Rachael Perry, a TV reporter at WPBF, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, posted on social media these words of wisdom for local TV stations Multimedia Journalists (MMJs).
News Blues does accept submissions for Guest Commentaries, but we reserve the right to publish or edit them. Send your commentary to Paul@NewsBlues.com
Here’s what Perry wrote:
To the Young Reporters Starting Out as MMJs
I want to say this clearly: if you’re doing this job as an MMJ, you should be really proud of yourself — especially on the hard days.
Being an MMJ isn’t easy. You’re juggling shooting, writing, editing, problem-solving, and meeting deadlines all at once and on your own.
Some days are both chaotic and exhausting. I promise those are also the days that are quietly shaping you into a stronger, more confident reporter.
There’s something special about owning a story from start to finish. You learn how to think creatively, work fast, multitask, and pitch stories you know can turn.
You figure things out on your own — and that will continue building confidence you’ll carry with you in your next role.
Having a photographer is incredible, and collaboration can certainly make stories better. However, I’ll always value what the MMJ grind gave me — especially the resilience, creativity, and the pride that comes from knowing you pulled it off all on your own.
MMJs (past or present): what’s something you’re proud of from your MMJ days?
hat piece of advice would you give to someone in the thick of it?
If you’re just starting out, what’s been your biggest win so far?
Journalism is changing, with more stations relying on MMJs, and the experience you’re gaining now is setting you up to adapt, grow, and keep thriving in this industry.
- Guest Commentary
February 25, 2026To the Young Reporters Starting Out as MMJs
817-578-6324, Paul@NewsBlues.com
Rachael Perry, a TV reporter at WPBF, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, posted on social media these words of wisdom for local TV stations Multimedia Journalists (MMJs).
News Blues does accept submissions for Guest Commentaries, but we reserve the right to publish or edit them. Send your commentary to Paul@NewsBlues.com
Here’s what Perry wrote:
To the Young Reporters Starting Out as MMJs
I want to say this clearly: if you’re doing this job as an MMJ, you should be really proud of yourself — especially on the hard days.
Being an MMJ isn’t easy. You’re juggling shooting, writing, editing, problem-solving, and meeting deadlines all at once and on your own.
Some days are both chaotic and exhausting. I promise those are also the days that are quietly shaping you into a stronger, more confident reporter.
There’s something special about owning a story from start to finish. You learn how to think creatively, work fast, multitask, and pitch stories you know can turn.
You figure things out on your own — and that will continue building confidence you’ll carry with you in your next role.
Having a photographer is incredible, and collaboration can certainly make stories better. However, I’ll always value what the MMJ grind gave me — especially the resilience, creativity, and the pride that comes from knowing you pulled it off all on your own.
MMJs (past or present): what’s something you’re proud of from your MMJ days?
hat piece of advice would you give to someone in the thick of it?
If you’re just starting out, what’s been your biggest win so far?
Journalism is changing, with more stations relying on MMJs, and the experience you’re gaining now is setting you up to adapt, grow, and keep thriving in this industry.
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