Kysa Daniels, CNN Headline News overnight anchor, told her story of what it takes to be successful in the world of journalism Thursday during an informal lecture in the Psychology Auditorium at The University of Memphis.
Daniels encouraged students to get as much journalism experience as possible while still in college, placing special emphasis on internships requiring students to master a variety of skills.
"I have even worked for free," Daniels said. "I had to, in order to receive the experience."
Daniels said the most valuable asset prospective journalists must have is the ability to write.
"You have to know how to write and be good at it," Daniels said. "You must also know your history."
Daniels warned students not to expect a top-notch, high paying job right out of college. Daniels said she earned a salary of only $15,000 a year in her first television journalism position.
"Don't expect to be making a lot of money at entry level positions," she said.
Students attending the lecture said they were encouraged to see Daniels and were impressed by her success story. Essence Yarbrough, a freshman journalism major, said Daniels' lecture had a positive impact on her.
"I think she seems very confident and very real," Yarbrough said. "She was exactly the way she was supposed to be. She is a positive influence with an extra glow."
Dr. Cynthia Hopson, professor of journalism, said she was glad to have Daniels speak at The University and feels her speech had a positive influence on students.
"We are thrilled to have someone of her caliber to come and talk to the students," Hopson said. "She has been very successful and those are stories that our students need to hear."
The U of M Association of Black Journalists presented Daniels with an award for outstanding career achievement. The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority awarded Daniels, a sorority member, with a plaque.
Born in Baytown, Texas, Daniels graduated from Texas A&M University and earned her master's degree from Eastern New Mexico University.
Prior to working for CNN, Daniels was a prime-time and morning anchor for CBS affiliate KSLA-TV in Shreveport, La., an anchor and reporter for ABC affiliate KMBT-TV in Beaumont, Texas, and host of Southeast Texas Weekly.
