Consumer of local media? Thank an Osprey for that
By Tricia Booker
Instructor, Multimedia Journalism
Melanie Lawson, class of 2022, is an anchor for The Morning Show on WJXT.
Jacksonville and its surrounding area is one of the largest media markets in the country, with major radio and television stations, a daily newspaper, and countless publications with both print and online editions. And while these organizations employ people from all over the country and even the world, nearly all of them have connections to the School of Communication.
Stacey Readout, assistant news director at WJXT News4JAX television, said the station has had UNF alumni do everything from producing and editing to reporting and writing. The university, she said, is preparing students well for entry-level jobs – but more importantly, the students are often from the area and are coming in with a deeper connection to the community.
Melanie Lawson, a WJXT anchor who recently earned her master’s degree in communication management from the School of Communication, said, “I’m a better journalist because of UNF.” She added: “I tell stories everyday on the news, but I didn't always consider the theory behind the process. After earning my degree I looked at statistics and demographics differently. The historical context I learned also helps me to cover my community better.”
At WJCT, the area’s public radio station, the news shows are produced by former Osprey Stacey Bennett, and School of Communication graduate Kathy Waterman helps pull the shows together. Waterman said the School of Communication definitely prepared her for the journalism industry, particularly the fast-paced nature of it. She also described it as a "full-circle" moment because she often sees her former professors and instructors as part of her job. "I never thought I'd be working in the same capacity as some of my professors," she said.
Kathy Waterman, class of 2023, joined WJCT News 89.9 as associate producer.
Leslie Coursey, who works at Action News Jax (CBS47/FOX30), agrees that it’s good to have journalists who “know what’s a big deal here.” That knowledge – combined with youth – can help the station bring in younger viewers and engage with the younger generation. One of her station's mainstays is morning anchor Dawn Lopez, class of 1993, who grew up in Jacksonville and calls UNF her alma mater.
Folio Weekly, the area’s alternative newspaper now known as Folio 2.0, is practically bubbling over with Ospreys. Carmen Macri, who started at Folio 2.0 as an intern while attending UNF, said there were three UNF alumni working there at the time. She now works as one of the publication's main journalists alongside a creative director, four interns, and three freelancers - all connected to UNF. "It's great to be in a working environment that gives this kind of opportunity to college students," she said.
Carmen Macri, class of 2022, covers Jacksonville Jaguars games for Folio 2.0.
Internships play an important role in the pipeline from the School of Communication to the local media market. Many interns are offered jobs upon graduation, and their experience combined with their familiarity with the community helps them succeed.
“Anyone who’s local is great because they know what’s important,” said Renata Di Gregorio, a reporter for First Coast News. An Emmy-award winning journalist who came to First Coast News four years ago from Alabama, Di Gregorio has a special reason for appreciating local co-workers. “They can help the people from out of town,” she said.
