K.C. Kantz ’07, bachelor’s degree broadcast journalism

Anchor, Nexstar Media Group, NEWS10 ABC, Albany, New York

Hometown: Edinboro

Family: Dad (Kevin), Mom (Barb), Sister (Betsy)

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Explain your role at the news desk with NEWS10 in Albany.

I anchor at the news desk for 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for the No. 1 station in the market.

Why did you choose to become a broadcast journalist?

I can honestly say I knew what I wanted to do from the moment I was able to think. Sports journalism was always my No. 1 passion, and I was fortunate enough to do that for the first part of my career. I remember growing up, just watching our local news broadcasts, and saying: “That! That is what I want to do.” It was my time at Edinboro University that taught me that “Hey, I think YOU CAN do this.”

What type of skills are needed for this field?

Good time management, good speaking skills and vocabulary, being comfortable in front of a camera, and the ability to tell stories.

What is your proudest moment as a journalist?

Really tough to pick just one. I think any time I’ve been able to tell a family or someone’s personal story.  One that will always stand out, I was so thankful to The Igoe family out of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Their son had recently received a heart transplant and allowed us to travel with them to Pittsburgh as they met his donor family for the first time. It was a moment I’ll never forget, and I am so thankful they allowed us to come on their journey.

What activities in college helped you prepare?

The big one was ETV, the campus TV station. It was huge for me to have an actual functioning television station right on campus where you could learn how to work a camera, how to produce a show, how to write a script, how to edit and then how to present it in front of a camera. It literally gave me material for my first tape, which led to my first job in TV.

How did Edinboro help you become the journalist you are today?

The professors I had were the best. I know I’ll leave some out, and I’m truly sorry for that, but Dr. Frank Rybicki, Dr. William Covington, Dr. Melissa Gibson, Dr. Anthony Esposito and Dr. Anthony Peyronel, and the list goes on. They had the experience and were able to pass it down to the next generation. Their doors were always open, too. Professors can be a little intimidating as a young student, and I really valued them - not only the way they taught, but also as people.  It was never “professor” to “student.”  It was always “person” to “person.”  That was huge for me.

What advice do you have for anyone considering a similar career path?

Make sure it’s something you really love! It’s never felt like work to me because every day is something new, and I love that. But make sure there’s a passion there for you, too. It’s not just about getting “to be on TV.” There’s much more that goes on. You play a vital role in your community in keeping them informed and telling their stories. Also, be willing to move. Your first couple jobs right out of school likely won’t be close to home for you. But those are great learning experiences for you.