Naperville native and reporter Janelle Finch is now an Emmy Award-winning journalist, taking home the honor at this year’s Heartland Emmys ceremony.
Sharing a young hero’s story
Finch and photographer Foster Gaines earned the award in the ‘Daily News Report – Single Shift’ category, meaning the pair reported, edited, and produced the story in just one day.
That story, titled “I’m not a hero, I’m Bridger,” details the heroic actions of a 3-year-old who saved his great-grandmother’s life.
When Bridger’s great-grandmother, Sharon Lewis, fell and hit her head on a set of concrete steps one evening, young Bridger had to take matters into his own hands. He walked through the dark, all alone, from his house back to the car to grab her phone.
Thanks to Bridger’s bravery, the pair were able to call family for help. His grandmother was later treated for a “serious concussion” at a nearby hospital.
Honing her craft
The Neuqua Valley graduate is now a reporter for 9News in Denver, Colorado– but her own story started right here in the Chicago suburbs.
“I always say the morning announcements pipeline to being a journalist is a strong one, and that began at Neuqua Valley,” Finch said.
For Finch, the journey to Colorado marked a turning point in her career, as her 9News team helped her find her voice as a reporter– a skill that lent itself to telling Bridger’s story.
“My colleagues here have shown me there are other ways to go about telling a story that is more than the who, what, when, where and why and that gave me the tools to best tell this story,” Finch said.
Hard work pays off
Her motivation for journalism extends far beyond a trophy, Finch said– but when her hard work is recognized, it’s extra special.
“It makes me proud to know that my work strikes a chord with other accomplished journalists in my field, so much so that it has earned this award,” Finch said.
Time in the field
Prior to her time in Denver, Finch spent time with KREM 2 News in Spokane, Washington.
Along with covering wildfires and Washington’s largest homeless encampment, she was the first reporter on scene at the home where four University of Idaho students were murdered in November 2022, putting her at the center of what became a national story as it unfolded.
“This job puts you under unique stressors, and not everybody will be able to overcome them,” Finch said. “If you’re passionate about the work and let that drive you, you will thrive in this industry.”
Looking toward the future
As for what’s next for her, Finch said she looks forward to “continuing to show up for the job.”
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