FNN Reporters Visit Atlanta News Network

Story and photo by Serenity Bussey.

From October 21 to 24, FNN student reporters from Friendship Woodridge and Collegiate were granted the opportunity to visit Atlanta, Georgia to cover the midterm elections, which are elections held to elect government officials during the middle of a president’s four-year term of office. During our time there, we did some amazing things: we attended a Stacey Abrams rally and interviewed Abrams herself; we attended a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church; and we visited Atlanta News First.

Visiting Atlanta News First was a great experience for me and my friends. We got to see how a news station operates and what it takes to make a station work. I got to witness how the different types of jobs are equally important and how the news staff must work together to ensure the news gets out everyday. Some of the jobs include photography, media, writing, and producing, just to name a few. I had no idea that the people I see on television anchoring the news have someone in front of them videotaping and that they read off a monitor. Being behind the scenes, I was able to see how it all really works.

We were also lucky enough to witness a story meeting, which is pictured above. In the story meeting, producers inform the group of staff reporters on what to cover. I think these discussions are super important, because they make sure everyone knows what their task is and no one is confused about their role and job. Story meetings are a great news strategy that ensures work gets done efficiently and important topics are covered. 

Going to Atlanta News First was a fun learning experience. As a young journalist, I got the chance to see what it would be like to work in the news field and I really liked it. My favorite thing about visiting Atlanta News First was seeing how many different people come together to make great news happen. I would definitely like to intern at a news station in the near future.

Serenity Bussey is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.