We see them on our national news and even local news, depending on your area. But what makes a broadcast journalist tick? Well, we found one, Olivia Cheng, who is ticking her way into more and more home televisions. Most recently, she has been seen on Global Television in Canada and undoubtedly, we will see more of her in the future.

Your Site URL
http://www.oliviacheng.com

What is your ethnic background?
Chinese, both my parents are originally from Hong Kong

What other langauges do you speak?
Cantonese and Mandarin, but I have to admit I'm not great at either second language. I cringe at my own accent.

What is broadcast journalism?
Broadcast journalism involves reporting the news and tailoring stories to a television medium.

How did you first become involved in broadcast journalism?
Honestly? There's no inspiring tale here. A few years ago, I wanted to sneak into a fashion show because I couldn't afford the cover. I told the doorman I was with the media, and even though I had no credentials, I was escorted backstage to conduct "interviews." I played the part asking questions etc. and I found I really enjoyed it. From there, I looked into journalism programs and started volunteering at local news stations.

Was this was you wanted to be when you grew up or did you have other aspirations?
I actually wanted to be a mutant with super powers. I was an X-Men and X-Factor comic book geek...are you laughing at me?

Who are some of your role models?
Lisa Ling! That girl's an amazing story teller who's carved out a helluva career! She broke into the biz at the tender age of 19! DAMN! Also, I have nothing but props for Lucy Liu. Eventhough she doesn't go out of her way to promote racial equality in Hollywood, you can't deny she's stormed through many barriers.

Scariest assignment you've ever worked on and were relieved when it was over.
How do I pick just one? Tornado? Floods? Murders? Grieving families? Angry, irrationally emotional people? This can be a very morbid, stressful, and intense line of work.

Best assignment you have worked on so far.
I wrote about my personal battle with depression a couple of months ago to raise awareness and education about the illness. The piece was picked up by 5 major papers across Canada and the response was overwhelming. Depression is something that's hard to understand, or even believe in unless you or someone close to you has gone through it. So many people have experienced it but hide that fact because of the shame and stigma associated with depression. I guess my goal in writing the piece was to tear down the taboo surrounding the illness by encouraging people to talk about it.

What advice do you have for other aspiring broadcast journalists?
Network! Network! Network! And be ready to start off at that small station in Boonyville, Nowhere to pay your dues and work your way up. You will also make many mistakes as you learn the ropes. That's okay. Mistakes are gifts of wisdom so don't beat yourself up over them.

Often being seen on television, even as a reporter, is seen as being glamourous. What is it really like?
There is no glamour. Sure people recognize you but so what? They also recognize the realtor whose picture is plastered on bus stop benches. Being a good reporter is hard work. You have to hunt for stories, make a lot of phone calls, process information at a rapid rate, become an expert on various subjects in two hours, meet 3 deadlines a day filing stories for mulitple shows, and go through tons of footage to put together a two minute story. Oh yes, and during your nine hour day in which you gobble down your lunch in the news van, you step in front of the camera for maybe 30 seconds tops.

When you aren't working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a huge hip hop head. I go to hip hop dance classes and plan to take break dancing next. I've just finished producing my first hip hop charity show and I also contribute urban culture articles to the Edmonton Journal. I'm also into acting and do projects whenever I can. So far I've landed bit parts in CBS's Hollywood Wives: The Next Generation, TNT's Word of Honor, Shanghai Noon (cut out), Mentors (television series), and coming this Christmas: The Great Goose Caper starring Chevy Chase and Joan Plowright.

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Images courtesy of Bruce Edwards, The Edmonton Journal
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