My visit to Fox 2 News
When I first received the email from my Scholastic editor requesting story ideas or possible journalists to interview for the Kid Reporter Tips from the Pros section, the first person I thought of was Lee Thomas.
I watch Lee on TV almost every morning, and I always noticed that his hands and side of his head were completely white. I did some research about him and found out he suffered from vitiligo. Lee’s story signified that there are barriers in life that attempt to keep you from doing the things you love to do best. For Lee, his passion was journalism.
As the day of my interview with Lee approached, I prepared the questions and supplies that I needed. Despite the treacherous road conditions due to snowfall, we headed out to Detroit for the interview.
When I first arrived, I was welcomed by Lee at the door as he was finishing up a few meetings before the nine o’clock show. He then took me into the Fox 2 studio as directors stood across the studio floor putting the show together.
As Lee took his seat for a quick news brief, I had the opportunity to watch what was going on inside the studio: the meteorologist standing in front of the green screen, the traffic reporter putting last minute touches on traffic briefs, producers collecting the latest news, directors looking through papers, and anchors reading their prompters. This made me wonder how much work goes into putting together a broadcast.
When Lee finished the brief, we went into the conference room where I had the opportunity to interview Lee. I learned that Lee has an optimistic and positive attitude and that he really has a motivated character.
When I asked Lee about what he can tell people who may have barriers in their life, I thought of a barrier that I had. When I was just seven, I was hit by a car in a hit and run accident while I was riding my bike in my subdivision. With surgeries and physical therapy, I completely recovered from the incident. Despite the barriers that stopped me from the things I liked to do best, I learned to be fortunate for what I have. As Lee Thomas told me, “There is no barrier that you cannot overcome.”
Photo: Kid Reporter Charlie Kadado interviews Fox 2 News broadcaster Lee Thomas (Photo courtesy Charlie Kadado)
Lee's story is very inspiring. It sounds like such an interesting and fun experience.
KR: Andrew L.
Posted by: Kidspressblog | 06/27/2011 at 03:25 PM