Today we’d like to introduce you to Karys Belger.
Hi Karys, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been interested in the news since I was a child. I used to watch the Today Show with my parents all the time as a child. I would ask my parents questions about what I was seeing and they would answer me as honestly as possible. September 11th and the events that happened afterward really made me think about broadcast journalism as a career. I grew up in the D.C. Metro area and I knew people who were impacted by the September 11th attacks and the Beltway Sniper shootings. Watching the news helped me understand what was happening around me a little better. From there, I did as many little things as I could to “prepare” for my career. Worked for my high school newspaper and did the morning announcements. I was even editor of the yearbook.
I continued working for student publications while I attended Spelman College, but I felt I still needed more training. That’s what lead me to the graduate program at Northwestern. It was one of the best things I could have ever done because I was forced to work in an environment that was similar to a newsroom and I felt like I was prepared for my first job. I went the traditional route of bouncing around in smaller markets before I landed in Atlanta, but I really felt a shift in 2020.
Part of what I love to do is tell stories that showcase what makes a community unique. Doing this became even more important over the last three years. As a Black woman, I understand how intersectional identities play a part in how people navigate their circumstances. I try to bring that understanding to all of my work. That passion led me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
By no means has my journey been a smooth one. I would say the challenges I’ve faced aren’t that much different than what any of my peers and mentors have faced in the industry. I’ve dealt with just about every “ism” you can imagine. I always try to look at the glass half-full and see what I can take away from every situation. With every obstacle I’ve overcome, I’ve found it’s important not to lose yourself in what’s going on around you. Your unique personality, skill, and perspective brought you to where you are and it will carry you through anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a morning reporter for 11Alive News. This typically means I’m headed to work when all the night-owls are wrapping up their fun. In the morning, I normally do either breaking news or an update on a story that happened late the night before. I occasionally report slightly longer stories on a range of topics. Recently I interviewed K-Pop singer Eric Nam. Two days later, I produced a story on healthcare obstacles for adult Sickle Cell patients. I research, write and edit all of my own stories. We have a segment called “Voices for Equality” and I really enjoy producing those stories because it gives me a chance to learn more about our community while also sharing those stories with other people. I went to college here so I know how rich and diverse the communities in Atlanta are and I really enjoy any chance I get to showcase that.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love the most about Atlanta has to do with the people. Folks from ATL are PROUD to be from here. I saw that in college with some of my classmates and I still see it now. When you see how much people love this place, you can’t help but love it too.
Contact Info:
- Email: kbelger@11alive.com
- Website: https://www.11alive.com/article/about-us/team-bios/karys-belger/85-8f1dae3e-39d0-434f-91f3-e8d415c770fe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karysbelger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarysBelgerTV
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarysBelger
Image Credits
Karys Belger
