We sat down with many of the people featured in the book Joe published, “Faces of Ground Zero: Portraits of the Heroes of September 11, 2001.” One of the things CNN does so well, particularly during monumental events, is bring out the personal stories. Michael Lomonaco, for instance, was a chef at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of One World Trade Center. He talked about how his decision that morning, to stop at the bottom floor and get his glasses fixed, saved him.
Juana Lomi was one of many first responders who risked their lives. A paramedic who survived the collapse of both towers, she had an overwhelming feeling of fear but stayed because hundreds of people needed her.
Meeting Joe and these survivors, being part of a production that honored their experience, is one of the reasons this breaking-news event stands out.
I’ll also never forget how the country galvanized after 9/11. Americans put their differences aside. We worked together and helped support one another.
Is there a job or responsibility you had that no longer exists today because of technology?
One of my first jobs at CNN was running a teleprompter. I enjoyed this rare opportunity for someone at my level to have raw and real interaction with CNN’s on-air talent. They didn't always know my name, calling me “prompter” — but they relied on me. I learned many key lessons in that studio with the anchors and floor director … and having the control room in my earpiece.
Back then, the teleprompter device was basically a conveyor belt with an overhead closed-circuit TV camera. We literally ripped paper scripts off gigantic printers and cut them to fit on the belt. As the script rolled underneath the CCTV camera, the text appeared on monitors for the anchors to read.
If there was a change in the script, you marked it out with a pen and rewrote it on the strip of paper. It was particularly dicey if the order of the stories changed, because that meant quickly un-taping the pieces of paper and hoping you put scripts back on the belt in the right order.
Now, teleprompting is electronic. Script changes are made in the computer and appear immediately on the monitor. Sometimes the anchor is operating the prompter themselves during a live broadcast.
How has starting as a VJ shaped your perspective as a leader at CNN today?
As VJs, you’re expected to jump in and learn by doing. You not only hone production and storytelling skills, but in this fast-paced news environment you develop the ability to think critically, communicate and adapt to change. It was “baptism by fire” at times, but we had each other’s backs and challenged one another. Those early experiences influence how you lead in many ways. You’re empathetic, seek ideas and learn from people at all levels — and do what you can to remove obstacles so your team contributes their best work. Starting from the bottom gifts you with confident humility.
What advice do you have for the upcoming generation of journalists?
It's advice I still give to myself: Approach everything as authentically as possible. Dig deep and listen to what comes up. It will serve you when making career decisions. What lights your fire and why? That may change through the years, so stay open to new possibilities and pivot. As for the work, at the heart of every story are the people. So if you can be empathetic, connect to the community and issue as authentically as possible, you’ll create valuable journalism that serves a purpose.