Her Story
About Jillian
Jillian Smith serves as a digital content producer and assignment desk editor at WUSA9 in Arlington, Virginia. In this role, she decides on daily stories, assigns crews, writes stories, and ensures multi-platform distribution across social media and other channels. She launched her journalism career in 2017 as a digital content producer with Fox 46 in Charlotte following time in content marketing, covering major events including COVID-19 early in her tenure. Smith holds an undergraduate degree from N-State, where she transitioned from working on The Technician to becoming editor-in-chief of The Nubian Message in her senior year, an experience that shaped her leadership skills in news. She is a member of WABJ and attributes her success to determination and hard work, crediting advice from Janet Parker to explore all areas of news rather than limiting herself. Her notable achievement includes conceiving and helping produce the multi-platform special Traces of Truth on genetic genealogy and its role in solving crimes in the DMV area while at Fox 5. Smith values honesty, transparency, compassion, and empathy in her work, emphasizing journalism that serves the public with positive impact. She advises young women entering the field to come with ideas, voice them boldly, and speak up to managers when coverage needs improvement, doing so with class and couth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jillian
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and hard work. I pushed through challenges like COVID coverage early in my career and transitioned from content marketing to pursue journalism full-time.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was from Janet Parker, who told me not to limit myself to one area of news. She encouraged me to try everything, ask questions, build skills in different areas, and not box myself in because you never know what opportunities or passions you might discover.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Come in with ideas, voice them, be bold, and don't back down on something you feel strongly about. It's okay to be scared, but don't be afraid to talk to managers or higher-ups if you feel something needs to be covered or if coverage isn't right. Do it with class and couth, but speak up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges right now are an unfriendly administration leading to companies pulling back on coverage, shrinking newsrooms, layoffs, and an unpredictable job market. Access to information is also tightening, but approaching it with creativity helps navigate it. The field is unpredictable but that's part of the territory.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, transparency, compassion, and empathy are my top values. Being honest about where information comes from, why it matters, and ensuring journalism has a positive impact on people's daily lives is key. Our work should serve the public.
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