Getting the Scoop: Rhondella Richardson’s Journey as a Woman in Journalism

Throughout history, women have overcome incredible obstacles to achieve great things, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations. From architects to reporters to women who fight for others, women have made their mark in every field imaginable, defying expectations and challenging the status quo. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a few inspiring magnetic women by sharing their stories and celebrating their achievements.

Rhondella Richardson

In a world where information is king, reporters are on the front lines, bringing us the stories that shape our understanding of the world. As the face of the news network, a news anchor plays a crucial role in delivering that news to the viewers. Emmy Award-winning reporter Rhondella Richardson wears both those hats at WCVB News Channel 5. From her over 30 years of experience, Rhondella gives us the scoop on what it takes to make it in the TV news industry.

1. Broadcast journalism is a notoriously cut-throat industry. Yet, you’ve succeeded despite being among the nicest reporters we know. What has been your secret to success? 

RR: The secret to my success in the TV news industry is multifaceted. First, you must constantly know and study the competition while also being an active and helpful team member. As a TV News reporter, the videographer is just as important in the process! I also never play office politics, speak badly of anyone, or say anything I wouldn’t want to be repeated.

Finally, my success as a storyteller comes from having little tolerance for boring and unemotional stories. I need natural sound, compelling characters, stimulating visuals, and good writing, and I work tirelessly until I get all of that right. It’s all a crazy formula for success when you’re on a daily deadline, working long, grueling hours with little breaks.

2. You’re the weekend morning newscast co-anchor and an Emmy Award-winning Reporter.  How do you get the story while balancing people’s emotions, and how does that compare to the anchor desk? 

RR: The simple answer is journalism is about truth. I open the conversation for people to tell their version of the truth. I’m crystal clear when I interview someone to explain that there will be at least two sides to the story, and this is their chance to share their side, but we’re also going to expose the other side in detail. If they get mad, sad, or whatever, that’s fine – emotion is even better. Also, getting the big interview person matters; I always knock on the most doors (so to speak).

As an anchor, you are on a journey with the viewer through the entire half-hour or hour show. I find it very fulfilling, and I hope the audience does too.

3. A big part of Women’s History Month is looking back at the women who have come before us to clear the path. But we also think it’s important to help those who will follow. What would you tell girls eager to pursue a career in broadcast journalism to help them succeed?

RR: To pursue a career in broadcast journalism, you must have a burning passion for the work because the hours will eat you up otherwise. To get up in the middle of the night and head into a nasty blizzard when everybody else is being told to stay off the roads, you must have unbelievable concern for public safety to the point that you need to experience the conditions to paint a picture that keeps everybody else home. 

My advice is to try the job. If you are brave enough to take the risk to follow your dreams, the reward is much greater than if you took the safe route. Also, it’s a people business, so you must always respect people’s feelings. To that point, I love the saying “associated” with cultural icon civil rights activist and writer Maya Angelou (many attribute it to Carl Buehner), “They may forget what you said—but they will never forget how you made them feel.” It’s a good way for me to live life and a good barometer for approaching broadcast journalism. 

This article originally appeared in The Mazer Group’s Luxury Listings Newsletter. For more stories like this and great real estate eye candy, subscribe to mazergroup@compass.com

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