A LARC Success Story: Chie Saito

Chie Saito is KCFW's (NBC-Kalispell, Mt) newest reporter. Chie sent out fewer than 15 tapes before getting offered a reporter job.

LARC: Talk about your LARC experience?

Chie: It was very intense. But I learned a lot about writing an effective package, going out and interviewing people and what it takes to put a good story together.

LARC: You sent out only 14 tapes, were you surprised the response came to quickly?

Chie: Yes. I actually wasn't prepared for it.

LARC: Describe the moment you got the call that you got the job?

Chie: It was kind of a surreal experience. It was something that, when you're looking for the job, that you play it in your head what it's actually going to be like. But until it actually happens you can't describe the emotions when you actually get offered the job. It's kind of a mix between shock and a surreal experience.

LARC: Did you have any hesitations about going?

Chie: Nope. I didn't even come see the place before I took the job. You know, wherever you have to go. Some people say I'll go anywhere, but when it actually comes to down to it, they get picky saying, I'll only work on the east coast or the west coast. You know, you have to go wherever you get your job.

LARC: What do you think the most important thing you learned at LARC that will apply to your day-to-day reporting?

Chie: The most important thing I learned is the importance of making your story about people as much as possible. I had a writing test as part of the process to get the job here and I think that's what separated me from the other candidates. Making stories about people and the lessons I learned in the LARC writing workshop.