Broadcast journalism is a competitive world. But ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's Sydney Brown, ’26, is already making her mark. The third-year journalism student from Avon, Ohio, has racked up an impressive array of achievements that showcase both her talent and the strength of the Journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism.
Brown's dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed. This semester alone, she has picked up multiple prestigious awards, including ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's Student Leadership Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Her journalistic promise earned her the and The Akron Press Club's John S. Knight Memorial Journalism Fund scholarship, recognizing her as one of Northeast Ohio's brightest emerging media talents.
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Brown was selected for ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ Leadership Center's Flash Fellows Cohort for the 2024-2025 school year, positioning her among the university's most promising student leaders.
Brown was able to act on her passion for broadcast journalism immediately upon arriving at ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ her freshman year, when she joined TV2 (now ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°ær TV) as a multimedia journalist and anchor. Her exceptional work quickly propelled her through the ranks to positions of increasing responsibility.
"I got involved right away," Brown reflects. "The hands-on experience has been invaluable."
Currently serving as ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°ær TV anchor and reporter, Brown previously held the positions of Broadcast Managing Editor and Flashcast Producer. She's taken on the crucial role of TV2 News Director, demonstrating leadership abilities that complement her on-camera talents.
ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's journalism program emphasizes practical application of classroom learning through internships, and there too Brown has excelled. In 2023, she secured an internship at WJW-TV Fox 8's New Day Cleveland show, Northeast Ohio’s number one locally produced lifestyle and entertainment program. Her performance was so impressive that she was hired back as a freelance producer for Summer 2024.
"I am confident in my career path thanks to CCI's Journalism program which provides real-world experience both in and outside of the classroom," Brown said.
This summer, Brown is planning a course of study in New York City through ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's Fashion Media program, adding another dimension to her growing journalistic experiences.
Brown credits several specific courses with transforming her approach to journalism, particularly Broadcast Reporting, Interviewing & Data and Ethics in Media & Journalism.
"My professors continue to challenge my perspective of the industry and see new potential in me as a journalist," Brown says.
When asked about valuable lessons she's taken from classroom to the field, Brown highlights the importance of active listening during interviews: "Truly listening to your interviewee, to get better answers and more personality on camera. From there, you need to be analytical in choosing which pieces of an interview matter to propel your story."
Beyond her journalistic pursuits, Brown is also active in campus life as a member of The Delta Zeta Sorority and a participant in the Flash Fellows leadership cohort, demonstrating her commitment to well-rounded development alongside professional growth.
Set to graduate in May 2026, Brown's ambitions are clear: "I look forward to the stories I’ll tell to wrap up my collegiate reporting. Following graduation, I hope to work as a broadcast reporter."
With her track record of excellence and the solid, industry-ready foundation provided by ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ's Journalism program, Sydney Brown is well on her way to achieving her broadcasting dreams and making an impact in the media world.