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Reichert excels, gets involved, at UW-EC

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John Reichert is a 20-year-old junior at UW-Eau Claire. He hails from the small town of Westboro, WI.  Reichert is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in web design.

But Reichert has not always been prone to the journalism field.  After working as his high school paper’s editor his senior year, it was far from a dream of his.

He says, “Working for the paper turned me off.  At the time I didn’t realize all the pressure involved in being an editor.”

After graduating high school in 2005, Reichert started his freshman year as an undeclared student.  The turning point came when he took a career assessment course.

Reichert says, “After the class, I came to the realization that I actually enjoyed the stress, and it brought out the best in me.”

Professor Jeanie Geurink, Reichert’s instructor of CJ 222, a core class of the journalism program, seems to agree.

“I believe because he is a good listener and observer, he would be an accurate and insightful reporter in public affairs reporting.”

Reichert is now involved in the on-campus, student-run television station, TV 10.  He has been on the news staff for the past two years. And this year he assumed the title of chief engineer.

While working at TV 10, Reichert has had some experience with public affairs reporting. 

According to Stephen Kelley, Reichert's supervisor, he has covered stories ranging from city council budgets to the drinking policies at Phoenix Park.

As far as biases go, Reichert says he supports the Democratic Party but is not opposed to voting for the Republican Party as long as they are putting good ideas out there.

Kelley adds, “As far as I can tell, John is fairly middle-of-the-road.  Like many students at a liberal arts college, I’d say that if he was to lean in a direction, it would be a liberal one.”

But Kelley is quick to add that he has never seen any kind of biases come out in Reichert’s reporting.

And although Reichert has been confirmed in the Lutheran religion, he believes that his religious beliefs will not and have not influenced his objective public affairs reporting techniques.

Reichert's public affairs interests stretch back all the way to his childhood.

He says, “When I was little, I wanted to be President, not a firefighter or a doctor.”

Kelley says that Reichert has a knack for discussing political issues.

“One thing that stands out in my mind is that he speaks about politics not only well, but he seems to come from a place of knowledge.”

Reichert’s career plans, interestingly, do not actually involve broadcast journalism.  His goal as of now is to pursue his master’s degree in student affairs.

“I want to be able to help kids ‘see the light’ like I did my freshman year,” says Reichert.
“But journalism will continue to be an interest of mine for the rest of my life.  It will always be something fun for me.”