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WOUB Employee Spotlight: Sports Editor & Studio Production Manager Molly Kennedy
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ATHENS, OH – When Molly Kennedy started as sports editor & studio production manager at WOUB in February of 2023, it was like coming home. Kennedy was involved in every sports production WOUB has to offer while she was a student at Ohio University.
“Having gone through this program, I felt I was extremely prepared to continue the success of WOUB’s sports programs and help them grow,” said Kennedy. “As a student, I was a producer for both Hardwood Heroes and Gridiron Glory (GG). I also piloted the first season of Ace Nation. Outside of executive roles, I edited for NewsWatch three to four days a week and was the videographer for the GG Season 20 documentary team. Having seen all sides of these productions, I felt I possessed a good sense of understanding of how all of the student roles operate.”
Kennedy grew up in Dublin, Ohio and came to Ohio University to major in Integrated Media. She graduated in 2020 and got a job at a Knoxville, Tennessee TV station where she worked as a digital photojournalist. But after about a year, Kennedy decided to go back to college at Wittenberg University to pursue a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration.
“I enjoyed my time there (in Tennessee) but was really wanting to get back into sports once opportunities opened back up post pandemic. So, I came back to Ohio and went to Wittenberg where I spent my time as an Athletic Communications graduate assistant,” said Kennedy. “I helped create a social cast that recapped games, produced behind-the-scenes videos from Media Day, filmed and photographed home games, and I wrote articles for multiple sports at the university. However, I felt it was getting too much to juggle with school, so I took a stab at corporate communications where I developed a passion for sharing the stories of Rumpke Waste and Recycling. I jump started the video campaigns showcasing the different departments, the development of new recycling facilities, and the new core values to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company.”
When Kennedy learned about the sports editor & studio production manager position at WOUB, she knew it was the right job for her.
“I think this role is important because it helps guide students to develop into good leaders and gives them a pathway to create the best content they can while having a structure and someone to go to when they have questions,” said Kennedy. “I enjoy pushing the limits for the students and showing them how talented they are with any idea they have. Brainstorming with the students and being a visible supervisor gives them an advocate for any media concept they have.”
Kennedy says she is proud to be part of the WOUB team giving students real-world, hands-on professional training.
“I am proud to say that all the students who come into the newsroom are given a chance to do what they want to do. They are given real-life experience, preparing them for post-college careers whether it is in broadcasting or in a different field. I know I was prepared to the highest extent,” said Kennedy. “We ask a lot from the students because we know they are capable of it, and that they want to see their work out in public. Being able to say they created a new segment or a new coverage group, they know they can do it because of the support we give them.”
Outside of WOUB and sports, Kennedy has several different interests and isn’t afraid to take risks.
“I have been skydiving and can’t wait to go again someday,” said Kennedy. “I have been doing Tae Kwon Do since middle school. I am currently a second-degree black belt, and my dad and brother are both third-degrees. I am also a very big puzzler and love to go hiking. I’m looking forward to exploring New River Gorge this fall.”