Unit 4
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Email: whill1@tegna.com Mobile: 228-342-2158 Office: Job Description:
I am a visual journalist for WWL-TV (Tegna) in New Orleans, LA. I shoot & edit stories daily and sometimes get to work on special projects. I also have a drone license, which I have had since 2018.
Number of Years Experience: 5 Organization: WWL-TV/Tegna Personal Statement:I have a long list of goals that I would like to achieve as a visual journalist. One being to get the opportunity to complete a long format nats package piece that gets to tell the story of an individual making a difference in our community. I work as a nightside photographer so most of the time I cover tragedies or crime-related stories. But I would love the opportunity to one day highlight a positive story that can show how people are trying to combat the problems this city faces and bring light to a city that deserves their positive stories to be told. I would also one day like to work for a national correspondence to make an even bigger impact, however, until I feel like I have made a great contribution to the city of New Orleans using my storytelling skills I am going to remain at the local level. I grew up in south Mississippi so New Orleans has always been like a second home to me.
I am applying for this scholarship because as a working journalist I am sometimes not always in the best financial shape. And with inflation costs still wreaking havoc on society, I am also feeling the brunt of it. However, I want to keep improving my skills as a journalist and this would help me get to that point.
My commitment as a visual journalist is to always create the best quality stories I possibly can to make a difference in my community. Sometimes people in this city and surrounding areas don’t have a voice. And sometimes we are their only hope for getting a problem solved or for their voices to be heard. My commitment is always to them. To always provide that voice in the best way possible.
Video Story One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAC8EsSYIO4&t=197s Video Story Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jGhvq-Of8g Video Story Three: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFSM5qtvvuI&t=6s