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Francis Illuzzi ’18 served a summer internship with the news operation at PBS39 WLVT in Bethlehem that was supported by Lafayette’s Bossak/Heilbron Internship Fund thanks to the support of donors. He writes about his experience.
My role at PBS consisted of a few main facets: editing, production assistance, research, and reporting. I assisted with reporters’ stories by sorting through footage, helping throughout the editing process, and assisting during shoots. In addition, I had the opportunity to do my own reporting. I researched a variety of stories all around the Lehigh Valley, pitched those stories to Laura McHugh, the executive producer at PBS39, and worked on my selected piece.
I love the storytelling aspect of journalism. That happens at every part of the process, from research to shooting to editing. Revealing something interesting or insightful in a subject or event is incredibly rewarding.
The internship benefitted me by allowing me to work in journalism in a professional environment on a day-to-day basis. I had the opportunity to work as a journalist previously as a production intern at Lou Reda Productions on a variety of documentaries and by assisting with the policy studies program’s 2016 Election Night broadcast (in conjunction with PBS39) as an anchor and segment producer. My role last summer at PBS39 allowed me to see every aspect of television news and learn from some very experienced and talented professionals.