I Reported Live from the White House on Election Day, Thanks to My SPJ Chapter

by Julia Menn

Editor’s Note: Julia Menn is a member of the student SPJ chapter at William Paterson University.

It was surreal. I tried to convince myself that I actually belonged where I was, standing in the press briefing room of the White House on Election Day. I imagined what other reporters had felt here, sitting before press secretaries and presidents. And now, thanks to my SPJ campus chapter, I was about to tell the world what was happening inside those walls on one of the most historic days in US history, on a broadcast on the SPJ YouTube page.

I learned a lot about American politics as a student in 11th and 12th grade in Germany: debates, pro and con tables, essays. We did everything. But the presidential election still felt very far away.

A year ago, I committed to William Paterson University, a state school in Wayne, New Jersey, about 20 miles west of New York City. I looked forward to witnessing American elections in America for the first time. I was excited to follow the development of such an impactful day in the country that eventually decided about its outcome and that is affected the most by it. Never would I have imagined experiencing what I had just done.

I owe this experience to SPJ. Earlier this semester, I joined our campus chapter, advised by Dr. Nick Hirshon, and I’m so glad I did. Two weeks before the election, Dr. Hirshon asked if he could “run a WPSPJ opportunity” by me. I called him, and I could not believe what he said. He had actually picked me to accompany him and another SPJ student member, Alexander Felix, to report live on Election Day from the White House. Dr. Hirshon had started an organization named Student News Live to bring together an international coalition of high school and college journalists to produce a 24-hour broadcast about the presidential race. I would be a beneficiary of this ambitious project.

I felt excited and overwhelmed. After I got off the phone with Dr. Hirshon, I immediately called my mum. “It’s because he sees potential in you,” she said, trying to ease my nerves. But it was probably this anxiety that eventually just hyped me up and it was 100 percent worth it — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Packing my bags, picking my outfit, and doing my research to prepare for the three-day trip to Washington D.C., felt like a blur. The gravity of the opportunity didn’t really hit me until one evening when I heard the sound of an email on my phone. I flipped it and looked at its screen.

The White House had sent an email confirming my visit. I freaked out, jumped up from my chair, and took a screenshot. It ultimately felt official and I realized what a chance I was given by Dr. Hirshon and the Student News Live initiative.

As a young, striving journalist like me, it’s crucial to take every opportunity that comes your way. Each experience, whether big or small, contributes to one’s growth and provides valuable skills and insights into the field. By embracing challenges and diving into diverse projects, one can expand one’s knowledge and build a portfolio that demonstrates versatility. It’s also vital to stay engaged with current events, as being aware of what’s happening in the world. It sharpens your perspective and improves your ability to report accurately. For those pursuing journalism just like me, I encourage you to be fully involved in everything your college offers—from internships and workshops to campus media, clubs and networking events. 

From the moment I got the email, everything happened fast. A couple days later, I was sitting on an Amtrak with Alex and Dr. Hirshon on the way to the nation’s capital. I had seen Washington, D. C., only in school books and news reports so I was thrilled to actually behold the famous Capitol building, the White House and all the monuments in person.

Impatient as I am, I wanted to take a glimpse at the White House before actually being there the next day, so the three of us walked there. It was only a few blocks from our hotel. As we walked over, we saw store windows bordered up and groups of police officers wielding guns. The city was prepared for everything and also the White House was surrounded by a high fence so that it was impossible to get close. I ended up seeing around five square yards of its roof that day.

The next day, however, I saw it! We identified ourselves with our passports, waited for an escort which is required for international journalists, passed the security check and then beheld the so-called “Pebble Beach.” It is a line of green tents owned by various national or global news channels. These canopies cover cameras, spotlights, and other equipment and also provide shadows for journalists standing in front of them. From every single position, the White House served as a background of course. 

With a press pass dangling around my neck, I found myself treated collegially by the other journalists, photographers, producers, and even the security staff. It nearly felt as if I was one of them. Chatting in front of the vending machines and exchanging information with different professionals was incredible. I even got the chance to interview a couple of them for our very own livestream. 

I met journalists from Australia, Poland, and Italy, some of whom had been working at the White House for decades. It was interesting and inspiring to hear their life stories and pieces of advice for me being a young journalist at the beginning of my career. I’m grateful that all these people were so open-minded and willing to share their perspectives and experiences.

It was interesting to learn about different approaches towards journalism. Some outlets and journalists are clearly focused on promoting a particular point of view, often aligning with specific political or ideological stances. On the other hand, some strive to maintain neutrality, presenting the facts without taking sides, while others aim to offer a balanced perspective by presenting multiple viewpoints. What I found particularly interesting was being able to recognize these biases and approaches even before early polls on the election were released. This exemplifies and highlights perfectly how media can shape narratives well in advance.

Let’s now get to the actual purpose of our visit: reporting live from the White House. The time frame was clear: 1:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. and later a second time slot. Even though we had some technical difficulties, being equipped with microphones and talking into a lens that immediately projects its subject onto computer screens worldwide was unforgettable and invigorating.

I had laid out some points that I wanted to say in my head before but most of it happened unplanned. While I was using these facts and prepared information, it was the spontaneity and fluidity in the heat of the moment that guided me. I rediscovered that the part about journalism that I love the most is not the gathering but the sharing of information with a broader audience. Talking to people, addressing them indirectly, or interacting with an SPJ student colleague in front of a camera brings me joy and fulfills me. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience because it combines the thrill of instant communication with the pressure of a real-time audience. There’s a unique energy in knowing that viewers are tuning in as you speak, creating a sense of connection and urgency. Reacting to the unexpected added to the unique spice of journalism. 

I relied on several techniques to ensure I delivered accurate and engaging real-time coverage. One of the most crucial skills I tried to employ, was the ability to listen intently to my interview partners. Active listening allowed me to pick up on subtle details and cues that informed my follow-up questions, ensuring that I could clarify and expand on key points while keeping the interview dynamic. By remaining connected with my team and leveraging trusted sources within the press pool, I could provide a balanced and informed account of the events as they unfolded.

Background support and technical guidance are essential for smooth live reporting. A reliable team ensures equipment runs smoothly, letting the reporter focus on the story. 

The trip was inspiring. I left D.C. emboldened in my career plans and learned a lot not only about the job and the pressure or responsibilities that come along with it, but also about myself. And even though I was so nervous that I washed my hair twice in the morning of Nov. 5, I’m proud of myself for having accomplished what Alex and I did. We are not professionals yet, but we are journalists on our way. I’m very thankful for having received the opportunity and more importantly I’m thankful for the support of my professor, my family, friends, and even international viewers. It was certainly way more thrilling, captivating, and unforgettable than watching from my bed in Germany ever could have been.