#MeetOurAlumni: Janine AlHadidi, '25 M.S., Video Production Assistant, Digital at PBS News

What does a day of reporting or storytelling look like for you, and what work are you most proud of?

I wake up bright and early to scan the major international headlines of the day. I constantly listen to news as I get ready, particularly the wires. After all our editorial meetings, I get started on pieces for the day. Whether it's short foreign breaking news pieces or long features, you can always catch me sprinting across the newsroom and control room throughout the day to help bring everything together. Once we decide on the piece of the day, we start drafting scripts, translating raw footage, selecting clips, and bringing all the elements together for the 6:00 pm show. The adrenaline rush definitely gets us through the day. I’ve also shifted towards working on the digital team now at PBS News. It’s teaching me a lot about how to transform broadcast pieces to digital segments and gauge audience interest through that. Overall, I’m calling sources on background, booking interviews, and writing scripts for a living. It’s truly a privilege every day.

Of all the pieces I’ve worked on, a few definitely stand out. We have the honor of working with incredible journalists and correspondents on the ground around the world, including in Gaza. Our producer, Shams Odeh, interviewed Palestinians in Gaza to ask them what Ramadan means to them and how communities were finding joy in familial celebrations amid destruction and loss. I wrote the Ramadan in Gaza piece interweaving those interviews and narratives. It was a deeply meaningful piece that stayed with me. You can watch it here.

Which CJS skill do you find yourself using most often?

CJS taught me grit and nimbleness. We were trained to have a deep understanding of every hat worn by every journalist and producer in the newsroom. It built confidence in us that allowed us to adapt to any environment. From operating cameras, to directing, to reporting and editing, we were taught to never be intimidated by a good challenge. We are trained to constantly push ourselves beyond the limit. With all the funding announcements at PBS, we’ve also adapted to using limited resources to produce important coverage. CJS trained me to keep my journalistic standards high and always trust my gut. Also, fact-check, verify, reverse video search, a million and one times before submission. 

What’s the most unexpected place your CJS degree has taken you, geographically or professionally?

I’ve been able to help produce really cool interviews and briefings at embassies in D.C. with leaders from around the world. Canada, Denmark, and other cool events that really allowed me to grow as a reporter. I didn’t expect to be in those seats asking questions shortly after graduation. I also had a pinch me moment where we analyzed a VICE video in my documentary class and I ended up working with the same reporter on a project nearly 6 months later.

What does being a Columbia Journalism School alum mean to you today?

It was always a lifelong dream to go to CJS. I am so proud to represent the school everywhere I go. I was the co-president of the Arab Middle Eastern Journalist Association (AMEJA) chapter and it was a huge honor. I love networking with other alums and supporting current students to navigate life after graduation. Being a CJS alum is a responsibility I take seriously and it’s been so wonderful to meet alums from around the world since graduation!

If you could give one piece of advice to current CJS students right now, what would it be?

Stay focused on growth and improvement instead of perfection. You have no idea how much you will change this year. Treasure your classes, your time with mentors and don’t compare your journey to others around you.

Journalism is a craft that must be respected. Keep your reporting as structured and organized as possible; it will pay off later. You got this!

Also, I miss my reporting days with my classmates more than anything. Enjoy them!