J-School Alum wins Emmy

Carrie Ching, ’05 J-School alum, recently won an Emmy for “In Jennifer’s Room” for its new approach to news and documentary. “In Jennifer’s Room” is a “graphic journalism” multimedia feature that was part of a year-long, multi-platform investigation into abuses of developmentally disabled people in state-run institutions in California.

Ching is an independent multimedia journalist and producer who lives in Oakland, Calif. Previously, she led multimedia projects for six years at the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Q&A with Carrie Ching

Q: Most difficult professional/career decision you’ve made?

A: Leaving a multimedia job and team I’d spent years building and shaping, and launching out on my own as an independent producer. (Difficult, but possibly the best decision I’ve ever made.)

Q:One piece of wisdom you would share with J-School students?

A: Trust your instincts.

Q: One piece of professional equipment or necessity you find essential and think everyone should try/use?

A: Visual editing software. Being able to capture great visuals is important, but being able to skillfully edit together a story with sound, image and text can take your storytelling to another level.

Q: What is your current professional inspiration?

A: VICE, The Atavist, This American Life, Symbolia. I like people and publications that aren’t afraid to take chances and push the boundaries of journalism storytelling.

Q: JSchool is where I learned to ……

A: …transform my narrative writing skills into visual and multimedia storytelling skills.