Maggie Li

I was stationed at the eNews Channel national headquarters in Johannesburg. I arrived when eTV's new 24-hour news channel -- the very first on the African continent -- was in the beginning stages of its launch. It was a hectic atmosphere, with many things going on, so as the intern, I was easily lost in chaos. But after a while, I found a foothold. It was a more laidback experience than I expected. I didn't go out on stories necessarily every day. I came to realize that the South Africa broadcast JR is more a learning experience of exposure rather than the technical craft and stress of turning out daily packages. I was also involved in production, being the insert producer for eNews Channel's media commentary show by Jeremy Maggs, as well as pulling any of the legwork necessary in making sure that pieces got to air on time. I found it a rewarding experience for the type of exposure I got: from interviewing victims of May 2008's surge of anti-immigrant attacks to brushing shoulders with then-President Thabo Mbeki. It was also enlightening to work in a national TV news station, learning what goes into such a high-profile broadcast, and seeing the magnitude and effect that the stories covered can have on a whole population. It was also an ego-boost knowing that my face was shown on television across an entire country. Overall it was a good experience, despite initial confusion from being put into an intense transition phase for eTV. I doubt the next intern should have the same obstacles, though the next intern shouldn't be fearful of self-assertion or getting out to completely unfamiliar places.

eNews Channel doesn't have a web site yet -- but here is eTV's home channel http://www.etv.co.za/

Phone number: 608-444-3513 Email: maggie26@u.northwestern.edu