Julian Stainback

My Story

Growing up, I had the vision to become an electrical engineer after high school. However, after failing chemistry and feeling out of place within the major, I decided to make a major change in my sophomore year. 

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When I took my first journalism class, I found my passion in writing for the news. As a result, I changed my major to journalism. I continued to explore my interests as it pertains to the career I wanted to pursue. As I continued my journey, I took on the role of being a news producer for the Emmy award-winning, student-produced newscast Focal Point News. I was in charge of maintaining the show's social platforms as well as helping out with broadcast writing, stacking the show, and keeping reporters on task. It was being behind the scenes in a professional studio that inspired me to become either a news producer or digital content producer after college. 

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I continued to produce for Focal Point so that I can get a better sense of how the newsroom works. Over time, I have worked with a team of reporters and producers to create a cohesive, 30-minute newscast. In the spring of this year, I was promoted to executive producer. I have won multiple awards from the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) for my work with Focal Point. 

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I also worked for Michigan State's independent newspaper, The State News, as the audience engagement editor. Working for The State News gave me the skills I need to manage social media and get a better sense of analyzing performance. My first internship was with a new non-profit organization in Lansing called Healers of Color Collaborative of Michigan as a social media marketing intern. I was tasked with developing a marketing plan for the non-profit to gain brand awareness. 

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