By Kerry Colby, Marketing Coordinator

Two students from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication began their Murrow News internships in Olympia for the spring semester last month. Daisy Zavala writes for The Spokesman-Review and Cameron Sheppard is writing for the Columbia Basin Herald based out of Moses Lake.

Since 2011, the Murrow News Service has paired Washington State University students with professional news organizations to provide multi-platform legislative content each spring semester. Murrow News Service content is developed in the journalism classes taught by Benjamin Shors, Journalism and Media Production chair and clinical associate professor with the Murrow College.

“In the face of a shrinking legislative press corps, Daisy and Cameron are continuing Murrow’s legacy of providing the public with critical state news,” Shors said. “It’s an important part of our role as a communication college and as a land-grant university.”

Daisy Zavala is a junior majoring in multimedia journalism and political science. Originally from Wenatchee, Zavala has been a reporter and editor for the Daily Evergreen, covering topics ranging from health and politics to culture and technology. She is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. 

“Moving from the classroom to the press corps has been monumental in my development as a journalist,” Zavala said. “As a first-generation student, this internship proved that I can contribute something valuable to the journalism world. This internship gives me the opportunity to do something I’m incredibly passionate about, which is reporting on issues that affect several communities across Washington.”

Cameron Sheppard is a senior pursuing his bachelor’s in public relations and multimedia journalism from the Murrow College. Sheppard recently served as an assistant producer and reporting intern for Northwest Public Broadcasting, along with working as a radio announcer for KZFN 106 FM based out of Moscow, Idaho. He was awarded a Tri-City Herald/News Tribune of Tacoma Endowed Scholarship in 2018 and 2019.

“Working as a reporter in the capital has provided a lot of valuable challenges and opportunities,” Sheppard said. “As someone who has always had an interest in political science, this internship has given me the chance to interact directly with policymakers and ask the questions I feel are most important. I am still learning about the responsibilities and duties of this position and I hope that I will continue to tell the stories that matter to the communities my organization serves.”

In the Murrow News internship program, Olympia-based students from The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication receive a financial stipend from the sponsoring news organization and earn up to 12 academic credits from the Murrow College. Prior to the start of each session, student journalists receive training on the Washington Legislature and complete a visit to the sponsoring news organization.