Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia LaBorde.
Hi Olivia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I came here from New York City, where I was working as a television news reporter at News 12 Connecticut, and living in Harlem. I was offered the opportunity to move to Atlanta and help launch a pilot as a reporter at 11Alive, the NBC affiliate. The project focused on telling stories from specific neighborhoods in Atlanta. My beat was East Point, South Fulton, and College Park. I truly loved the people and have maintained personal and professional connections in that area. After the pilot, I decided to stay in Atlanta after learning what a vibrant, growing city it is!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh no making it in journalism, and specifically, the television news industry is not a smooth journey on the road to success. Before getting to networks such as CNN, FoxNews, and BNC, I worked in several local television markets. I started out in small towns, where I would carry a big camera all over, and shoot the stories by myself. I actually even rolled my own prompter as an anchor! Reporters live a very nomadic lifestyle as you move up in markets. Although it’s exciting to become part of new cities, you have to learn how to survive where you don’t really know anybody. However, these experiences make you a strong well-rounded person. So, it works out in the end.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Telling people what I do has become a long answer! We talked earlier about how I started out as a local television reporter. But now, I’ve become a network news producer, television chef, philanthropist… the list really goes on at this point. I like to stay busy.
I’m part of the historic team that re-launched the Black News Channel (BNC) in 2021. The mission of this minority-owned network is to bring viewers the news from a perspective of truth. In my current role, I’ve been on the ground producing major stories such as the Derek Chauvin trial, R. Kelly sex trafficking trial, The Murder of Ahmaud Arbery, 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the Surfside building collapse.
I’m also taping a cooking show right now for a new worldwide food network. You’ll be able to watch it on Roku, Amazon Firestick, and other platforms. And yes I’m the chef! Without even looking for this opportunity, it just fell in my lap. From my experience, that proves it was meant to be. All of my friends and close family know how much happiness I get from cooking, so I’m excited about the chance to share my favorite recipes with viewers.
My newest endeavor is producing a documentary that explores an important health issue millions of women face today. I can’t go into more details right now, but I’d love to update you when it premieres!
I truly love being able to tell stories from a genuine place and dedicate myself to portraying people fairly in anything I’m involved in. It’s not about “being on tv” for me. I’m a storyteller. So whatever the role, I strive to fulfill my calling as a journalist and take it seriously.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Oliviareportinglive
- Twitter: @olivialaborde
- Facebook: OliviaLaBorde https:
//m.facebook.com/OliviaNews/
