4/8 - Michelle Relerford Summary, Daniella Henry (Stephen Ortiz)

Speaker: Michelle Relerford
Notes by Daniella Henry
Discussion Leader: Stephen Ortiz

Stephen Ortiz’s discussion started off with serious concerns over whether
or not Boston's NBC affiliate anchor Michelle Relerford’s decision to
continue working during her pregnancy was a good one.

Emily Abbate thought it was weird that she was allowed to work because
she couldn’t recall seeing someone pregnant on camera. She also
questioned the station’s decision and wondered if the lack of pregnant
anchors or reporters on television had something to do with the
aesthetics that go along with broadcast.

Katie agreed and added that because people complained to the station, it
was weird that they would let her continue reporting instead of moving
her to a desk job. “What if she got hurt?” she said.

Another classmate said it was really odd that “she said she’d do it
again” in regards to reporting while pregnant.

Christine refuted and said she didn’t think it was a problem. As a
mother, Relerford wouldn’t put herself in danger and probably would have
drawn the line.

Some other students supported Christine’s prior statement by saying that
Relerford was still young and wanted to advance her career and that being
pregnant doesn’t mean that she’s incapacitated.

Alyssa wrote that it was nice that she had flexibility with her
pregnancy, but it was intimidating to hear how easily replaceable some
people may be.

Professor Dufresne mentioned that it was interesting that the male
students were defending Relerford’s choice while the female students had
issues with her decision.

Ortiz then asked if Relerford’s tough lifestyle was worth it.
Alyssa discussed how the hours she keeps ( 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.) were
interesting and the fact that she moves around a lot might not be
conducive to having a child. Professor Dufresne responded that her salary
allowed her to have an au pair.

One student commended her for providing a good life for her child with a
successful career instead of judging her career moves. Another student said that the most difficult part of her job was moving around but that it’s easier even desirable when you’re younger. Later on journalists can settle down and embrace job security. A classmate added that Relerford’s decision to move around seemed to have more to do with what jobs were available and not necessarily her desire to
travel.

The discussion shifted to the economy with a student saying that right now
in journalism you have to love your job and be really committed.
Finally, Ortiz asked if students going out into the workforce were more
cautious after this discussion.

Students responded that the difficulties in journalism were not new.
Starting part- time in low paying jobs even at places like the Hartford
Courant is a necessary evil in this business.

Professor Dufresne compared it to aspiring actors who unlike journalists
usually don’t have a base job to jump off from but did say that
entry-level jobs today are going to be more competitive.


The class notes consisted mostly of students interested in what Relerford
said about job placement and the fact that she moved around and the advice
that she provided for navigating a journalism career.

Take away cards summary:

Ortiz wrote that we never really talk about how poorly broadcast is doing.

B. Cox wrote that it was interesting to hear what work was like for
Relerford.

Amy Lockmiller wrote that she appreciated her insight into being pregnant and
being a mother while still pursuing a career because it’s definitely a
concern for any woman entering the workplace.

Emily Abbate thought it was interesting to see how secure Relerford was
with her job and wondered whether there was no chance she was getting laid
off or if she wasn’t aware of the possibility.

Kim Romanello thought Relerford gave a great presentation, although she
didn’t feel as though she learned anything new.

Eli Pearlstein wrote that the fact that this profession can wear
significantly on your personal life isn’t something that the other
speakers have addressed.

Christine Gratton wrote that her honesty about the toll the job takes on
your personal life was interesting and it seems like a long, hard road but
obviously worth it for her.

Scott Powell wrote that Relerford’s best advice was to be prepared to move
around in the broadcast business and to not be afraid to move to an area
for work because it could be a great opportunity not available anywhere
else.