As a field reporter for CityNews, Melanie Ng hits the streets to bring
viewers the latest in news and events from across Toronto and the GTA.
Working with the media on a daily basis in her previous career in the
fast-paced world of PR, Melanie knew her true calling was in broadcasting and
enrolled in the postgraduate Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College at
York University. Her next challenge took her to a new level…hundreds of feet up
high in a helicopter! As a reporter at the Canadian Traffic Network, Melanie
provided breaking news and traffic reports for CHCH News, Global News and local
radio stations. Melanie was a weekend news anchor and videographer at CHCH
before finding a home as a field reporter at Citytv in October 2010.
Melanie Ng grew up in Oakville and graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University
with a double honours degree in Communication Studies and English, and a minor
in History. Melanie went on to complete a postgraduate certificate in Public
Relations from Humber College, graduating with honours.
Did
you always want to be in the media? If not, what other careers were on the
horizon?
you always want to be in the media? If not, what other careers were on the
horizon?
Growing up, I was always drawn to the
media, specifically news. I knew that I
somehow wanted to work in the field – I just wasn’t sure where I saw
myself. After my first career in public
relations, I realized my heart was in reporting
media, specifically news. I knew that I
somehow wanted to work in the field – I just wasn’t sure where I saw
myself. After my first career in public
relations, I realized my heart was in reporting
Where
would you like to be five years from now?
would you like to be five years from now?
Still being able to tell stories that
matter and feeling like I’ve made a difference.
matter and feeling like I’ve made a difference.
Any
advice for people getting started in your industry?
advice for people getting started in your industry?
Be ready for a challenge. Things won’t always go as planned, but you’ve
got to roll with the punches. Most
importantly, don’t forget who you are.
got to roll with the punches. Most
importantly, don’t forget who you are.
What are your favourite media outlets, not including your own?
I dabble in everything.
Best
interview you’ve ever had?
interview you’ve ever had?
Too many to mention. While I have had some fun celebrity
interviews, I find the most interesting stories come from everyday people.
interviews, I find the most interesting stories come from everyday people.
Worst?
I’ve talked to many grieving families
who’ve lost loved ones. It never gets easier seeing the unbelievable pain
they’re going through. However, if
they’re willing to share their story, those interviews can sometimes be the
most powerful.
who’ve lost loved ones. It never gets easier seeing the unbelievable pain
they’re going through. However, if
they’re willing to share their story, those interviews can sometimes be the
most powerful.
Best
advice you’ve ever been given?
advice you’ve ever been given?
Just be yourself.
What rule(s) do you live your life by?
Follow your heart. The rest will fall into place.
What’s
the most important tip you can give PR pros?
the most important tip you can give PR pros?
Underpromise and overdeliver. Be aware of journalist deadlines and think of
creative solutions if your original plan doesn’t pan out.
creative solutions if your original plan doesn’t pan out.
Best
experience you’ve had with a PR pro?
experience you’ve had with a PR pro?
I was on a tight timeline to jam a number
of elements into a story. I thought I’d
have to reach out to a several companies, but one PR rep saw what I needed and
was able to coordinate everything in a couple stops. It was a great example of going above and
beyond.
of elements into a story. I thought I’d
have to reach out to a several companies, but one PR rep saw what I needed and
was able to coordinate everything in a couple stops. It was a great example of going above and
beyond.
I hate?
When people are inconsiderate.
I love?
A good laugh. Friends. Seafood. Wine. Dogs. Reality
TV.
TV.
Reading?
The first 30 pages of several books. It takes a lot to pull me in and keep me
interested.
interested.
Best place on earth?
Curled up under cozy sheets with no alarm
clock set.
clock set.
Dinner
guest?
guest?
My grandparents who passed away before I
could meet them.
could meet them.
Hero?
My mom.
Favourite
app (or whatever you are downloading these days)?
app (or whatever you are downloading these days)?
Any game apps that involve trivia or word
puzzles. Yes, I’m sort of a dork.
puzzles. Yes, I’m sort of a dork.
Pool or
ocean?
ocean?
Definitely ocean.
Voicemail
or email?
or email?
I like sending email, but receiving
voicemail.
voicemail.
