If you are from South Georgia, you probably heard the name WALB. In a recent interview with two of ABAC’s Alumni Jamie Worsley, Multi-Media Journalist, and Tanner Anderson, Producer, who both work for the news station, we get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be part of the team at WALB.
When asked what made them want to work for WALB, Worsley stated “Growing up, WALB News 10 was my home television station. I grew up watching Yolanda Amedeo and Chris Zelman deliver the forecast and spent many mornings before school watching the Today in Georgia show. Jim Wallace and Karla Heath-Sands were like local celebrities to me, and I never thought I’d get the opportunity to work alongside them one day. Before even graduating with a degree in Writing and Communications, I knew that WALB would be the perfect place to start my career in TV. I applied for the position online, set up an interview with the news director, and was offered the position in less than a week after applying. It was a whirlwind!”
Anderson offered a similar answer stating that “I grew up watching WALB as a child and being a kid from South Georgia I always saw it as a dream come true working somewhere that would not only allow me to be recognized but also given the chance to give back to my community. I started out as an intern and the station gave me every chance to build on my skills and that eventually landed me the job.”
For both students, it seems as if ABAC helped set the platform for their career. Both Worsley and Anderson mention ABAC experiences and ABAC Professor Dr. Tom Grant, associate professor in the school of arts and science who regularly teaches journalism and broadcasting. When asked “What made you choose this field of work?” Anderson stated, “ABAC was one of the best choices of my life. You can’t go to larger colleges and get the hands-on experience and the one-on-one time with your professors. I truly cherish the time spent in Dr. Grant’s office looking over reels and critiquing what went well and what went bad.”
WALB is not the only place of employment that ABAC students found in the journalism industry. ABAC’s own Billy Ray Malone, former editor at the Stallion, has recently received a job at the Tift Gazette as a reporter stating, “I can’t wait to take on this challenge and I couldn’t be happier I’m getting this type of opportunity.”
Ethan Reddish, former ABAC student, has also been hired as a reporter at the Post Searchlight in Bainbridge, Georgia, said, “I’m glad that The Post-Searchlight gave me this opportunity. It wasn’t easy finding a job in journalism after graduation, The Post-Searchlight was just what I was looking for.”
For any students aspiring to work in the field of Journalism or Broadcasting, Worley and Anderson have offered these pieces of advice: “My advice for future journalists would be to start telling stories right now- this is a time when good journalism is as important as ever. Be a good steward of that fact. Don’t shy away from the big stories happening in your community. Take it to heart that people are looking to you now more than ever for information, clarity, and as an example. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding when you get emails from viewers thanking you for your coverage, or your time, or just for being the journalist that you are. It makes it easier to embrace all the sweaty, stressful days that are sure to come at one point or another.” Jamie Worsley, Multi-Media Journalist
“Keep an open mind! This business is always changing, and you must learn to adapt. You have to be a go getter because nothing is handed to you. There will be days where you will grow frustrated and work long hours into the night or even the morning. If you put in the time and the effort, you can work your way up fast in the business. You can never settle for anything or you’ll go nowhere.” -Tanner Anderson.
