Every semester, a select group of Florida International University’s journalism students travel to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. All of the students that apply for the opportunity produce content for South Florida Media Network, which is directed by Chuck Strouse at FIU. SFMN’s Bureau programs are designed to provide students with experiences that reach beyond the traditional classroom structure.
Students reporting in D.C. provided by Lee Caplin School of Journalism and Media
“Students act like professional reporters,” says Strouse about the D.C. Bureau, “here at FIU they learn how to report, they learn how to film, but they don’t put those skills together on deadline – the way a professional reporter does.”
Rachel Costa, a senior journalism student, reporter for SFMN and NBCU fellow has covered stories on the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, Maryland’s 4-day Work Week Bill, and the D.C. Mayor’s conference. Costa describes herself as more of a writer than a broadcaster, and says that the trip has allowed her to further her editing and on-camera skills.
A frame of the Lunar New Year Parade from Rachel Costa's video report.
The SFMN D.C. Bureau has been around for nearly five years, currently funded by a grant from NBCUniversal Television Network – one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. Students spend 10-12 weeks with D.C.Bureau chief Adrianna Hopkins, who helps FIU journalism students focus on the intersection between politics and journalism, something imperative for young broadcasting students.
“I work closely with the students to make sure that their packages, scripts, and articles are complete, factual, written and turned in on time,” says Hopkins, who helps the group find stories and improve their production strategies. Her main goal as chief is to show students how they can “frame a story, build a story, and make sure that every piece of the story is leading to the next thing that will move the story forward.”
Junior broadcasting student Nicole Ardila says that the D.C. trip and her NBCU fellowship has been a challenge, but also an “amazing experience” where she can learn as a journalist finding stories and sources. Ardilla has covered national news like the Women’s March, the COVID Vaccine Proposal, and the preview for Biden’s State of the Union Address.
A clip of Ardila's report on the preview for Biden's State of the Union Address.
Sabrina Beguiristain, a senior journalism student, reporter for SFMN, and NBCU fellow says that she has learned a lot about journalism and pushed out of her comfort zone in a very valuable way. Beguiristain gravitates toward stories that involve the community, including the Thou Shalt Not Kill initiative in Washington D.C.
Frames of the Thou Shalt Not Kill initiative posters from Beguiristain's video report.
Angela Rivas, a senior journalism student, reporter for SFMN, and NBCU fellow says that she has learned more about video packages and reporting, as she also describes herself as “more of a writer.” Rivas recently did a story on the cost of living as a young adult in Shaw, Washington D.C.
A clip from Rivas' video report on the cost of living in Shaw Neighborhood.
Natalie La Roche, a senior journalism student, a managing editor for SFMN, and NBCU fellow who has been covering a lot of censorship issues surrounding law and social media. La Roche is looking forward to learning more and gaining experience throughout her semester.
The D.C. Bureau provides FIU journalism students the opportunity to improve their journalism skills in a realistic setting, and pushes them outside the box. Gathering sources, finding stories, and reporting takes courage in a new environment, and the students work hard to create reports that capture their audience.
Find more information about the D.C. Bureau requirements here.
Find the full video story here.
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