Current Student Hosts & Produces WUTR-TV’s “Hello CNY”
Melissa Krull
Are you a current student or alumni?
I am currently an on-campus student studying Radio/Television Broadcasting and set to graduate in Spring 2014.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated from Poland Central School in 2012 with a Career Technical Endorsement from the Broadcast Occupations course offered at HFHO BOCES. While in high school, I freelanced with the Utica ABC-Television affiliate, WUTR. Before I graduated, I was accepted for WUTR's summer internship program.
A few months later, I began attending HCCC. When my internship ended, I was hired as a Production Assistant at WUTR and its "sister stations" WFXV and WPNY.
Currently, I am a full-time student at HCCC, and have been employed at WUTR, WFXV, and WPNY for over a year. I am now the Producer and Host of Hello Central New York, a weekly 30-minute news magazine show aired on WUTR, and I work with Eyewitness News.
Why did you choose HCCC?
I chose HCCC because I knew graduates of their Radio-Television Department. Everyone said it was outstanding. So, I wanted to try it and see for myself.
What are your greatest career and/or personal successes to date?
Personal successes: Winning 1st place multiple times in Skills USA broadcasting competitions, receiving scholarships, and receiving an award from the Society of Broadcast Engineers through HCCC.
Career successes: Having the opportunity to tell local stories that benefit the community each week. Reporting upcoming events live on WUTR Eyewitness News every Friday. Also, being given the opportunity to meet and interview several "high-profile" personalities including American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, bands such as Boys Like Girls and The All-American Rejects, and Syfy's Dustin Pari.
How has HCCC helped you to succeed?
HCCC has an amazing staff in the Radio/Television Department. Each of the professors are supportive and give us just enough freedom to grow, yet keep us focused on the objectives. Their guidance has helped me to succeed.
What were some of your favorite things about attending Herkimer?
I love how there are so many different clubs to choose from at HCCC. There's literally something for everyone. My favorite club is HCTV News. It's helped me feel more comfortable on-camera and is a great learning experience.
What advice would you give to future HCCC students?
My advice to future HCCC students would be to remember that what you put into this experience is what you'll get out.