Graduating from SC&I with a degree in Journalism and Media Studies, Eleisa Weber JMS’23 started working as an on-air reporter for WRDE CoastTV News fresh out of college.

Weber said she chose to major in JMS because of her lifelong passion for communications, and her hunch that she would flourish in a dynamic and people-focused career.

She learned about WRDE during a JMS class at SC&I when John Dearing, the news director, visited to share his professional expertise with the students, and she applied for her position while she was still a Rutgers student. After starting at CoastTV she worked her way up to anchoring the midday show.

In our Q&A, Weber describes how she landed her position, her current role, what inspired her to pursue journalism, and more.

Tell us about yourself and your current role as Midday Anchor at WRDE. What does a day in your life look like in this role?
EW: A typical day for me at CoastTV begins at 2:45 a.m. I wear many hats at the station, serving as a morning reporter during our 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. broadcast, and then producing and anchoring our Midday show from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. As a reporter, I am responsible for pitching stories, interviewing key individuals, and editing the final package. Once the story is complete, I deliver live shots throughout the two-hour morning show. After 7:00 a.m., I shift gears and focus on producing our midday newscast. I enjoy the variety, the fast-paced environment, and the challenges that come with reporting, producing, and anchoring. Each role helps me grow and develop into a more well-rounded journalist.

What inspired you to pursue a career in journalism?
EW: My mom always jokes that I was born talking, so a career in broadcasting felt like a natural fit. In kindergarten, I often missed recess because I couldn’t stop chatting with my peers, which in hindsight might have been my first step toward journalism. A traditional job with minimal human interaction is not appealing to me. I thrive in environments that are dynamic, people-focused, and constantly evolving. Reporting offers exactly that, making it the perfect path for someone who finds energy in connection and storytelling.

How did you land your position at CoastTV? What convinced you to want to work for this media organization?
EW: During March of my senior year, Professor Miller sent out an email to the Journalism department announcing that the news director of WRDE would be visiting to network with students, and everyone was encouraged to attend. I knew I could not pass up the opportunity. At the session, I was immediately drawn to the station. John Dearing, the news director, spoke about how WRDE was the ideal place to grow and launch a successful career in journalism. After his presentation, I introduced myself and handed him my résumé. We had a brief but engaging conversation about my interests in reporting and storytelling, and he encouraged me to follow up. That moment solidified my excitement about potentially starting my career with WRDE, and I left the session feeling inspired and motivated to take the next step. A week later, my Dad drove me to the station in Milton, Delaware, where I had a formal interview with John and met the news staff. I remained hopeful and optimistic throughout the interview process, although waiting for the phone call was agonizing at times. Fast forward to the week before graduation, I got the call from John offering me a position on the team. Reflecting on those weeks, it was the perfect culmination of my four years at Rutgers and the education I received there.

What SC&I classes or professors influenced you the most?
EW: During my sophomore year, I took my first class with Professor Miller. Despite the class being held on Zoom due to the pandemic, he made us all feel as though we were right there with him in the classroom. The first time I attended study hours with him, he began the session by getting to know me and learning about my goals for the future. During my junior year, I took TV Production with Professor Miller, and that is when my love for being on camera truly blossomed. Once you are Professor Miller's student, he is always there for you. His passion for the field of journalism is inspiring and learning from a teacher who genuinely wants his students to succeed is incredibly motivating.

What advice would you give JMS students looking to pursue a career in broadcast reporting?
EW: My biggest piece of advice for any JMS student interested in pursuing a career in broadcast reporting is to network and to apply for as many internships as you can. It is important to build relationships with people in the field, as they may have opportunities for you. Do not be afraid to ask questions; every conversation is a chance to learn. I had multiple meetings each semester with Professor Miller, where we discussed ways to find and apply for jobs and how to deepen my understanding of the field. Be proud of your status as a Rutgers student. I am grateful for the education I received at Rutgers and the experiences I had, especially working for RVision and the Admissions Office as a Student Ambassador. My RU pride has continued to grow as an alumna as I have experienced the value of the Rutgers reputation. Lastly, never give up, even if some opportunities do not work out. Perseverance and hard work will always pay off in the long run.

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies major on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website.

Photos: Courtesy of Eleisa Weber JMS’23