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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
ALUMNI

Kaelyn Forde

Class of 2009, Bachelor's



Kaelyn Forde is a reporter and producer in Al Jazeera America’s New York bureau. Kaelyn speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently. Previously, her work has appeared on Al Jazeera English, the BBC, the Real News and the NACLA Report. She has completed graduate work at American University, and holds dual Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Southern California in Broadcast Journalism and International Relations.  

Survey

What are your duties in your current position?:

I pitch, produce, write and report original stories on social justice, environmental, immigration, human rights and indigenous rights issues for domestic and international audiences. Based in Al Jazeera America's New York Bureau, I report on camera for the channel's news programs and create multimedia content for the web.



Where did you work before, and what jobs did you do?:

Previously, I served as a producer for news bulletins as well as the Inside Story Americas program in Al Jazeera English's Washington DC bureau. I field produced special programs, packages and first person accounts in the US and Latin America, including coverage of the 2013 Venezuelan special election and the ongoing health crisis on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. I researched segments, pitched shows, wrote scripts and booked guests to produce contextualized programs on the biggest issues facing the Americas.

I have also worked as a freelance producer for Bloomberg TV in Washington, DC and I served as the lead producer in Newtown, Connecticut for the BBC Panorama documentary on the school shooting there. 



What were your duties at ATVN? :

At ATVN, I worked as field reporter as well as on the assignment desk. 



List any additional major(s) or minor(s) you had at USC. What impact have they had on your career?:

I double majored in International Relations, with concentrations in International Political Economy and Latin America. An education in International Relations gives me the depth and breadth of knowledge I need to put world events into context as they unfold.

I also studied abroad in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, where I was able to study journalism and economics from a developing country's perspective. 



What is your advice to aspiring journalists?:

Be willing to tell the story no one else will, even if it means risk. When you're interviewing someone, a million things (lighting, framing, sound) will go through your mind. But the most important thing is to listen to the person who is sharing their story with you. It is most likely a powerful one--and you don't want to miss it. Most of all, never forget that in many places, you are there as the eyes of the world and the voice of those who don’t have one.



How important are bilingual skills in your profession?:

Speaking Spanish and Portuguese fluently has also helped me tremendously in covering both U.S. and Latin American stories. Previously, I worked as an on-air reporter for a Spanish-language television network.

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April 13, 2009

Teachers hold protests and forums while the mayor unveils a plan to minimize the layoffs.

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Family and friends gather in Downtown L.A. to remember and celebrate the life of Adrianna.

ADRIANNA BACHAN REMEMBERED

March 30, 2009

Friends and teammates remember the 18 year old freshman.

JOBLESS TO TOPLESS

March 23, 2009

The economic recession has more women looking into exotic dancing careers.

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