Broadcasting Graduate Adriana Brogger
(Outstanding RTV Student '09)
A Dream Comes True
By Jim Vergara
In celebration of Delta’s 75th anniversary, it’s important to remember the reason we’re here: the students. Adriana Brogger is a shining example of what a Delta College education can do for a career...What would you do if you could go back in time and tell a little girl that her dreams would come true?
The story of Adriana Brogger’s experience at Delta College was a stepping stone to that reality. Adriana was born in Costa Rica and is much influenced by her heritage and a family that emphasized education. “I come from humble roots. My relatives are very accomplished people who literally came from a dirt floor in the middle of a rain forest.” At age two, a dream of a better life moved Adriana’s family to Huntington Beach, eventually settling in Stockton. Soon thereafter, a dream took root. “From as far back as I can remember, back to second grade at McKinley Elementary School, I wanted to be a reporter or news anchor.”
These dreams led Adriana to become a Master of Ceremonies at McKinley’s holiday program. “Even at a young age, being on stage was natural, never scary. I enjoyed talking in front of large groups.” Adriana probably didn’t realize it at the time, but as a little girl in second grade, she had found her niche. At Tokay High, Adriana continued her interest in public relations. She was involved in community outreach programs, including “Friday Night Live” a club that focuses on promoting an alcohol and drug free lifestyle. “Through the club, I was able to branch out to similar organizations that provided opportunities to grow as a public speaker and leader.”
After High School, Adriana initially enrolled at Delta College, but an adventurous spirit had other plans. “I had the urge to travel, to see another part of the country. I had family in Michigan and moved.” Adriana’s priorities were about to change…She enrolled at Muskegon J.C. in Michigan and soon met her husband, Dan. At the time, Dan was a restaurant manager. “I was never the person who wanted to get married early in life, but it happened in 1999. I was 19.” Adriana eventually had four boys, Eric, Peter, Ben and Sam. Eric and Peter were born in Michigan. “I was a ‘stay at home’ mom.” Well…not totally. Adriana was also a PTA President and President of her church’s Primary Youth Group. “Children, children…every day of the week!”
Though a busy housewife, you can’t forget your dreams. Broadcasting moved back into the picture. Adriana became a spokesperson through local Comcast Cable programming. She acquired additional valuable on-camera experience hosting public access programs in Michigan. After six years in Michigan, Adriana, Dan and the boys because I wanted to return to school.” Adriana initially enrolled in Childhood Education courses, and Dan enrolled in Delta’s Occupational Medical Technician program, eventually earning his RN Degree. Dan now works as an intern at St.Joseph’s Hospital. “It wasn’t easy to go back to school with two young children. My parents offered to help with the boys while we focused on school.” As you might guess, Adriana couldn’t forget her dream “I made a connection with Comcast. Through them, I got a number of spokesperson jobs.” While at Comcast, Geweke Auto manager Bryan Smith noticed her on-camera talent. “Bryan said, ‘You look like you should be on TV!’ He chose me to represent the dealership as a spokesperson.” Those jobs included commercials for Ford, Toyota and Chrysler products.
And yet, Adriana’s ultimate goal to work as a broadcast journalist was never far from her thoughts. One day at Delta College, she happened upon R-TV 71: Broadcast Announcing. “Being a spokesperson was fun, but what spurred my interest in news was when the Ch. 3 and Ch. 10 production vans would show up. I said to myself, I can do that!” Adriana took the entire track of Delta’s TV courses. Her immediate aim: To become the lead anchor and News Director for Delta’s news team. Clearly, Adriana was a natural in front of the camera and a hard worker to boot. In short order, she met her Delta R-TV goals, producing and anchoring Delta Broadcasting’s Comcast Cable news program.
Next objective: Work in Broadcast TV news. “Being around students who had a goal to work in R-TV and film was very encouraging. I loved sharing other people’s success and networking.” A key aspect of Delta’s broadcast department is encouraging students to pursue internships. Adriana checked online; KCRA, Ch. 3 had an opening. Opportunity knocks…“I put together a demo reel and photographs.” It came as no surprise that the KCRA internship drew plenty of interest from four-year college and university students. These students came from huge programs. It’s a competitive world…and Adriana understood that reality. She was a community college student applicant. “Under the guidance of instructor William Story, I got the internship. I was super excited!” Adriana adds, “We have a strong Broadcast program!” Initially, Adriana did the grunt work, “Not everything is glamorous. You must volunteer for everything and be willing to work at one in the morning.”
The internship taught Adriana teamwork. “It’s OK to rely on the people around you. You can’t be an expert on everything. Hand your best work off to the next person.” Adriana got her feet wet working as an Assignment Editor, the nucleus of a newsroom. “My job was to pick the important stories from scanners and newspapers. I learned what it’s like to be a news ‘gatekeeper.’ I hoped I made the right decisions!” Evidently, Adriana was making the right decisions. One month into her internship, opportunity knocked again. She was ready. Stockton bureau reporter Rich Ibarra was on vacation and there was breaking news in Stockton. KCRA’s Assistant News Producer Jim Stimson had a decision to make. Somebody needs to be on camera…Adriana was working as a Field Producer when the call came. Anchor Walt Grey sought some live talkback from the field. Adriana…you’re on! Step up to the plate…“In the morning, I was on camera saying ‘goodbye’ to the Haggin Museum mummy. Later, I covered a bomb scare at Cesar Chaves High School and interviewed Stockton Police spokesperson Pete Smith. I was lucky and grateful my colleagues put such trust in me.” No doubt Adriana was nervous, but her Delta Broadcasting background paid dividends. “I searched for people we could put on camera. I remembered to ‘speak clearly’ and ‘connect’ everything the people at home wanted to hear.”
And so the story goes… Adriana’s dream came true. (Let’s not forget all her hard work!) Adriana currently works the Friday-Monday shift at KCRA. “I can’t believe how fast everything is in this business. I constantly have my news hat on,constantly looking for a lead story. You have to know a little about everything.” Adriana has taken on numerous producing/reporting opportunities as her KCRA career evolves, including KCRA’s weekly high school sports Cheer Champ football and basketball broadcast packages. “Now that the season is over, I’m reporting on Fridays as a ‘general assignment’ reporter, in addition to assignment desk and writing duties. On Mondays, I produce KCRA’s Today Show news cut-in at 10:26 a.m.” Impressive, yet Adriana’s thoughts often return to her roots in Delta College Broadcasting. “Delta R-TV will always be close to my heart. Instructor William Story has undoubtedly been influential in my life. He believed in me from the beginning and constantly challenged me. After my first on-camera report for KCRA, I sent him an e-mail to let him know it was ‘not only
an important day for me and my family, but an important day for his efforts as a teacher on behalf of the program.’” Adriana also acknowledges the support of Journalism instructor Bill Davis and Communications teacher Ericka Hulstrom Garces. William Story recognized Adriana’s talent from the start. “Adriana is an inspiring example of what a motivated Delta College graduate can strive for and accomplish. The achievement of becoming a reporter for Channel 3 is truly a testament to all the hard work and sacrifice Adriana made to realize her dream. It is extremely rare that a community college R-TV graduate starts their reporting career at the number one news station in the market.” Mr. Story concludes, “If Adriana has the desire, I believe she has the ability and drive necessary to become a successful network broadcast journalist.”
What advice does Adriana have for Delta College students? Simple. “Ultimately, what I want people to know is this: Be professional. Any program is only going to give you as much as you give it. Opportunity doesn’t always happen, but you must want it to happen and be ready when it does…you must expect it.” So, what’s next for Adriana, network news? Only her dreams will tell…
Adriana Brogger Channel 3 Reporter - http://www.kcra.com/news/24187960/detail.html
RTV Spring 2011 Pictures provided by Orlando Jose
& Jim Vergara
Honored Graduates of Delta College Broadcasting
Kurt Rivera & Adriana Brogger
Coming Soon - a feature story all about Mr. Rivera
Delta College RTV(F-M)
Radio Television Film Multimedia
San Joaquin Delta College (Shima 146)
5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 954-5831
The Record story about
our recent mini-premiere
Delta College Radio-TV & Film Club
Thanks for a great MediaFest & a great school year (2010-2011)!
A special THANK YOU to the wonderful, kind, talented and very inspirational - AMANDA KING (from KWIN-FM).
THANKS to
former Delta Radio-TV Star and current
Sacramento Radio Star
Charlee Simons
for visiting his alma mater and inspiring
the next generation of radio stars!
The official full-length premiere of Broadcasting Sunshine - TBA
Best Video
1. Carla Jara - Imaginary
2. Myeisha Wasson - Delusion
3. Shelby Thomas Chraska - Detached
HM: Alex Baeza - A Video of Conversations
Matt Kitto - Stuck in Lodi
Yaveth Gomez - Valor
Selina Perez & Brandon Hernandez - Rag Dolls
Joseph Rogener - Mirror Man and Friend
Best Writer
1. Carla Jara - Imaginary
2. Selina Perez & Brandon Hernandez - Rag Dolls
3. Shelby Chraska - Detached
HM: Joseph Rogener - Mirror Man and Friend
Best On-Air Talent/Personality/Performer
1. Norman Rockwell
1. Airrial Gates
1. Miquan James (Kid RTV)
2. Jermaine Davis (Insane Maine)
3. Munju Kaur
HM: Cowboy Nick & Kyle in Lodi with Daniel and Amani
Best News/Sports Broadcaster
1. Debra Hemmer – Interview with Ann Johnston
2. Munju Kaur - Informative
3. Orlando Jose - Wondercon
HM: Debra Hemmer - Artist Tracy Shelling
Best Audio Production
1. Airrial Gates – Born 2 Sing
2. Michael T. Lewis - Change
3. Richard Selleseth – Mad World
HM: Shawn O’Connor – Can’t Cry
Best Producer
1. Shawn O’Connor – Doin’ My Thang
2. Richard Selleseth – Get Inline Brother
3. Airrial Gates – Born 2 Sing
HM: Norman Rockwell – Road Trip
Best Technical/Engineer
1. Shawn O’Connor – Can’t Cry
2. Shawn O’Connor – Doin’ My Thang
3. Richard Selleseth – When In Rome
HM: Norm Rockwell – In Your Dreams
Best Alumni Production
1. Ryan DeRoche – Chapter 1
2. John Feist & D-Good – RTV Spot
3. Roberto Gonzales – Swagg Check
Distinguished Delta College RTV/Broadcaster Alumnus –
Charlee Simons
Best Song
1. Shawn O’Connor - Doin’ My Thang
2. Normal Rockwell - Road Trip
2. Shellena Johnson - Bite My Sh…
3. Airrial Gates - Born 2 Sing
HM: Richard Selleseth - Mad World
Shawn O’Connor - Can’t Cry
Michael T. Lewis - Change
Kendal Thorne - This is a Duet
Johnathan Dunham - Let the Music
Best Director
1. Myeisha Wasson - Delusion
2. Carla Jara - Imaginary
3. Shelby Thomas Chraska - Detached
HM: Matt Kitto - Stuck in Lodi
Best Commercial/Promo/PSA/Spot
1. Shelby Thomas Chraska - The Missing Letter
2. Selina Perez & Brandon Hernandez – The Lisa Project.
3. Juanda Jones- RTV Promo
Best Music Video
1. Shawn O’Connor - Doin’ My Thang
1. Curtis Wilson - I lost My Mind
2. Myeisha Wasson - Inspector
3: Alex Baeza - Hide and Seek
HM: Gustavo Garcia - It Was Just A Dream
Best Editor
1. Curtis Wilson - I Lost my Mind
2. Alex Baeza - Hide and Seek
3. Carla Jara - Imaginary
HM: Shelby Thomas Chraska – Detached
Best ACTING (Male)
1. Nik Castanon
2. Damian Warfield
3. Alex Baeza
Best ACTING (Female)
1. Juanda Jones
2. Hanna Scherneck
3. Laura Coyt
Best Air-Check
1. Briana Herbert
2. Marc Itliong
3. Marcus Mc Connico
HM: Julio Martinez
Best Beat
1. Norm Rockwell – Road Trip
2. Shawn O’Connor – Can’t Cry
3. Airrial Gates – Girl 4 U Re-mix
HM: Norm Rockwell – In Your Dreams
MediaFest 2011
Awards
DELTA COLLEGE RADIO
NEEDS YOU!
NEEDS YOU!
