A Day in the Life of Beatrice Thompson Beatrice Thompson is a well-respected role model in the city of Charlotte.

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Thompson graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a major in broadcasting. With her degree, she began to work as the first African American woman news anchor in Charlotte, and began many other accomplishments after her first job. And is now the talk show host for the number one morning show V101.9. During her career, Thompson worked in other fields in journalism such as radio, and T.V programs. We were honored to have the time to sit down and interview Thompsons achievements and acknowledge her importance.

In the beginning to start her career, Thompson went to UNC- Chapel Hill; we asked her, What made you want to major in Radio Television & Motion Pictures? She answered, I wanted to be a documentary reporter initially as well as a news reporter. As a child, I was always embarrassed by the sound of my voice, because it sounded so much deeper than other girls. But I enjoyed history tremendously and watching the news. I had a teacher in high school who pointed out I would probably make a good journalist-something I had considered because of my love of news and history. So in the early 70s, I became one of the first student anchors for WTVI (PBS/Clt -Meck broadcasting station) while in high school at Olympic. I looked into which schools had the best broadcasting programs, realized the impact of UNC-Chapel Hill in this state, and made the decision to attend there.

After learning that she was always interested in news and history, we could then relate that to why she minored in African American Studies while she was in college. We asked, Since you had an interest in history as well, is this why you also studied African American Studies? Thompson states, I minored in African American studies because in the midst of all that was

Carolina Blue; I didnt want to lose me. I was a leader in Student Council all thru my junior high and high school days. Keep in mind; we were coming out of the sixties and very much in tune with our Black Power Movement. In high school at the Black History programs, I made it my business to wear African attire. As brothers wore dashikis and supported our heritage and our psychological growth. Dr. Sonja Stone was a minor of mine in the African American Studies area because it was a new department; she gave all of us a copy of Roots, which I still have today. This strong sister reminded you of Angela Davis with her fro and her convictions. She died from breast cancer, but a Center is being built on Carolinas campus in her name. We all know that history is important, and Thompson had the same beliefs. You cant know who you are without knowing your history. When youre aspiring to become successful, a mentor or role model is essential, we asked who Thompsons role model was while she was an aspiring journalist, she answered, Black teachers, because of their perseverance and their penchant for making us get it right whatever we attempted. It has been a strong suit for me for my entire career, do it rightget it right. Evidently, when Thompson was beginning her career she listened to her teacher and got it right, due to the fact that she was the first African American female news anchor. We asked her, How did this experience feel at this time? She responded, Surreal. Because I actually looked like a Black woman, not some other ethnic group designed to make some comfortable. But it also meant to me that once again I found myself in a position whereas in other times in my educational life and personal lifeI was the first of my race/ethnicity to do something. It comes with a great sense of responsibility.

It is not surprising that this opportunity could be surreal to Thompson. We wanted to know if the pressure of this rare opportunity was intimidating and she quickly responded, Not intimidating, but my mama and daddy did not raise a fool. We asked what she meant by that statement and she said that, It means my parents raised me to be versatile and with the ability to adapt.

Adaptation, this is the perfect word for Thompson. Being that she worked in the news and T.V field for so many years and transitioned in to radio shows how great she can adapt. We asked Thompson what the transition was like. She explained, Interestingly enough, they felt I knew what I was doing. And they basically let me do what I saw fit, an interesting arrangement in an industry with so many who want final control. Radio has given me more autonomy, but also a lot more responsibility. I have four talk shows I am responsible for and a daily newscast.

We asked Thompson what a typical day at the radio station is like and she answered, Morning meeting with producers and reporters to determine who goes on what assignment; what is happening on the beats; what specials will air (if it is a sweeps period)possibly do a noon newscast live shot as a precursor to the evening news show. Then go back to station (or live on location) to prepare for your newscast may have a story in each newscast or just one, depending on the strength of the story. Should there be breaking news (plane crash, fire, shooting, etc.) you may be taken off your assignment from earlier in the day and put on the breaking news which would make your story the lead story for the evening newscast.Basically, news changes as the day moves forward. What they decided on in the morning meeting could be totally different by the time the newscast hits the air that evening.

We asked our interviewee if Television news has changed since she has worked there. Thompson says, Television news has changed tremendously. In the type of stories covered, the methodology of how stories are covered, the sources (now social media is being used more as a source). We even see news operations using many of the techniques of the tabloids, which is causing many journalists to wonder about the reliability of information if it is gathered by one more interested in jazzing up their resume than in reporting the facts. That is not always the case, but it is something that is appearing more often.There is also the concern that people who are not journalist are doing the news. There is no clear line of delineation about journalists and those who simply want to be on television. Ultimately, viewers may pay the price and we all lose credibility, and the audience loses faith in what they are hearing.

We asked Thompson what her views on journalism are all together and she answered, Journalists should have to take an oath similar to the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors: In the course of providing truth and journalistic integrity, I will do as little harm as possible, but present the truth always. May not work for others, but it works for me.

While bringing the interview to an end, we asked Thompson what advice she would give to aspiring young mass communication majors today. She said, Read.ReadRead As a child, my mama would have to run me out of the house to go play, but I just wanted to read. My books took my mind to faraway places long before my physical body could get there. It allows me to experience the world and develop a sense of wanting to know more. Work on speaking out loud, literally. You will sometimes have to have stronger lungs than anyone else to get your question answered in a pool of reporters. But most importantly, never believe you are more important than those you are reporting on, this is just a job. You give them eight hours they will

give you a paycheck. The minute you dont, they wont, so dont get it twisted. They can always find other reporters, but make what you do exceptional. Be true to who you are spiritually and bring that to the career table with you. Past that, the world is yours.

I thanked Ms. Beatrice Thompson for her time and let her know that the interview inspired me personally. She was very friendly and just by talking to her you can tell how many great things she has done in her life and in the career field of journalism. She also agreed to come address our class this semester if it is possible.