Sports CaM, RTF double major interns live, on the air in ABC newsroom

Kerri Letizia’s internship with ABC7 in Sarasota, Fla., started the way many great work experiences do: with a simple ask.

In her case, Letizia asked for a tour of the station at the suggestion of a family friend who worked there.

“That led to a conversation with the station manager and news director,” she said. “I didn’t really think about news until I heard about an internship opportunity with ABC7, but I knew it was a great opportunity.”

Throughout the busy summer, the rising Rowan senior, a dual Sports Communication & Media and Radio, Television & Film major, performed a wide variety of jobs in the busy, demanding newsroom: she wrote copy on deadline for broadcast anchors, covered news live, and researched background material for staff reporters.

“It’s a bit of everything,” Letizia said. “Web production, social media, reporting, and helping with producing.”

Though she hadn’t strongly considered a career in news before, Letizia is now. She even loves the deadlines.

“There’s a time constraint in getting things done,” she said. “When I did the tour, I saw that, and I thought it was awesome.”

A highly committed student, Letizia held previous internships with the Delaware Blue Coats, with whom Rowan has an ongoing partnership; NFL Alumni in Mount Laurel; and Cage Fury Fighting Championships, a feeder organization in South Philadelphia for MMA broadcaster Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As for career, Letizia still has time to choose a path but her summer internship with ABC7 really spoke to her.

“I love every single aspect about news, especially sports,” she said. “Shooting, production, everything.”