Flexibility and Quick Thinking: Emerging Leaders Profile on Robert Furges

Robert came here with such enthusiasm and a passion for sports. He's been eager to learn as much as possible, and he's determined to apply his experience to land his first job after graduation.

- WRAL-TV Asst News Director Aysu Basaran, about Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges

2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges learns in the WRAL-TV newsroom from WRAL Multiplatform Producer Maggie Brown.

For the past 4 months, 10 students from NC Central University have been interning in Capitol Broadcasting divisions through the inaugural Emerging Leaders Program. A partnership between CBC and Leadership Triangle, the program combines hands on learning in departments aligned to their interests along with workshops led by LT coaches. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony on December 16. In the final weeks leading up to that conclusion, Capcom is profiling the individual outstanding students.

Robert Furges is interning with WRAL-TV in the Newsroom. Furges is a junior at NC Central, pursuing a major in Mass Communication with a concentration in Broadcast Media.

He is eager to learn in a variety of areas, and the WRAL newsroom offers myriad opportunities to train with a wide array of seasoned staffers.

Robert expressed a desire to write more, so he has been filling some morning shifts on the web, writing everything from crime briefs to a preview of the upcoming World Cup, said WRAL-TV Director of Content Jodi Glusco, who has been one of the main mentors to Furges during his internship. He has taken quickly to the web CMS, has shot and edited video and has taken photographs.

Furges dove in, garnering new skills and pitching in wherever needed. WRAL is a national leader in local news excellence; impressively, Furges quickly earned accolades for his fast thinking during an assignment in early September.

2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges reports from NC State, talking to students about the upcoming Saturday night football game against Texas Tech.

Robert was the photographer at a high school football game that turned into a news story when a fight prompted police action, said WRAL-TV Asst News Director Aysu Basaran. He quickly sent in video and information while staying calm and safe.

He received a shout out in the News Excellence report for going above and beyond in the situation.

WRAL-TV News Producer Kelly Riner shared details of what Furges did during the breaking news event that suddenly erupted as he was working at the football game:

During the game, all of a sudden the PA announcers said to empty the field much like a lightning delay, but it was a beautiful night. Robert sent a message to everyone saying something was not right. He worked to get information, and we were first to report there were multiple fights outside the game.

Robert sent us updates every few minutes describing what he saw. He was in a safe location and was able to continue shooting as everyone left the stadium. We were live on HighSchoolOT Live, and we also rolled on his video for the newscast. WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Mark Boyle used it in the live center. Affiliates asked for it too! Robert stayed calm and really showed he has what it takes to be a reporter one day. He provided us incredible insight and solid footage!

Furges has learned both behind and in front of the camera during his Emerging Leaders internship at WRAL-TV. Check out a couple of his stories:

WATCH on WRAL.com: NC State students ready for Saturday night game against Texas Tech

WATCH on WRAL.com: Zombies, fire highlight UNC safety event

His work ethic and willingness to roll with whatever comes up next has earned the respect of his WRAL mentors.

Robert is flexible in terms of schedule and assignments, said Glusco. He always says yes. He is able to work without close supervision and asks the right questions to deliver on assignments.

As it has in other departments, the Emerging Leaders Program has proven to be a win-win for both Furges and the newsroom.

The program is important because it combines hands-on training with leadership development, said Basaran. Robert has been able to build professional relationships and gain confidence while learning skills such as writing, shooting, editing, and reporting for digital, covering high school and college sports as well Panthers games.

Thanks to WRAL-TV's Jodi Glusco & WRAL-TV's Aysu Basaran for these Capcom photos.

2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges learns in the WRAL-TV newsroom from WRAL Multiplatform Producer Maggie Brown. 2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges learns in the WRAL-TV newsroom from WRAL Multiplatform Producer Maggie Brown. 2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges (back) learns in the WRAL-TV newsroom from WRAL Senior Multiplatform Producer Mark Bergin. 2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges (right) learns in the WRAL-TV newsroom from WRAL Senior Multiplatform Producer Mark Bergin. 2022 Emerging Leaders Intern Robert Furges reports from NC State, talking to students about the upcoming Saturday night football game against Texas Tech. Check out the previous Emerging Leaders Profiles:

Finding a Second Home: Emerging Leaders Profile on Phoenix Saunders

Emerging Leaders Excel in Inaugural CBC Program: Profile on Anthony Robinson

LINK:	https://capitolbroadcasting.com/2022/11/30/flexibility-and-quick-think...
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