Class of
2004
Bio: Ashley Hinson joined the KCRG-TV9 News Team in September of 2005. She anchors the KCRG-TV9 Morning News and the KCRG-TV9 News at Midday.
A native Iowan, Ashley is thrilled to be back in her home state. She comes to KCRG-TV9 from Grand Junction, Colorado, where she was the morning anchor at KJCT. Before her move to Colorado, Ashley was the Jane of all Trades at Annenberg TV News in Los Angeles, anchoring news, reporting, even doing weather. A graduate of the University of Southern California, she was an entertainment intern at KABC in Los Angeles. Her favorite red-carpet interview? Mark Paul-Gosselaar of “Saved by the Bell” fame.
Originally from West Des Moines, Ashley worked for WOI-TV 5 in Des Moines as a camera operator and editor for their evening newscasts.
In her down time, Ashley is an avid musician. As a classically trained Pianist and Violinist, she played two seasons with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra.
She lives in Cedar Rapids with her two “kids”, cats Honey and Purr.
ATVN positions and duties: Anchor / Reporter / Writer Shooter Editor / Graphics
How did ATVN prepare you for your current job?
Being in the newsroom setting is ESSENTIAL. Knowing how to edit under a time crunch, regardless of what your position is, will help you to be a great asset.
Learning how to write well is also important. Most of the time in a small market, the anchors and reporters are in charge of writing their own things...and being on mornings, I re-write many stories from the night before. Your on-air appearance is important, but your presentation can only be suave and professional if your writing is up to par. ATVN needs to get a live truck (Willa and Serena...that’s the next step) 
What is your advice to aspiring journalists?
1)First off, don’t give up. This industry is TOUGH. I sent out 65 tapes before I got an offer, and I even took the first offer I got.
2) Get some armor. People will say things they shouldn’t, do things they shouldn’t, and generally under pressure act differently than they do normally.
3) Do anything/everything whenever/wherever when they first ask you to. It is what will help you not only to pay your dues, but give you great opportunities to succeed.
What are the top three skills college journalism students should be working on in order to be prepared for their first broadcasting job?
1)Writing conversationally but with all the details
2)Not sleeping
3)Nerves
What is the most important thing a college journalist should know when he or she is trying to negotiate his or her first job?
You will be paid nothing! Get OVER it. We don’t do this for the money. Make sure you have a GREAT cover letter. One way to get a news director to actually look at your tape is to make them like you without even having seen you. Personalize every cover letter with your resume...and put things in that aren’t necessarily broadcast related. Where you’re from, what your hobbies/interests are, and what you look forward to about their city are points that get people noticed.
What prepared you most for your current job?
Throwing myself into ATVN was the best thing I ever did. I didn’t really get involved until my Senior year...but it was great once I did. The people you work with at ATVN will be your colleages and references, or even your boss in the future, so it is vital to network and get involved!
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