Now a news assignment editor for WCVB-TV in Boston (an ABC-affiliated station), Dempsey — who interned at the station’s assignment desk prior to her current position — has a hand in shaping the news at one of the leading broadcast news agencies in the region. In this role, she responds to breaking news, gathers news tips, monitors police and fire scanners for emergency situations, and assists in sending news crews out to scenes. “It can be an intense work environment and incredibly time sensitive, but I love being pushed outside my comfort zone,” she said. “It is the best way for me to grow and receive a lot of on-the-job experience.”
Dempsey attributes her success to the strong academic and professional guidance she received during her time at Merrimack. Specifically, her faculty advisor, Assistant Professor of Communication Andrew Tollison, bolstered her confidence and helped pave the way to the broadcast world.
“Professor Tollison helped me prepare for my interviews and put aside extra time to work with me on my cover letter and resume,” said Dempsey. “He also met with me if I needed assistance studying for a test in his class, and he always provided great advice and instilled confidence in me as a student.”
Dempsey envisions staying in the broadcast journalism world or in a closely related field. She received her B.A. in communication and media from Merrimack in 2017.
