I originally fell into the newsroom by accident. I was a Master Control Operator at NBC KOBI-5 in Medford from July 2017-July 2018. I was in charge of calling engineers if one of our TV networks lost connection or launching ads during football games. Mostly, watching the 6+ television screens to make sure everything was running smoothly.

I watched the local news during my shift since I was in charge of rolling video clips during the broadcast, and I thought it might be fun and fulfilling to work in the news room. I didn’t want to be a reporter because I don’t want to be on TV, deal with negative viewer comments about how I look, or get all dressed up with makeup and a dress every night. That’s when I discovered news production.

I worked under the head news producer/anchor of the morning show for KOBI for 10 months before I realized this career path wasn’t for me.

I didn’t like how I had to search for new stories, write those stories, and organize the newscast all in 2 hours. It was impossible. I needed time to process what I was reading and think of a way to present the information to the viewer in a way that they would understand.

Also, in general, news stations are focused on the attention-grabbing news like murder or fires. However, those stories only come up once every couple of weeks and the really important news, in my opinion, is what the local government and state legislators are doing. I wanted to focus on the bills being passed. That stuff is what really affects the day to day of everyone’s lives. But I can’t write a 25 second script about a bill because I need to explain the introduction, and pros and cons. All of which CANNOT be conveyed in 25 seconds.

I didn’t feel fulfilled in the news industry. I thought I’d be bringing unbiased, important information to viewers, but not many people watch the morning news show.

Luckily, I was able to quit after 10 months as my body could not handle the 12am-8am shift any longer (I had digestive issues, painful cramps, mood swings, depression) and my brain couldn’t handle the stress and pressure of getting stories out on time.

I moved on to podcast producing, but most podcasts aren’t making enough money to support a podcast producer and a host. Most hosts are the producers and aren’t running the podcast for money. They’re doing it for fun.

That’s when I discovered instructional design. I love working with adult learners and being my own boss.