I am Delaware’s new video guy, and you’ll probably see me everywhere

I’ve always had a passion for creating videos.

It started when I wrote crime dramas in sixth grade, filmed on an iPod touch and edited in iMovie.

I’ve been telling stories most of my life.

I was excited to turn this passion into a career, and that passion brought me to York College of Pennsylvania, where I had little-to-no idea what to study. However, volunteering to cover the club ice hockey team in my free time sparked an interest in storytelling that I haven’t been able to shake.

At first, I loved the idea of creating fast-paced hype videos mixed with rap music and showing every big hockey hit I could find. But it became deeper than that.  

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When I was pulled aside by a parent in the middle of filming a game, she told me that she showed her family my most recent video. I figured there were some complaints coming my way, but instead she said that her family couldn’t travel to the games, and being able to see my creation made them feel like they were there. That’s when it clicked.

Having the opportunity to reach such a broad audience and bring them to games or events through what I created was powerful, and the most rewarding part of what I do.

I never pictured a career in journalism. I always envisioned myself behind a camera and behind the scenes. After landing my first videographer job at a Central Pennsylvania news station, it quickly became clear that every position in this industry contributes to telling the story.

Over those three years, I covered anything from parades and farm shows to elections and rallies. Through my camera lens, I was able to visually tell every story I was present for and bring people to these events even if they weren’t physically there.

Along with that, I learned how much I love interacting with the community, and how important my platform is.

My first week after joining Delaware Online/The News Journal as the newest videographer brought me to Philadelphia. I was at the U.S. Mint covering the last penny ever being produced. As I entered the doors to the press conference, I was overwhelmed by the number of news outlets in attendance. We were all circling around this tiny little penny sitting in a giant machine, and I’m holding my camera as far as my arms could reach above my head, just hoping to get something usable. I’ve been in media scrums before, but nothing like that, and as I reflect on that first story, all I can think about is how fulfilling it is to be the person in the middle of that pile representing Delaware.

As I begin my next chapter at Delaware Online/The News Journal, I’m truly excited to start telling the best stories of the First State.

So far, I’ve covered lots of community events and I’ve done some business spotlights. Oh, and I’ve also been talking with tailgaters before Eagles games outside of The Linc, which has been nothing short of entertaining.

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You might be thinking that’s a very broad range of stories, but there are hardly any limits to what I will cover. I’m eager to help people tell their stories and capture the best moments that Delaware has to offer. 

I’m sure you’ll be seeing me around the state from now on, so never be afraid to say hi, and always feel free to reach out to me with any story or spotlight ideas.

You can reach me at jjohnson@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2276.

Inside the Newsroom

Inside the Newsroom is an opportunity for our news team to share a look behind the scenes of how we do our jobs and live our lives.