Check Out Mariah Hill’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Hill

Hi Mariah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Mariah Hill, a biracial broadcast journalist who is originally from Seattle, Washington. I started my journey into journalism when I was about six years old. My grandma gave me a journal stating, “Just write down what you do throughout the day.” Little did I know that would be the start of an amazing journey.

Fast forward to high school, one of my teachers mentioned that I should look into journalism as a career due to my writing skills. That is when the real interested started. One of my good friends told me she was thinking about going to an Historically Black College (HBCU) called Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, Georgia. From then on, I decided to apply for their journalism program and take a chance on moving to Georgia for the next four years; even after never stepping foot in Georgia.

I ended up getting accepted to their program and packed my bags four the six hour plane ride. During my four years, I met various professionals in my career, gained an internship at CBS 46 and joined National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ). I graduated in Spring of May 2020; during the peak of COVID. During this time, my class received a virtual graduation but in 2021, we were able to have an in-person graduation.

During COVID, I had to go back home to Seattle unexpectedly and figure out what my next steps are for my career in journalism. I was not able to find a fellowship or job in news so, I decided to purchase camera equipment like a tripod and lavalier mic (small microphone connected to shirt) that connects to my phone. With this, I covered stories happening around the Seattle area.

I decided to attend grad school at the University of Southern California to receive my masters in journalism. During this program, I learned everything I needed to know to jump start my career at Newswatch 12 in Medford, Oregon as a multimedia journalist. I was able to cover wildfires, medical, political and local community based stories. I decided to break my two year contract after being there a year because I felt I was not growing as a journalist. It took me about three months find a new job in news.

The news director for a station in Bluefield, West Virginia reached out to me about an opening for a weekend anchor/reporting position. I accepted the opportunity and backed my bags once again to continue my career. This was an experience like no other. What many young journalist may not know coming into the media industry is that, many of their peers are not very friendly or may not even be respectful. Also it is every man/woman for themselves. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few in the industry that are willing to help and support you. But, I had to learn this lesson the hard way.

After just four months, I was let go during my 90 day probation period without an explanation why. I was told from the general manager and news director that they are only able to tell me ‘I was not getting better.’ This time instead of packing my bags for the next opportunity, I was forced to leave my temporary home and move back to Seattle to be with family. This put me in a place where I questioned whether or not journalism is for me. I’ve asked GOD many times, is this a sign to switch careers and start all over? I have felt discouraged and lost. But I kept pushing to find a way back into the industry since now, I do not have the best track record on paper.

Although my story is not finished yet, GOD has shown me that this is not it for me. Having a career in broadcast news in still a passion of mine that has not ended. My journey has shown me that everyone goes through a pause/phase in their life. This is just my phase. During this phase, I’ve discovered I can also be a curly hair influencer as my brand along with news reporting.

Stay tuned on my social media outlets and website to find out where I go to next in my journalism career. A new jump start will be coming soon!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of my main challenges is believing in my craft and knowing that I have the skill level to be a great journalist. I have had many news directors tell me that I should wear more makeup to look older. Also to straighten my hair to look more professional.

(I went more into depth about my challenges in the response box regarding my story)

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a multimedia journalist in broadcast news. I enjoy covering stories about the local/Black community and crime such as breaking news. In some cases, I set up the camera shot myself, take b-roll and have to speak on camera. I have also produced my own newscasts.

I believe I am known for one of the view reporters who wear their natural hair curly hair on camera. Many news director believe it is not professional or could be a ‘distraction’ to the viewers.

Here is a quick look at my work: https://youtu.be/TrCBH25hvVA?si=m5drwY9uA5mAuKaV

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Here is a reporter reel of my work: https://youtu.be/TrCBH25hvVA?si=m5drwY9uA5mAuKaV

Here is also a series of stories of covered over the years on my website: https://mariahhill2398.wixsite.com/my-site

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mariahhill2398.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariah_hilll/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MariahHillTV