Phoenix14News, Elon’s award-winning newscast, announced May 17 that Agnes Bannigan and Scott Myrick will continue to anchor the show when it resumes in the fall.
“Their experience, ability to handle breaking news, and on-camera charisma make them a natural choice as we continue to drive our newscast quality forward,” said News Director David Douglas. Douglas says that he feels fortunate there was such a talented pool of people to choose from, and that it was a hard decision, but in the end Bannigan and Myrick were the best fit.
“I also think that with Agnes being a senior in the fall, she’ll be able to provide a great deal of insight and perspective for our viewers that comes from being at Elon for three years already. But I think it’s important to note that ability, not seniority, made this decision,” said Douglas.
Both Myrick and Bannigan have anchored Elon Student Television shows previously, but they didn’t have the opportunity to work as a team until Winter Term of this year. Immediately people began to take notice of how well the duo worked together. Myrick was promoted to the anchor desk full-time in late February.
Some may worry that by keeping the same anchors others will be prevented from learning and further growth, but Phoenix14News Executive Producer Jennifer Sposato isn’t worried.
“Both of them are natural leaders and teachers, and they are going to foster a learning environment—that’s just how they are,” Sposato says. “Not to mention that other people will look up to them and learn from them in that respect.”
Following an audition process described as “rigorous and real world,” show leaders have asked Liz Nagy to anchor a new weekly segment called, “The Triad Tonight.” Each week Nagy will be responsible for gathering the latest news on what’s going on around the area and presenting it on camera.
Beth Roberts and Meghan Packer have also been asked to take on more active and visible roles in the show’s Consumer Watch and CrimeTracker reports. Both Roberts and Packer have spent the year doing stories and developing contacts with local officials in their areas. “We feel that by asking Beth and Meghan to dedicate themselves fully to their respective beats, our newscast will become stronger as a whole,” says Douglas. “When they report on these issues they own the story. That is exactly the kind of quality we want to give to our viewers.”
With the 2004 presidential election approaching, and the majority of college students being of voting age, producers have decided to beef up the show’s Vote2004 coverage by attaching a face to it. Kate Hart was selected to be Phoenix14’s Political Editor, not only for her capabilities as an effective on-camera communicator, but for her extensive political and governmental knowledge.
Additionally, the upcoming graduation of sports anchor Phil Elkins prompted a search for a replacement. Brian Formica has been chosen to fill the role. The show is currently seeking a sports producer. Resumes from those interested in the position should be emailed to phoenix14news@elon.edu.
Douglas is confident that this lineup provides every opportunity for continued growth and success.
Phoenix14News Tonight resumes at 7 p.m. Aug. 30.