After an idyllic childhood in Naperville, Amanda Wozniak decided—seemingly out of the blue—to pursue broadcast journalism at Illinois State University. “When I told my parents I was going to study journalism, they were a bit shocked because I really didn’t watch much news at that time. I got it into my head that this what I wanted to do, and I haven’t looked back since,” she said.
Currently news director at HOI 19 News, Wozniak worked her way up quickly. “I began there as an intern, and two weeks later I was hired as a part-time producer. WHOI-TV gave me the opportunity to wear many hats and to move up the ladder. I was promoted to full-time morning show producer, then to the 5 p.m. newscast, and then onto the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. I was promoted to executive producer and then named news director, where I’ve been for more than four years now. While it’s extraordinary for someone of my gender and in my age bracket to accomplish so much in such a small amount of time, I’ve been guided by exceptional people along the way and supported by a wonderful community.”
She said it wasn’t until coming to WHOI-TV that she knew she wanted to be a producer. “I thrived on being the glue that holds the entire newscast together. Producing is like putting a puzzle together; you’ve got to make sure all the pieces fit just right. I also love the challenge that live broadcasts and breaking news offer. Being a producer is extremely satisfying—knowing you put an entire newscast together for thousands of people to watch using your vision and creativity. Producers don’t always get credit for putting a good show on the air, but that isn’t why I do it. I do it so I can go home at the end of the day feeling fulfilled with my contribution to society.”
Wozniak said no two days are ever alike, which is one of the most attractive aspects of this business for her. “I start my day early by watching local and national news from home. Once I hit the station, the news staff has a morning editorial meeting to review story ideas and to plan out the day’s coverage. After that, I put on my management hat to take care of paperwork, employee issues, long-term planning, and any other administration duties that are on my to-do list. The nightside crew arrives at 2 p.m., at which time we have another editorial meeting. After that, most of the afternoon is spent writing and proofing scripts. I monitor the newscasts at 5 and 6 p.m., before heading home. At 10 p.m., I monitor the newscast and then get ready to start it all over again the next day.”
Though it was harrowing to be named the youngest and only female news director in her market at age 25, Wozniak said her biggest challenge came from within her own station. “As in any promotion-within situation, it’s difficult being a co-worker one day and a boss the next. I knew the staff respected my abilities as a journalist, but it was definitely a hurdle to get their respect as someone in authority. Thankfully, I had a mentor who kept telling me that if I could make it through the first year, everything would be smooth sailing after that. My mentor was right. A year into my position, I was able to hire key players in the newsroom—people who knew me first as their boss then as a friend.”
With all of the recognition she’s received, Wozniak said being named a 40 Leader Under Forty last year has been her proudest professional moment thus far. “Standing on stage at the Pere Marquette in front of my parents, being recognized for my hard work and contributions—that’s when I knew I did everything right. My family is my biggest inspiration; I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them.”
In addition to her dedication to career, Wozniak finds time to volunteer at many local agencies. “You always seem to find time for the things that are important to you,” she said. “I’m fortunate that I work for a company that encourages me to sit on many boards and be a part of so many organizations. I’m proud of the work Neighborhood House does, and I’m honored to be among the wonderful people who sit on the board of directors. The children down there are absolutely precious, and what they do to help the seniors—we’re very lucky to have organizations like this in our community. I also sit on the Kids Count Advisory Board, the Safe Kids Coalition Advisory Board, the Mass Mutual Women’s Advisory Board, and the Red Cross Safe Communities Advisory Board. I’ve met some wonderful people through the organizations I’m part of, and they’ve inspired me to do more to make our community a better place to live.”
Of course, she’s also involved with WHOI-TV’s Kids Count initiative. “We’ve been able to reach out to so many children and their families and offer education and guidance. I wish every child had the good fortune I had growing up—with two loving parents, a roof over my head, food on the table, and a warm bed at night. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. There are people right here in our own community who don’t have these things, so giving a little bit of my time to help brighten someone else’s day doesn’t seem to be too much.”
She said there’s one misconception of the media that bothers her the most: the belief that they’re heartless. “What they have to understand is that our job is to report the news—and not all news is good news. I won’t say there aren’t some ‘in your face’ tabloid journalists out there, but most of us are good people, with a heart and a conscience. One of the most gratifying parts of my job is giving back to the community we serve; in just over a year, WHOI-TV and CEFCU have given $20,000 to local schools.”
The most exciting part of her career, Wozniak said, is the incredible people she’s met. “While it’s thrilling to meet people like the president and Peter Jennings, it’s the people here in the heart of Illinois, who have so many wonderful stories to tell, who make my job seem important. I also love the fact that I have a hand in writing our history; I have the important job of helping people learn about and remember events.”
She said it’s very rewarding to be in a position to learn new things every day. “There’s also a sort of suspense about going to work because I never know where the day is going to take me. You’d be amazed at the emotional strain a story can take on you. I was in central Illinois on 9/11—it was my first ‘major’ story since becoming news director—and I worked around the clock for a week. I’ve never been so physically and emotionally exhausted, and all I remember thinking is, ‘I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in New York City right now.’ You can never mentally prepare yourself for a situation like that.”
Although she’s been with WHOI-TV for a long time, Wozniak said she’s not done making her mark yet. “I have wonderful visions for this station, the staff, and our viewers. As a station, we’re committed to continue to grow and work hard to bring the best news product we can to central Illinois. Personally, there are plenty of things I still want to do—with my career and with my personal life—so we’ll just have to see where the wind takes me.”
She said becoming a news director wasn’t her original goal, but she loves where she is today. “I never would have gotten here if my peers and superiors didn’t believe in me and cheer me on to success. In eight years, I can honestly say I’ve gained more experience, more friendships, and more confidence than I could have ever imagined. If I could give young women out there one piece of advice, it would be to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. If you choose to do something you truly believe in and do it to your best potential, everything else will fall into place.” TPW