Renee Cummings is an award winning journalist as well as being an Television and Radio personality. She has accumulated twenty two years of international experience in the media and has been the recipient of several prestigious journalism awards including being recognised by USA Today and the National Association of Black Journalists (USA). She is always in a hurry, juggling an enormous number of responsibilities at once, but is very gracious and candid in answering my questions. She says her love of journalism was born out of a love for creative writing and her social conscience. She's always wanted to change things and make a difference.
"The forces of nature pushed me into media. I entered the media, at 18, as a reporter with the Trinidad Express where I mixed journalism with activism as the popular Action Line columnist; solving problems; resolving disputes and bringing relief to thousands of consumers. Two years later, I debuted as a reporter/producer, with the advent of CCN TV6, and then as the Caribbean’s first female sports anchor. My desire has always been to change the world and the media offered a unique vantage point for social change, personal and professional development."
After migrating to New York, Renee continued working in radio and television, at WBLS/WLIB radio station and at WABC TV as a producer of Turning Point hosted by Diane Sawyer. She has spent over two decades in public life; most of it in front of the camera with some work as documentary producer. Over the last 18 months, she has produced and hosted the Early Morning Show (CNC3), First Up (CNMG) and Morning Edition (CCN TV6). Also being an award-winning feature writer, her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, National Geographic, USA Today, Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian and others. One of her major scoops was getting an exclusive with American icon Dr. Maya Angelou, a piece which received international acclaim.
With such a wide range of experience under her belt I asked her how she would define herself and her career?
"My role in the media has developed way beyond the parameters of journalism; I use my voice to inspire others and effect change. I've become a change-agent and an advocate for good governance; accountability, transparency and integrity in leadership."
Renee attributes her success and her effectiveness in producing results to the pursuit and dedication of studying. She holds an MA in Criminal Justice, MA in Terrorism Studies, MS in Education and a MSEd in Rehabilitation Counselling. She also holds a triple BA (magna cum laude) in Politics, Philosophy and Media Studies (Journalism) with a minor in Creative Writing.
After many years of being the student she has now become the teacher, and has designed and facilitates, among several courses; a highly successful Managing the Media workshop, at Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. Therfore it's her advice to anyone entering the media that the pursuit of academia is vital in developing perspective and nurturing intellectual curiosity; "Without perspective and intellectual curiosity, media would be dead!"
"The lack of ethics and integrity and the absence of a best practice philosophy to guide the industry; also the lack of available training for journalists; these are areas that need immediate attention."
With the choice of many careers, Renee always finds herself coming back to the media, and being drawn to partake in different projects, "Working in the media keeps me sharp and always on the pulse; media is one of the best ways to take the temperature of a nation; and that's why I love it."
