Today we’d like to introduce you to Lia Hobel.
Lia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Broadcast News was the path that I followed from high school into college and post-graduation. Somehow I just knew that I wanted to be a storyteller. From an early age, I wrote children’s books for fun and short stories for middle school that went beyond the expectations of the class. I remember, my 7th-grade teacher signing my yearbook “to a future writer,” and to keep on writing. As I always had a passion in community news, I chose to go into broadcast journalism in college at the renowned Scripps at Ohio University. I wrote briefly as a staff reporter for The Post, earning the spot my freshman year before buckling down the broadcast route. Fast forward to 2006, I moved to California, following my now husband, where I was able to work for cable government access channels reporting on business and human interest stories. From there, we moved to South Carolina (got married) and I reported as a one-man-band reporter, as well as a traffic reporter before giving birth to my first son. Knowing I still liked to write, I began freelancing on the side in addition to my reporting in Charleston. I ended up covering a lot of financial and career news that has been syndicated and still circulates today. In 2016, we moved to Virginia where I continue to write for local publications in Northern Virginia’s Hunt Country and I share uplifting stories on my own website.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A lot of labor has gone into becoming a journalist. The road is not easy. The pay and hours aren’t great either. I’m very happy being able to pick and choose which projects I’d like to commit to at this stage of my life so I can spend the time needed with family!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel fortunate to be able to write freely when and for whom I want. I am very grateful to write for beautiful regional magazines and online content for others. Broadcasting has taught me to speak directly, write clearly, and has been very beneficial in my writing and social aspects. I’ve become a bit of a local expert, including earning a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) certificate.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be willing to take chances. Don’t be afraid to say no and change paths.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/liahobel
