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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY-TV 10.
With years of experience in the broadcasting industry both locally and nationally, Chris is at the forefront of delivering the news, weather, and community stories that matter most to Acadiana. Under his leadership, KLFY continues to evolve in the digital age while maintaining its deep roots in local journalism. The station signed on the air June 3, 1955 and has remained a CBS affiliate since day one.
Chris shares his journey in television news, beginning right out of high school in his hometown of Alexandria, where he worked as a photographer. He later moved to Lafayette, a place that felt like a natural home due to family ties and frequent visits for Mardi Gras and Festival Acadiens. His early experiences exposed him to various aspects of the newsroom, from audio production to graphics, sales and marketing.
Throughout our conversation, Chris provides insights into the evolving landscape of television news, the impact of local journalism on our community, and how KLFY stays connected with its audience in a fast-changing digital world. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, civil discourse, and the responsibility of news organizations to serve their audiences with accurate and fair reporting.
Key Takeaways:
- The Role of Local News: Chris believes that local journalism plays a crucial role in keeping people informed about what’s happening in their city and state. Unlike national news, which can sometimes push an agenda, local news provides facts that allow viewers to form their own opinions.
- The Digital Transformation of News: KLFY has embraced digital platforms to reach audiences where they consume content, whether through its website, social media, mobile app, or its upcoming streaming service, KLFY Plus, launching in late April on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, which will focus solely on local news, podcasts. and interviews relating to the Acadiana.
- Behind the Scenes at KLFY: Chris discusses how news assignments are made, the collaborative effort required to produce a broadcast, and how breaking news can change the course of a reporter’s day at a moment’s notice.
- Journalism as a Craft: Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, Chris believes that journalism is a skill honed through practice, curiosity, and a commitment to storytelling with integrity.
- Navigating the Age of Misinformation: With more people consuming news from social media, Chris advises viewers to critically evaluate their news sources, asking who posted the content and why.
First of all, this job is fun. We’re working in television. So if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. And, there are few things in this world that are more collaborative than a newscast on a broadcast television station. There’s so many different hands, so many different eyes, so many different brains that have to come together in order to put that newscast together. The journalists, the producer, the meteorologist, sportscaster, graphic artists, director, cameramen, and sales force.”
Connect with KLFY:
- Website: KLFY.com
- Facebook: KLFY News 10
- Instagram: @KLFY
- Download the KLFY News App: Available on iOS and Android for real-time updates and push alerts.
Chris Cook’s passion for journalism and serving the community is evident throughout this discussion. His commitment to upholding the integrity of local news in an ever-changing media landscape is inspiring. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how KLFY continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of informing and engaging Acadiana.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!
