For this week’s Meet the Media, we’d like you to meet Megan Murnane, photojournalist at KING 5 News.
1. How did you find yourself at KING 5 News?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest so naturally I knew about KING 5 and the great storytelling they do. I had a passion for journalism and filming from an early age and wanted a career in it. After graduating from Washington State University (go Cougs!) I decided to move back to Western Washington. It was serendipitous because soon after, KING had an opening for a photojournalist just starting out in the industry. Thanks to recommendations from people working in news in Seattle, I got an interview and subsequently a job at KING.
2. Which of your photo stories are you most proud of?
Ones in which I was able to capture a moment. Like one person hugging another. Those help tell the story in a way that only video can.
3. What is your favorite thing about your job?
Every day is different! I get to meet new people and see places I wouldn’t otherwise. I’m also constantly learning new things and love that I get to share it with our viewers.
4. What is your interview style?
I try to make people comfortable in an interview. A camera can make people nervous, so when I start I tell them we are just having a conversation and forget about the camera. People need to be comfortable to be able to share why they are doing something or how they are feeling.
5. What do you look for in a story?
Interesting visuals are always good. If something looks interesting or if there is a lot of action going on, that helps to tell a story. A character however is what I want most. People are the ones that make you understand what is going on, or make you feel something.
6. What is your day like at your job?
In one word; unpredictable. I work the overnight shift, so I start at 5 p.m. If any breaking news happens, I go out and cover it. The first part of the day is going out, filming, and getting my footage back to the station in time for our evening newscasts. I’ll sometimes run live shots as well. After the shows are done I am either editing stories I filmed or out gathering breaking news for our morning shows to use. My day ends at 1:30 a.m.
7. Who do you look up to most in the reporting community?
My coworkers and other storytellers in the Seattle area. The Northwest is known for its visual storytelling, and I am honored to be working alongside these people.
8. What is your favorite news outlet?
Besides KING, I like the New York Times, Washington Post, as well as National Public Radio. My job includes a lot of driving, so I like listening to NPR and news podcasts to keep me up-to-date with what’s going on and thinking creatively about how to tell stories.
9. Fill in the blank:
- If I am not working, I am…Walking/hiking in nature, reading, or watching movies and documentaries on Netflix.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be…Eleanor Roosevelt. I read her autobiography when I was in elementary school and thought she was really interesting. She was a woman that was smart and tenacious and accomplished a lot. I also love history and she lived during a fascinating time in America.
- My favorite thing about the PNW is…That it is home! I enjoy the distinct seasons we have. Seattle is also unique in being close to mountains, lakes and the ocean. I like to hike, kayak and snowboard so it’s great to be in a place where you can do it all.
10. What is your guilty pleasure?
I have a big sweet tooth and am a sucker for anything chocolate.
Check out last week’s Meet the Media where we spotlighted Khalyn King, reporter at KIM Action News.
Want to be featured in a Meet the Media? Email ofuller@feareygroup.com for inquiries.