2025 ACE Broadcast Bootcamp Program

March 20-22, 2025 SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION 510 ORR DRIVE, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32301

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) is one of the premier historically Black college and university (HBCU) journalism, visual, and mass communications programs in the country. Founded in 1982, it is the first program of its kind at an HBCU to receive national accreditation. With a focus on academic excellence, experiential learning, and professional development, SJGC prepares students to be influential storytellers, communicators, and leaders equipped to meet and exceed the demands of a competitive and evolving media marketplace.

The inaugural FAMU SJGC Accelerating Career Excellence (ACE) Broadcast Bootcamp is an immersive, three-day journalism program focused on enhancing students’ skills. Sponsored by the Dow Jones News Fund, participants will gain practical experience in building their broadcast portfolios and résumés, including storytelling, newsgathering, pitching, onair delivery, and audience engagement. The bootcamp features professional mentors and SJGC alumni who provide personalized coaching, résumé critiques, job readiness training, and support in developing capstone projects.

Share your experiences using #ACEBroadcastBootcamp and #FAMUSJGC on social.

DEAN’S WELCOME Dear ACE Broadcast Bootcamp Participants, Welcome to the inaugural Accelerating Career Excellence (ACE) Broadcast Bootcamp! We are thrilled to have you join us for this immersive, three-day journalism program, where you will have the opportunity to elevate your skills and gain invaluable, real-world expertise. Throughout our bootcamp, you will delve into various aspects of foundational journalism skills, including story development, information gathering, idea pitching, and audience interaction.

We’ve gathered a team of dedicated mentors and alumni who are excited to offer personalized guidance to strengthen your résumé, enhance your career readiness, and support you in developing your capstone projects.

This bootcamp, sponsored by the Dow Jones News Fund, provides handson experience and valuable insights from industry experts. You’ll learn from seasoned professionals, participate in interactive workshops, and collaborate with like-minded peers who share your passion for journalism.

We invite you to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to network, ask questions, tackle real-time assignments, and overcome challenges. The skills and insights you gain will not only strengthen your current abilities but also equip you for a thriving career in media.

On behalf of the entire ACE Broadcast Bootcamp team, we extend our warmest welcome to you. We look forward to seeing you grow and excel throughout this program.

Sincerely,

Mira Lowe Dean, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Florida A&M University

EVENT CHAIR’S WELCOME Dear ACE Broadcast Bootcamp Participants, Welcome to the inaugural ACE Broadcast Bootcamp at Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication! We are excited to have you join us for this immersive, hands-on experience designed to provide real-world knowledge and high-demand skills training in broadcast journalism.

Over the next three days, you will learn the fundamentals of storytelling— from pitching ideas to writing, producing, and delivering stories on air. This bootcamp is led entirely by FAMU alumni who have walked in your shoes and built successful careers in the industry. We are here to mentor you, share our experiences, and help you develop the skills you need to succeed.

Broadcast journalism is about more than reporting the news—it’s about informing, engaging, and making an impact. This bootcamp is your chance to sharpen your craft, gain valuable insights, and start building a portfolio that will set you apart.

Take full advantage of this opportunity by posing follow-up questions, venturing beyond your comfort zone, actively engaging with your mentors and colleagues, and welcoming new ideas. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

Sincerely,

Rod Carter Class of 1990 Anchor, WNCN, Raleigh

SPONSOR’S WELCOME Dear Bootcamp Attendees, Welcome to the FAMU Accelerating Career Excellence (ACE) Broadcast Bootcamp! The Dow Jones News Fund is proud to partner with the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication to sponsor this inaugural bootcamp, which aligns closely with our mission to prepare the next generation of journalists.

The News Fund, through its paid summer internships, early career training program and skills bootcamps like this, is committed to building a robust news media staffed by well- trained journalists who reflect America’s diversity and are dedicated to a free press.

Congratulations on making a decision to invest in your career! You are in for an exciting and impactful three days, learning from and networking with an impressive lineup of professionals who have been where you are now.

Take full advantage of their expertise! Best wishes for a memorable learning experience!

Sincerely,

Shirley Carswell Executive Director Dow Jones News Fund

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM SENIOR

MICAH BARKLEY PRE-JOURNALISM ORLANDO, FL

JUNIOR

JARRETT JOHNSON

BROADCAST JOURNALISM TALLAHASSEE, FL

JUNIOR

SEANNA MILLER

BROADCAST JOURNALISM TALLAHASSEE, FL

JUNIOR

NAJI RUTHERFORD

BROADCAST JOURNALISM ATLANTA, GA

SENIOR

MIRACLE BROWN

BROADCAST JOURNALISM FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

SOPHOMORE

ELYZA KATES

PRE-JOURNALISM FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

SENIOR

ASIA MOORE

BROADCAST JOURNALISM TALLAHASSEE, FL

JUNIOR

BRANDON SCOBEY

BROADCAST JOURNALISM OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

SENIOR

CYNTHIA FRAGE

BROADCAST JOURNALISM WEST PALM BEACH, FL

JUNIOR

HANNAH KIRBY

BROADCAST JOURNALISM WASHINGTON, D.C.

SOPHOMORE

KENNADI GAITHER PRE-JOURNALISM ATLANTA, GA

JUNIOR

KESLEY KNOX

BROADCAST JOURNALISM MIAMI, FL

JUNIOR

FRESHMAN

CHRISTOPHER MORGAN

ROWAN MUMFORD

PRE-JOURNALISM GAINESVILLE, FL

SENIOR

JAZZMIN SUTHERLAND

BROADCAST JOURNALISM BROOKLYN, NY

PRE-JOURNALISM GREENBELT, MD

JUNIOR

WILLIE HURT

BROADCAST JOURNALISM CHICAGO, IL

SOPHOMORE

ELIJAH LOTT

BROADCAST JOURNALISM JACKSONVILLE, FL

SOPHOMORE

TRINITY OLIVIER PRE-JOURNALISM NEW IBERIA, LA

MEET OUR MENTORS DAMANY LEWIS (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Damany Lewis anchors Channel 9’s “Eyewitness News This Morning.” He came to Charlotte with nearly two decades of experience in broadcast journalism. A Chicago native, Lewis previously worked at WPXI-NBC in Pittsburgh, where he won several Emmys for his anchoring and reporting. Prior to Pittsburgh, he worked in California for seven years as an anchor/ reporter for the ABC and NBC stations in Sacramento. He formerly worked at WXII 12 in Winston-Salem for two years, where he covered numerous stories that affected the community.

Before arriving in North Carolina, Lewis worked at WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida, for three years. He was on the front lines during hurricane season in 2004, providing national coverage. He also reported for television stations in Champaign, Illinois and Tallahassee, Florida.

DENISE HENDRICKS (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) C. Denise Hendricks is an award-winning television producer, writer, and media consultant. She has been in the news and entertainment industry for several years, producing for CNN, HLN, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” the OWN Network, ABC, BET’s late-night talk show “The Mo’Nique Show,” and for NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX television news affiliates across the country. She is currently the executive producer for the national political and legal perspective program, “The Katie Phang Show,” at MSNBC. Hendricks holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Florida A&M University, a master’s in Christian education from the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a screenwriting certificate from Emory University.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., the Producers Guild of America, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

ELISE DURHAM (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Elise Durham is an experienced communications leader with over 30 years of experience. She currently serves as assistant general manager for marketing and communications at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), overseeing a 30-member team. She also served as director of communications for two Atlanta mayoral administrations.

MEET OUR MENTORS ELISE DURHAM (CONT’D)

Her higher education experience includes assistant vice president of marketing and communications at Florida A&M University and executive director of strategic communications at Morehouse College.

A multiple Emmy and Telly award-winning journalist, Durham founded The Producer Pod, a consultancy focusing on people-centered narratives. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from FAMU and a DEI certification from the University of South Florida. She has lifetime memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the FAMU National Alumni Association.

LANETRA BENNETT (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Lanetra Bennett is a news anchor and reporter at WCTV, the CBS affiliate in Tallahassee.

She was born and raised in Tallahassee and graduated from Florida A&M University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism. Bennett began working at WCTV as an associate producer in 2001, eventually became a producer of the 10:00 newscast, and then became a reporter/multimedia journalist. She has covered a wide range of stories, from crime and community-based issues to human interest features. Bennett is currently the co-anchor of the award-winning “Good Morning Show” and the single anchor of “Eyewitness News at Noon.” She was voted “Best TV Personality” by Tallahassee Magazine in 2023 and is a lifetime member of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

MARIAH WIGGS (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Mariah Wiggs, a Florida native, is the inaugural host of WHNT News 19’s new lifestyle show, “Day to Day with Mariah,” in Huntsville, Alabama. Within the three short years of her professional career, she has served in multiple roles, including multimedia journalist and weekend morning anchor. Her personable and captivating personality has allowed her to build a fan base as well as connect and share the stories of those in and around her community. While at WHNT, Wiggs has found time to engage with her community beyond the camera by volunteering at Girls Inc. and hosting/emceeing for various organizations and galas/events.

Mariah is a proud fall 2022 graduate of Florida A&M University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism.

MEET OUR MENTORS ROD CARTER (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Rod Carter joined CBS 17 News as a weeknight evening anchor after about two decades at WFLA in Tampa, Florida.

He’s a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism. In 2024, he earned a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Alabama. Carter previously served as an adjunct professor of communications at St. Augustine’s University. He received the Kappa Tau Alpha Hall of Fame Award from the University of South Florida Zimmerman School and is a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association. Carter serves as secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists, a member of SJGC’s Board of Visitors, and the international director of publicity of Phi Beta Sigma.

SAUNDRA WEATHERS (Broadcast Journalism, ‘00) Saundra Weathers is an award-winning journalist and senior reporter at Spectrum Bay News 9, where she has worked for 12 years. Weathers reports on a wide range of topics. She has a series dedicated to social justice stories called “Justice for All.” With her reporting, she’s able to amplify the issues in underserved communities and help them find solutions. Her impactful reporting has led to changes in legislation and garnered her awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. She’s the president of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists and a proud graduate of Florida A&M University. She’s been fortunate enough to give back to the university, which gave her so much, as a volunteer at the university’s journalism workshops.

MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS KEN LEMON (VIRTUAL) Ken Lemon is the current National Association of Black Journalists president and former NABJ vice president-broadcast, Region III director, Council of Presidents chair, and Black Male Media Project chair, among other notable positions. He is a founding member and past two-term president of the reestablished Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ). Lemon is a reporter for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has earned an Edward R. Murrow Award, three Emmy Awards, two AP awards, and two Radio TV Digital News Directors Association Awards. He was given a congressional honor for dedication to diversity in media, earned CAABJ’s first lifetime achievement award, and won a local NAACP Image Award for journalism. Lemon is a former UNC Wilmington Board of Trustees student member.

LENTHEUS CHANEY Lentheus Chaney is a multimedia journalist at WTXL in Tallahassee. He has a strong passion for storytelling that informs, entertains, and inspires. He began his career as a self-taught writer, editor, and publisher of a magazine, all from his home. He recently earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communication from Colorado State University.

Chaney has served as an editor for various magazines and contributed as a freelance reporter at a prominent African American community newspaper in Georgia. Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Chaney has a strong interest in wellness, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

STEVE OSUNSAMI (VIRTUAL) Steve Osunsami is an award-winning senior national correspondent for ABC News based in Atlanta, Georgia. He reports for “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Good Morning America,” “Nightline,” “ABC News Live,” and other ABC News broadcasts, platforms, special events, and primetime specials.

He began his career at ABC News in 1997. Osunsami is one of the network’s longest-serving correspondents.

For nearly three decades, Osunsami has reported on various investigative, legal, political, medical, and human-interest events. His work focuses greatly

MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS STEVE OSUNSAMI (CONT’D)

on the social justice issues of our time: racial discrimination, the wrongly imprisoned, gay marriage, culture wars, and the debate over the policing of Black and brown communities. Osunsami’s extensive and award-winning feature reporting has given voice to the issue of underreported missing Black children.

KIM GODWIN Kim Godwin retired after an unparalleled 40-year career in broadcast journalism. She was most recently the president of ABC News, making history as the first African American to lead a national broadcast news network and the first woman and person of color to hold the position in the network’s 80-year history. Under her leadership, the network remained the No. 1 news network in America, with programming including “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” “The View,” and “20/20.” As an experienced and strategic executive, she has overseen newsgathering and managed full editorial oversight across a global portfolio of news properties. Godwin has served at the vice president level or higher at all three major networks: ABC, CBS, and NBC. She is a seven-time Emmy Awardwinning producer.

MEET OUR SPONSOR For more than six decades, the Dow Jones News Fund has prepared thousands of journalists and journalism educators who have gone on to prestigious careers at respected American media. DJNF alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, founders of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Online News Association, as well as industry leaders who are redefining the culture of major newsrooms. Shirley Carswell is executive director of the Dow Jones News Fund. Under her leadership, the News Fund has broadened its college internship program and expanded its training focus to include early-career journalists. Carswell spent 25 years as an editor and senior manager at The Washington Post. She was the first Black woman to serve as deputy managing editor, a masthead position at the newspaper.

AGENDA THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 DAY 1: STORYTELLING AND WRITING ESSENTIALS 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Lecture Hall 2002 Welcome: Who Am I and Why Am I Here?

Introductions: Mentees and Mentors 9:30 – 10:30 AM | Lecture Hall 2002 What’s the Story?

Mentors will lead a group discussion and Q&A session on storytelling, with a focus on audience engagement.

10:30 – 11:30 AM | Lecture Hall 2002 Get It Together: News Gathering Learn expert techniques for finding interviews, assessing stories, and gathering information.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Lecture Hall 2002 Story Construction Mentors will share insights about how to structure and craft compelling news stories.

12:00 – 1:30 PM | Gallery Room 2015 Lunch & Learn: Ask Us Anything Guest speakers join us for discussions on internships, networking and landing a job in broadcasting.

Featuring: Ken Lemon, President, National Association of Black Journalists and Reporter, WSOC-TV (Virtual) Lentheus Chaney, Reporter, WTXL, Tallahassee

2:00 – 3:00 PM | Computer Lab 2016 Writing: Creativity and Conciseness Learn how to write creatively while maintaining clarity and conciseness in broadcast journalism.

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Computer Lab 2016 Say What? Voice & Diction Receive targeted training on vocal techniques, pronunciation, and using your authentic voice to tell a story.

4:00 – 4:30 PM | Computer Lab 2016 Daily Wrap We’ll gather for a recap of the day’s lessons and preview homework assignments.

Homework for Day 1: Identify three story pitches (with verifiable interviews and a two-line synopsis).

One story should be enterprisefocused and outside of the FAMU campus environment.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 DAY 2: STORY DEVELOPMENT AND COACHING 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Computer Lab 2016 Welcome Back Mentors and mentees gather for a quick reintroduction and outline of the day.

9:15 – 10:15 AM | Computer Lab 2016 Morning Meeting: Pitch Review Students will present their story ideas, defending the concepts and answering questions from mentors and peers.

AGENDA (CONT’D)

10:15 – 10:45 AM | Computer Lab 2016 What Time Is It? Time Management Mentors provide tips on managing time effectively while working under pressure.

10:45 – 11:15 AM | Computer Lab 2016 Decisions Under Deadlines Learn strategies for handling breaking stories and working within tight deadlines.

11:15 – 11:20 AM Break 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Computer Lab 2016 Reclaiming My Time: Time Management Continued…

We’re continuing the discussion of time management under tight deadlines, with special insights that are applicable to reporters, producers, and photojournalists.

12:00 – 1:30 PM | Gallery Room 2015 Lunch & Learn: Ask Us Anything The conversation on internships, networking, and career advancement continues.

Featuring: Steve Osunsami, Senior National Correspondent, ABC News (Virtual) 1:30 – 4:30 PM One-on-One Coaching Sessions Students will rotate through smaller group sessions focusing on: Photography Coaching | Classroom 1003 & Around Campus Anchor Coaching | TV-20 Studio A Interview Coaching | TV-20 Studio B Producing Coaching | Broadcast Newsroom Lab 3052

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Classroom 1003 Post-Show Meeting Review of the day’s learning followed by a Q&A opportunity.

Homework for Day 2: Choose one of three story ideas to work on from the group assignment.

Prepare to head out in pairs on Saturday morning to shoot part or all of your story package.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025 DAY 3: PRODUCTION AND CRITIQUE 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Classroom 1003 Welcome Back We will quickly reintroduce ourselves and our agenda and prepare for the day.

Final story selections and briefings will be held.

9:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Classroom 1003, Equipment Checkout Room, TV-20 Studio B Morning Assignment Students gather gear and head out to shoot packages. Mentors will accompany groups when possible, providing guidance and feedback along the way.

AGENDA (CONT’D)

12:00 – 1:30 PM | Gallery Room 2015 Lunch & Learn: Ask Us Anything Discussions continue on career development, internships, and networking.

Featuring: Kim Godwin, Former President, ABC News

1:30 – 2:30 PM | Computer Lab 3052, Convergence Newsroom Get Written Up Students will work independently with mentors available to assist with the writing process. First drafts will be student-driven.

2:30 – 2:45 PM | Radio Newsroom Lab (Audio Booths), Convergence Area Speak It Into Existence Students will receive voiceover training and record their story narration with mentorship provided to refine delivery.

2:45 – 4:00 PM | Convergence Newsroom, FAMUAN Newsroom, Journey Magazine Office, Computer Lab 3052, Edit Bays, Radio Newsroom Putting It All Together Receive mentor coaching on assembling a full story package.

Instruction includes shot selection, editing, and package construction.

4:30 PM – Until | Lecture Hall Room 2002, Gallery Room 2015 Dinner Theatre Mentors will review students’ stories, followed by critiques. Dinner and final feedback will be provided.

Wrap Up: Archiving the Weekend We will gather to share final thoughts and reflections on the bootcamp experience, along with parting career advice.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & SPECIAL THANKS SPONSOR

EVENT CHAIR Rod Carter, Weeknight Evening Anchor, CBS 17 News and Board of Visitors Member

FAMU SJGC OFFICE OF THE DEAN & COORDINATING STAFF Dean Mira Lowe Dr. Felicia McGhee, Associate Dean of Curriculum and Student Success Dr. Elaine Bryant, Associate Dean of Administrative and Fiscal Affairs William Jiles, Journalism Division Director Christian Whitaker, Computer Applications Coordinator Genevieve Jean, Administrative Services Coordinator Artency Jean, Journalism & Graphic Communication Office Manager

EVENT PLANNING SUPPORT Ranata Hughes, Internship Coordinator Edward Thomas, FAMU TV-20 General Manager Tiffanie Burt, Dean’s Office Manager Kamari Young, IT Assistant Harry Williams, III, IT Assistant SJGC Board of Visitors

FAMU SJGC MARKETING, DIGITAL SERVICES, AND PUBLICATIONS SUPPORT TEAM Christian Whitaker, Computer Applications Coordinator Ashleigh Beverly, Visual Communication Specialist Justyn Thomas, Webmaster Malkia Peterson, Print Production Specialist FAMU Print Shop Staff OTWPconsulting.com, Content Services

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