Going into this internship, I didn’t know what I specifically wanted to do, but I have decided that I really want to be a reporter, so I hope to go out with more reporters.

For any person looking to get into the field of broadcasting, go for it. I applied thinking the worst thing they can say is no. Do not be afraid to shoot for the stars and give it a try because it could be the greatest thing that has happened to you. 

 

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