Klein students learn to tell more than just news—they learn to tell stories that connect people. Charles Watson, KLN ‘14, is no exception, as he signs on as an Atlanta-based national correspondent for FOX News Channel. The Philadelphia native, natural storyteller, and journalism graduate from Klein College of Media and Communication was promoted to the position after participating in the FOX News Multimedia Reporters Training Program (FOX MMR), which prepared him for the rigorous reporting that comes along with his new title.
Knowing from a young age he wanted to be a journalist, Watson was initially drawn to Temple University due to the prestige of the Journalism department and the extracurricular activities that he believed could strengthen his professional development. While at the university, he served as an anchor and reporter for the Temple University Television weekly news broadcast Temple Update and also became a member of the Temple Association of Black Journalists (TABJ).
After graduating and facing burnout from his positions with other news organizations, Watson decided to apply to FOX MMR to try out a different kind of journalism practice than he was used to in his other jobs. He was one of 10 journalists selected for the intensive program, which pushes outstanding and diverse on-air talent to dive headfirst into the business. Although he worked remotely, the two-year program, which started in 2018 and ended this July, required him to relocate to Jackson, Mississippi to cover stories in the Deep South.
“It turned out to be a really good decision on my behalf because I did get to learn so much about working at the network level and taking local stories and finding that national appeal and reporting it out,” Waston said.
As his own producer and videographer, Watson strengthened his perseverance, time management and storytelling abilities. However, working virtually with the other FOX MMR participants positioned in other areas around the country and FOX News Channel’s digital and editorial teams to put together stories reminded him of his days as a student journalist at Temple.
“The biggest lesson is teamwork. I think a lot of times people like to be on their own and be independent. But when you become a journalist, work in any news room — or really anywhere in the real world — you find out that teamwork is such an important component. And that’s definitely something I’ve learned from Temple University and programs that they offered there.”
Neil Ortiz, director of multimedia content and adjunct professor in the Journalism department, was impressed with Watson even as an undergraduate student. In an email, Ortiz praised Watson’s contributions to the Klein College community.
“I first met Charles Watson during his senior year in the spring of 2014,” Ortiz said. “He quickly mastered my three-point video editing system and constantly sought feedback for his work in order to improve his skills. This didn’t end when he graduated. Throughout the years since then, Charles has sought advice and critiques from me. He’s called me on bad days, while working out in the field. He’s called me on good days. This has, ultimately, made me a better teacher and source of support for our students and alumni.”
Watson hopes to take what he has learned in his flourishing career and pass it on to future professional journalists.
“I don’t think I would be where I am without the wonderful people at Klein. I’m so appreciative and definitely have [been passionate] and committed to giving out the same help that was given to me, particularly if they go to Temple University,” Watson said.
“Charles epitomizes what we strive for in our Klein College family. He carries with him a great sense of journalistic integrity in his work ethics, while exhibiting a sense of genuine caring for the communities which he serves. I was once proud to call him one of my students. I am now even more proud to call him a colleague and a friend,” Ortiz said.
Watson’s new role will require him to respond to any nationally relevant news event in his region, including breaking news, severe weather and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He is most looking forward to connecting with even more people than ever and telling their stories with integrity.