On November 9th, Alcorn State University’s (ASU) Mass Communications Department partnered with ASU’s Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to present their monthly Lunch and Learn. Alcorn Alumna and Multimedia Journalist, Keaundria Milloy was the guest panelist. Milloy is a 2020 graduate from Mount Olive, Mississippi with a degree in Mass Communications.
During the presentation, she shared insight about her making a career in Broadcast Journalism. She explained how her tenure at Alcorn prepared her for the life of a Multimedia Journalist and how it helped her to secure her first job at WMDN-TV in Meridian, Mississippi after graduation. Milloy explained to the audience that she studied other reporter’s style and delivery and learned to apply what she learned from them to her own journalistic approach. Eventually, she made her way to Tupelo, Mississippi at WTVA-TV as a Multimedia Journalist/Reporter, in which she is currently working.
At WTVA-TV, she works Wednesday through Saturday with three days off. Milloy stated that even though she does get three days off, during the 4 days that she does work she has 10-hour shifts. She expressed to the students that she goes into work at 9:30 am and immediately comes up with story ideas that have to be presented and approved. Milloy stated, “Everyday I go out, shoot, ask questions, write the story, wait for it to be approved by my General Manager, and when everything is done and put together for the package, it’s time to go live.” She also added that she usually goes live at 4 or 5, however, Wednesday is her busiest day as she has to be in all three shows at 4, 5, and 6. After she goes live she goes back to the station and writes out what she said for the people who didn’t get the chance to see it.
She continued by telling the students that it’s best that if they are working in-front of the camera to make sure to wear solid colors, and not to change their hair style numerous times. Milloy emphasized that this advice was primarily for new reporters because you want your viewers to remember you and how you look and it’s hard for viewers to focus on you if your appearance is too flashy. She suggested that internships are a great way to get your foot in the door if you want to work in the industry and also finding a mentor that tells you what’s what and helps you to identify the right path for your life. She also shared that putting together your reels, resume, and references now will prepare students when they begin applying to news stations or companies.
At the end of the event, there was a question and answer session, then Milloy passed out her business cards to interested students. Later, students were treated with light refreshments.