[nfbmi-talk] a news story newsline readers missed

[joe harcz Comcast]

MSU grad, who is blind, gets shot as TV anchor for Day of Giving

 

Louise Knott Ahern • lkahern at lsj.com • December 11, 2010

 

For a few hours Friday, a dream came true.

 

Michigan State University journalism graduate Hope Springstead, who wants to become the nation's first blind news anchor, appeared on Lansing's WLNS-TV

alongside anchors Jane Aldrich and Evan Pinsonnault.

 

It was part of the station's annual Day of Giving fundraiser. It also was Springstead's first shot at live news coverage and a chance to prove what she

can do.

 

"It is a great chance to get some real experience," said Springstead, who lives with her parents in Wyandotte. "It's great to actually get some experience,

rather than just talking about it."

 

Springstead graduated from MSU in May with a dream of breaking into the competitive world of broadcast news.

 

WLNS-TV invited Springstead to be part of the Day of Giving after reading about her dream in a Lansing State Journal article published Nov. 22.

 

Aldrich said she was moved by Springstead's story of earning her journalism degree despite many obstacles and discouragements along the way.

 

"I just lost it," Aldrich said. "I started to cry. I was so moved and inspired."

 

She took the article to News Director Jam Sardar, who told her he was "already on it." He had received several calls from 6 News viewers who wondered if

the station could somehow help.

 

Sardar e-mailed Springstead and said that even though the station didn't have any job openings, he could at least offer her a small shot at her dream.

 

With a TV-ready smile, Springstead stood between Pinsonnault and Aldrich outside the 6 News studio on Saginaw Street.

 

When the cue came, Springstead told viewers in a live shot to remember the needy at Christmas and to give whatever they could to help. As soon as it was

over, she let out a long breath and laughed.

 

"That was actually easier than reading from a script," Springstead said.

 

The annual Day of Giving is designed to combat hunger in mid-Michigan.

 

Friday's event featured live interviews with representatives of area food banks during regular commercial breaks and a one-hour evening special on hunger

in the Lansing area.

 

Aldrich said money and food donations will be divided evenly among the participating charities.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20101211/NEWS01/12110318/1001/NEWS/MSU-grad--who-is-blind--gets-shot-as-TV-anchor-for-Day-of-Giving