Omar Lewis is a news reporter in Austin, TX.
It’s always a thrill to see people having fun – doing the job they love – and Omar is definitely that guy! He was quick learner, and true pleasure to work with during his internship at WSB-TV in Atlanta.
Omar recently landed a gig at my alma mater, KXAN-TV in Austin TX. I’m excited to see what he will do next!
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When I first started my internship at WSB-TV in Atlanta I honestly wasn’t expecting to walk away with a mentor. It was my last semester of college at The University of Georgia, and the internship fell into my lap. Once at the station though, I met different reporters and went out on news story, but George Howell really took me under his wing.
I started to come in on weekends and just watch what he would do to bring a story to life. From writing scripts, to voicing packages, and learning how to do an effective live shot, we discussed every aspect of reporting. After going out on several stories with George I quickly realized the impact he had on people in the community; something that gave me a real appreciation for the career field I would quickly be thrust into. Once my internship was complete it was time for me to get into the job market and land my first gig. George played a vital role in that process, critiquing my reel, and showing me how to market myself to news directors. Weeks later I got my first job in Bryan, Texas as a one man band bureau reporter. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, but after talking to George I soon realized my work was far from over.
I continuously sent him my stories and began getting feedback on my work.
I saw an opening at KXAN as a bureau reporter and applied shortly after I got my new reel together. During my interview everyone kept saying ‘you know George?’ The immense respect people had for him as a reporter at the station was beyond evident. As I now work to build my career as a reporter at KXAN it is always nice to have someone to look up to. Something I now realize about a good mentor is that they are constantly pushing you to reach the next level, and that’s exactly what George has done for me as mentor and as a role model in my career.”
Omar Lewis
