网曝吃瓜鈥檚 (KSU) Broadcast Announcing students were excited to get 鈥渢he 411鈥� on March 7 from WHAS-11 News Assignment Editor Sherlene Shanklin. Shanklin was a part of Academic Technology Trainer Jennifer Miles鈥� weekly 鈥溾�楯ournalism Speaker Series hosted by Professor Miles.鈥� Miles invites a variety of professional journalists to visit with communications majors to provide their real-world experience.
Shanklin graduated from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and broadcasting with a minor in fashion design. After receiving her degree, she worked as an assistant manager for Brooks, a retail fashion chain. While she worked at Brooks, Shanklin still sought to enter television broadcasting.
鈥淚 was young when I knew I wanted to become a journalist, but I had no idea where to start. I had no idea what I should do to start my career in journalism,鈥� she said.
Shanklin landed an interview with Louisville鈥檚 WAVE-TV, an NBC affiliate where she worked as a part-time associate director for nine years. Shanklin desired a bigger challenge and moved to a competing station in Louisville where she became a producer at ABC affiliate WHAS-11. She later moved to the assignment desk at the TV station. Shanklin is also seen in front of the camera as she delivers 鈥淭he411鈥� in entertainment news to viewers in the Kentuckiana area.
鈥淚 love how no day is the same,鈥� Shanklin said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always changing, and I have to be ready to shift gears. I love figuring out puzzles/mysteries in a story and getting to the bottom of it. I love the opportunities I get to meet some of the world鈥檚 most influential people.鈥�
Shanklin urged the students to learn a wide range journalism skills to remain competitive in broadcasting.
鈥淵ou need to be a multimedia journalist that can handle different mediums and positions,鈥� she said. 鈥淩emember not to get discouraged if you don鈥檛 get a job immediately out of college because many don鈥檛, but keep trying.鈥�
Shanklin has visited KSU several times in the past years, but it was her first time visiting the campus as a professional.
鈥淚 love the beautiful campus. I enjoyed walking around and taking it in even on a rainy day,鈥� she said. 鈥淪tudents were courteous and spoke when I walked by.鈥�
KSU senior Kayla Hutchinson, a broadcasting major, was tuned into Shanklin鈥檚 words of wisdom. Hutchinson said she was impressed that Shanklin also juggled her own business as a publicist and a full-time job at the television station.
鈥淪he was very humble about everything she has done in her life,鈥� Hutchinson said. 鈥淪he has her own business and a full-time job. She kept her sanity, and I think that鈥檚 really cool and shows her work ethic.鈥�
The broadcast students hope to form a partnership with Shanklin and were very inspired by her sage advice. She concluded her lecture by reminding students to maintain their journalistic integrity and remain fair in reporting.
鈥淗ave a thick skin. Listen to the words and not the tone,鈥� she said. 鈥淔ollow your dreams. The only person who can stop you is you. Believe in you!鈥�
鈥� Alea Cardenas