As a center schooler, Kennedy grew to become engrossed within the 2000 Presidential Election, simply fascinated by the way it all got here collectively. She went on to review broadcast journalism at Hofstra College, and little did she know that he early curiosity in politics could be a formative a part of her profession.
“My interest in [politics] in school, as well as just wanting to know what’s happening in the world and why things are happening in the world, I just always kind of gravitated towards that,” mentioned Kennedy.
“We’re always thinking about who would be the best guest for our political show. It’s almost like cooking. You’ve got a bunch of things that you’re doing, you’re stirring something here — it’s keeping everything afloat while also thinking of new ideas as well,” mentioned Kennedy.
Veronica Kennedy (proper) and PIX 11 anchor Dan Mannarino (left)Picture courtesy of PIX 11
With the present political panorama, there is no such thing as a scarcity of matters to debate on the present. Below Kennedy’s management, the staff is ready to zero in on a possible subject and the way it impacts the various communities in New York.
“There is a diversity of opinions and there’s a lot of national focus, too. So much of what the national conversation is immediately impacts our neighborhoods here. It’s exciting, and that’s why I feel like I’m drawn to it,” mentioned Kennedy. “There’s so much to talk about, and you’re talking about anything from presidential decisions to city council bills. They’re impacting real change, and I think that I like seeing that in real-time.”
PIX on Politics, with Kennedy’s steerage, goals to current a balanced have a look at New York’s politics, permitting visitors who’ve come on the present to talk for themselves and current quite a lot of voices. The staff dives deep into the problems to current them in a good and balanced method.
Past focusing purely on the problems at hand, Kennedy and the PIX 11 staff need to current options to their viewers.
“We try to get as much information out there, hold people accountable, be like, ‘This is what we’re hearing.’ We need to be a voice, and, and let whoever we’re speaking with to answer,” mentioned Kennedy. “We’re trying to cover all facets of an issue and then make it clear so people can form their own opinions, rather than us having any opinions of our own.”
Although it may be draining at instances, Kennedy finds the time to unwind and be capable of deal with the initiative time and time once more as a result of she acknowledges how essential it’s to current these matters to the general public.
Veronica Kennedy behind the scenes of PIX 11.Picture courtesy of PIX 11
“I have such a love for politics, but it can be draining. I feel very lucky in my position that I cover local politics. You need to see what’s happening nationally and internationally to know what is going to be impacted locally, but it definitely helps keeping it local and really thinking about community impact,” mentioned Kennedy. “That helps me stay focused and keep my head on the right issues.”
“Especially when covering politics, I think that it is important to give everybody a chance to say their piece. I think it’s important that if you do disagree on anything, to listen as to why, because it might open your eyes to something. I’d like to understand where people are coming from and different perspectives,” mentioned Kennedy.
Kennedy says that although the political panorama might really feel overwhelming at instances, New Yorkers ought to listen to what’s impacting their native communities.
“My advice for anyone that might be feeling overwhelmed about the current political climate is to think locally, think of issues that impact you and, how you can, whatever little steps that you want to take to make the change that you want to see,” mentioned Kennedy.
“PIX on Politics” airs Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
