ŠćÉ«app journalism alumnae Erin Simonek, ā20, and Madison Tromler, ā20, are making waves as anchors and reporters at WFMJ-TV in Youngstown, Ohio. Graduating amidst the challenges of COVID-19, they joined the station the same year, seamlessly transitioning into their roles, first as multimedia journalists. Within a week on the job, they were on the airwaves, and within a year, they earned promotion to the stationās evening anchors.
āWe didn't need any in-depth training (at the station),ā said Simonek. āThey were almost surprised at how much we knew coming out of college and how well-equipped our minds were.ā
Both of their journeys began with an interest in journalism in high school; while they didnāt know each other at the time, they were individually drawn to the School of Media and Journalism because of its reputation and the opportunity to get involved in student media organizations.
āI heard great things about TV2 and Kent State, so I knew it was going to be great,ā said Tromler. āBut it was even better than I expected, and it really proved to me that this was the career for me. The professors, the mentors and the advisors are so supportive.ā
Both were involved in Student Media throughout their four years and had countless opportunities to report on real stories, including interviews with Kent Stateās President Todd Diacon. Just months into their professional careers, they continued to interview presidents, albeit on a larger scale. Simonek reported on former President Donald Trump, while Tromler interviewed President Joe Biden just before his election.
Both credit Kent Stateās supportive environment with much of their success.
āEveryone wants to see you succeed, and that could be coming from professors, that could be coming from peers and classmates,ā said Simonek. āEveryone is rooting for each other.ā