Class of 2007

Ann Beshai Cunningham Intern Coordinator/ AP FSN West/ Prime Ticket, Los Angeles, CA Market Rank 2 abcusc@gmail.com

Bio:

I started at FSN West/Prime Ticket my sophomore year as an intern.  I worked really hard and eventually got hired part-time in the tape vault.  I did the grunt work for the next two years, and then I got asked to be the intern coordinator.  After discovering that I can edit, my bosses gave me more editing projects to work on and sent me on more shoots. I have taken on a lot more responsibilites and made a lot of contacts.  I have been with FSN West for 3 1/2 years and I am always trying to learn new things. 

ATVN positions and duties:

Weather and Sports Anchor, Day-of-air reporter, graphics, W/S/E, playback operator, teleprompter,and sports reporter

How did ATVN prepare you for your current job?

I am way ahead of the game here in terms of editing.  Learning AVID at ATVN really prepared me to learn Final Cut Pro.  Very few people here know AVID or Final Cut Pro, much less both.  ATVN also prepared me for the little associate producing I have done here.  I have gotten to go to Lakers events and interview players, including my favorite Derek Fisher. I know what shots to look for, how to get the best interview, all thanks to ATVN. 

What is your advice to aspiring journalists?

Try every position at ATVN, even if you think you won’t like it.  You can learn a lot from every job.  Being weather anchor wasn’t my first choice, but I learned a lot and it prepared me for when I did become the sports anchor.  Have a great attitude about everything and try to make as many contacts as possible.  It’s all about who you know in this business.

What are the top three skills college journalism students should be working on in order to be prepared for their first broadcasting job?

1) Editing (Final Cut, Avid, or both)
2) Camerawork
3) Good people skills (Interviewing, making contacts)

What is the most important thing a college journalist should know when he or she is trying to negotiate his or her first job?

Don’t get too comfortable or feel obligated to be loyal.  Always be on the look out for the next best opportunity for you. 

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