FUN FACT: I’m a pop-culture fanatic & aspire to work in entertainment news… the Jonas Brothers would be my first interview!
Contact Peyton on Twitter or via email.
Where did you attend school?
- I attended the James Madison University Honors College in Harrisonburg, Virginia from 2016-2020. I double-majored in Broadcast Journalism & Theatre Performance, and double-minored in Entrepreneurship & Honors Leadership Studies.
Where kind of prior experience do you have?
- While at JMU, I anchored and reported for the University’s live weekly newscast, Breeze TV. I was able to expand upon my passion for entertainment news in this position, and created a weekly segment on pop culture and the arts. Thanks to these positions, I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships including the Alison Parker Memorial Scholarship and the Virginia Press Women Foundation Agnes Cook Scholarship. During the summer of 2019, I studied the entertainment industry with the JMU in LA program. There, I held three internships in reality television development (Kinetic Content), documentary production (Atlas Films), and talent management (AEFH Talent Agency). I also interned with Work Light Productions in New Jersey & New York City, learning the ins and outs of management for the national and international tours of Broadway musicals.
What brought you to WTAJ?
- At WTAJ, I work as a multimedia journalist in the State College Bureau. In recent years, State College has been the center of numerous national news headlines. I knew this opportunity would challenge me and allow me to grow as a reporter! Plus, as a recent college graduate, I was excited to be working in an area that attracted other like-minded, young professionals.
How have you prior experiences prepared you for a local news setting?
- As a general assignment, daily news reporter, you never know what the day might bring. My previous experiences have taught me to be flexible, resilient, and up for any challenge!
What do you contribute/hope to contribute to WTAJ?
- I hope to shine light on the stories that matter in our community, and craft the story in a way that will be memorable and impactful for our viewers.
Is there something you reported on that stood out to you?
- I started working for WTAJ as the world was still facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as Pennsylvania has loosened restrictions, I’ve covered countless businesses and programs who have found a way to survive and come out strong. I’m inspired by the work-ethic of our small business owners!
Why do you think journalism is important?
- Local journalism is important because it presents both sides of the stories that are most heavily impacting residents. It presents the facts, and allows residents to form their own opinions about what’s happening in their communities.
What do you hope to accomplish in your career?
- I hope I’m blessed with a long-lasting on-air career alongside smart journalists and directors, and that I gain the trust of viewers in the process. I have a lifelong passion for the performing arts, so I aspire to cover more entertainment pieces and get back onstage myself!
What is your favorite thing about Centre County?
- WTAJ covers 10 counties across Central Pennsylvania. Our headquarters are in Altoona, and we have “bureau” reporters stationed in various other locations. I moved to State College and Centre County to be a bureau reporter… without knowing the area and without knowing anyone. My favorite thing has been my coworkers here in the bureau who have become like family. (Especially my rock and fellow reporter, Alyssa Royster. We started at WTAJ within a week of each other, and have grown closer through this journey together!)