Interview with Jennifer Waddell
Anchor/Reporter, KGUN-9, Phoenix, Az.
by: Jenna Mattox

After a whirlwind of e-mails and phone calls, I finally tracked down Virginia Tech alumna Jennifer Waddell for an interview about her professional career as a journalist. Waddell worked as a producer for Fox 21-27 in Roanoke during her time at Virginia Tech and after graduating, she tried her hand at reporting. During that time she worked a second job as a radio DJ and soon she was reporting for the 10 pm newscast and working as a fill-in anchor. Two years later, Waddell was promoted as the 10 pm anchor and reporter. Recently, she has accepted a job at KGUN-TV, Channel 9 in Tucson, Arizona. She is a busy lady getting her feet wet in one of Tucson’s top three news markets, but took some time to answer my questions about her roots in journalism.

Q: Do you feel like your education at Virginia Tech prepared you well for the working world?

A: Absolutely. I can say that based on other graduates who had a rude awakening into the business. Virginia Tech professors and staff gave me a good idea about the working hours, expectations, pay and things like working holidays. I can say based on my experience that there are a lot of graduates from other universities who are not as prepared and consequently, don’t make it in this business.

Q: It is often said that communications majors (journalists in particular) make very little money for very hard work. Did this ever deter you when you were in college studying communications?

A: It didn’t deter me, but I am glad I knew about it before I took a job. I kept thinking if I worked hard enough, I would eventually make enough money and it wouldn’t matter. Plus, making so little at first makes you appreciate the better pay once you get it.

Q: Did you ever consider graduate school?

A: I did and still do think a lot about graduate school. I’m not sure whether I’ll retire from this business and I’d like to keep my options open. Going back to school would be one of those options.

Q: What was your first job out of college and how important is networking in the journalism business?

A: My first job actually came before I graduated and it was as news producer for Fox 21-27 in Roanoke. Networking is extremely important. In a business where so many people look alike, sound alike and are able to perform the job equally as well, there must be something that sets you apart. That “something” is usually who you know. Networking is also very important for getting good story ideas and having contacts for those stories.

Q: I know the coverage of Jennifer Short’s disappearance and death was a monumental story for you. What were some of the obstacles you faced with such a tragic situation and one that gained so much national attention? Is there a delicate balance between relating to the victims and getting the facts in situations like Jennifer Short’s?

A: The biggest obstacle for me was being able to separate my emotions from the story. It’s good to put emotion into your work, but I have two sisters and it was really tough for me to stay focused on the story without becoming emotional about my family. I always try to put myself in the shoes of the story’s subject, but there are times when you do have to separate yourself in order to get the job done in a professional manner. That is part of the delicate balance you mentioned.

Q: What would you consider the toughest part of being a reporter?

A: The toughest part about being a reporter is actually the balance I just mentioned; being compassionate and sensitive to the story and the people involved, but still being able to report the information in a fair and balanced way.

Q: What stories have you covered that you are most proud of or were most affected by?

A: There are so many stories that I am proud of. The one I’m most proud of is the same story that other people decided was just as important. One of the most rewarding parts of working on great stories is having your co- workers and peers realize its importance as well. I spent days inside maximum security women’s prisons, reporting on mothers in prison. I put a lot of time, effort and emotion into that story. It was the first ever entered into an awards category and it won an Edward R. Murrow Award. That was a career highlight for me.

Q: You double majored in communications and political science at Virginia Tech. Would you ever want to try your hand at political communications or work in a political atmosphere?

A: A few years ago, I would have considered working in politics, but not any more. I’ve learned a lot about this business and politics. I’m better-suited for journalism.

Q: What do you think sets a great reporter apart from a mediocre one?

A: A great reporter will separate herself by never taking “no” for an answer, always using compassion and being the best prepared reporter on the story.

Q: In an age where journalism is criticized for being sensationalist and news is seen as entertainment, how important do you think ethical journalism and quality hard news reporting are to the industry?

A: I think they are the benchmarks for information. We are in a business of disseminating information that is not only useful, but critical.

Q: Most of the communications classes at Virginia Tech are filled with females. Have you found the broadcast journalism industry to be a female- dominated world?

A: There are more women getting opportunities in the business. I wouldn’t say it is a female-dominated world, but there are more chances for women to work hard and be successful. If you want an example, take a look at Campbell Brown and Elizabeth Vargas; women now working on male- dominated network evening programs.

Q: In terms of upward mobility in the business, what has helped you achieve your goals?

A: I think my ability to move up was and still is based on two things: really hard work and good timing.

Q: I read that you documented an award-winning story on mothers in prison. Can you tell me a little about how the story came about and the steps you took to get the interviews and put it all together?

A: I spent months establishing contacts and gathering information. Working as a journalist within the prison system is tough because most institutions are skeptical about the media. I really had to establish a level of trust. I also read pages of prison reports and tried to put myself in their situation. That was tough to do, but preparation was key and it paid off.

Q: Ok, I have to ask…have you ever seen the movie Up Close and Personal?

A: I’ve seen that movie more times that I can count. I watched it for class work at Virginia Tech, but, I have to admit, I’ve watched it at home as well.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to journalism students at Virginia Tech?

A: My advice to journalism students at Virginia Tech: be persistent, but listen. Never take no for an answer, but be respectful. Do whatever it takes to get the story, but never compromise your integrity.