Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Roberts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elise. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always knew I wanted to work in TV news. After watching Monica Kaufman (Pearson) on WSB, I knew TV was the arena for me. While a student at Kennesaw State University, I interned at 11Alive, Fox5 Atlanta, CBS 46 and in V-103’s news department. I also interned with MTV Networks. I made some life-long connections with people and picked up some valuable skills along the way. After graduation, I was equipped and focused to find my first job.
As an Atlanta native, I didn’t want to move too far from home, so I only applied for jobs within a two to four-hour driving distance. After months of applying, I got my start in Macon, GA at WMAZ.
My journey in TV would keep me in the South, along the Gulf Coast (where I picked up a second degree at Tulane University) and into the Carolinas where a I spent the bulk of my career. After working in Greensboro and anchoring part time in Raleigh, I became a full time anchor in Charlotte. I love Charlotte! However, I ended up leaving the Queen City for personal reasons but quickly landed a management role as EP/Anchor in Montgomery, Alabama. While it was a smaller market, it helped catapult my career and ultimately helped me land a job at CNN/HLN.
I never thought that taking “a step back” would help shift my career in the way that it did. I spent years living in cities that weren’t fun, sacrificing being away from my close family and friends, weekends and holidays but now I know it was well worth it. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest newsmakers of our time: Oprah, Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Nancy Pelosi and Kim Kardashian to name a few.
I now work for the company’s sister station HLN (Headline News) as a producer. However, I still make appearances on-air from time to time.
It’s nice to see my career come full circle and to work with a group of talented and well-respected journalists.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The struggle is real in TV News. Especially as curvy woman of color. I’ve been told ‘NO’ countless times and I know it has little to do with my talent. My resume speaks for itself. However, I keep pushing because I know a YES is always right around the corner and the opportunities will be even better. I’ve seen my face on Billboards, in Essence Magazine yet I’ve still been told I’m not qualified “enough.”
However, I don’t get discouraged. I work hard, I work smart and I’m reliable. Therefore, I’m ready to receive all that the universe has in store for me.
Please tell us about CNN/HLN – what should we know?
HLN is the sister station to CNN. While CNN covers a lot of politics, HLN covers a lot of crime and other news of the day. I am lucky enough to work for the company’s Weekend Express team. It’s a consistently highly rated show that covers the gamut of news, weather, sports, and entertainment. I love finding interesting stories to share with people across the country. It helps that the network is centered in my hometown. It gives me a bit of an advantage because I’m plugged in to some of the movers and shakers in the city.
I am grateful to walk through those big doors at One CNN Center and later drive to have dinner at my mom’s house, have a play date with my neice and nephew, or a night out with my best friend of 30 plus years.
I am also thankful for the opportunity to work with such a well respected organization. However, I’m always looking for ways to grow. Atlanta is the new Hollywood and I have so many ideas when it comes to film and documentaries. I can’t wait to flex my writing and creative skills in that arena.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I could not make it without my mentors. I have mentors within my profession but I also have people outside of TV news that keep me sane. A spiritual mentor who helps keep my mind in check when the world is beating me up. I also have someone I can talk to about finances and the best way to manage money.
I feel like it is now my responsibility to pass on some of that knowledge. So, I now have mentees of my own who I delight in watching climb the ranks of television news. I like to call myself “The Proud Auntie.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: EliseRobertsTV
- Facebook: Elise.Roberts
- Twitter: EliseRoberts
Image Credit:
Elise Roberts
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