2:25 a.m., May 8, 2003--From among nearly 1,500 wannabe traffic reporters who auditioned for five TV producers, senior communication major Laura Barron was chosen as one of 10 semifinalists in Philadelphia’s WCAU-TV’s “The Best Summer Gig Ever!” contest. From the top 10, five finalists will be chosen by viewers’ votes, and one of these will be chosen to be a traffic reporter for the station this summer.
Barron did her traffic stint on Monday, May 5.
“You have to think quickly and decide what you’re going to say and select graphics after you look at NBC 10’s traffic cameras and PennDot’s cameras to see what is going on,” she said. “It’s harder than it looks and keeps the adrenalin pumping, but it’s exciting.”
Barron’s goal is to be a TV reporter, and during summers she has interned with CN 8 and WPVI-TV in Philadelphia She also has worked on UD’s campus news show.
She credits Ralph Begleiter, Edward and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professor of Communication and Distinguished Journalist in Residence, and Jennifer Lambe, assistant professor of communication, for helping her to achieve her goals.
“They have given me advice and criticism about what needs improvement and also have encouraged me and given me confidence,” Barron said.
As Barron prepares to graduate, she said one of highlights of her years at UD was a Winter Session trip this year to New Zealand with Elizabeth Perse, associate professor, and Robin Vagenas, assistant professor, both of communication. “We visited cable TV stations and major newspapers and explored all parts of the country,” she said.
As she waits for the countdown on the “Best Summer Gig,” Barron said, “However the contest turns out, it’s been a great experience and opened new doors for me!”
Viewers can vote for their favorite semifinalist traffic reporter from 6 p.m., Friday, May 9, until 5 p.m., Saturday, May 10, at [www.nbc10.com]. Five finalists will be selected. The winner will be selected by vote from 6 p.m, Friday, May 15, to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, and on May 26 becomes an NBC 10 traffic reporter through August.
Article by Sue Moncure
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