Hope in a challenging time

February 17, 2021

Since graduating from Loyola in 2015 with a degree in broadcast journalism, Hope Salman has worked as an assignment editor at ABC-7 in Chicago, and as a reporter and anchor at News 23, WIFR in Rockford, Illinois. The pandemic has forced Hope to be creative in her storytelling, and inspired her to develop a podcast called Hope's Cast that shares the struggle and success stories of people from all over the world. Here is her story, in her own words:

By Hope Salman

The news world is constantly changing, but so are many aspects of the world as we see it. We can either be part of the change or fall behind. 

I signed on to be a journalist because I wanted to share stories that mattered and give a voice to the voiceless. This job has become the highlight of my life and the source of many sleepless nights. 

As a storyteller, especially for news, I am often meeting people on the worst days of their lives. I find the most important task is to remain empathetic, while being accurate and safe. It is an honor to be entrusted to tell the stories of many, but also a huge responsibility. 

Pre-pandemic I worked at ABC-7 Chicago as an assistant assignment editor and field producer for about three years. I learned the ins and outs of the newsroom. But, in 2020, after being a reporter in Rockford for only a few months, reporting as we all knew it completely changed, mostly due to the coronavirus. 

My role at 23 News, WIFR in Rockford, Illinois, was a multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor. This meant I would pitch stories, interview community members, shoot video, write, and edit video stories solo each day. When social distancing became crucial, I was sent home to create a segment on my own. With the help of my cell phone and Zoom video calling, I created a "Quarantine with Hope" series, and reported completely alone from home. My goal was to continue telling informative and educational stories to help people endure the unknown. 

I knew the life of a journalist would be a challenging one, but I don't think any of us could prepare for a pandemic and radical reckoning. All of these experiences inspired me to continue telling compelling stories that were also positive and uplifting. As the world adapts, so do we. I created a podcast called Hope's Cast that shares the struggle and success stories of people from all over the world. We are meant to share this world together and I will keep listening and documenting stories. 

I am proud to be a Loyola University Chicago graduate. I chose Loyola because the School of Communications is located in the center of downtown Chicago. Being in a large metropolis was important to me. I was allowed opportunities to work and grow in a large market. I was able to obtain an internship at WGN-TV, serve as an anchor/reporter for Loyola's student run newscast, and radio host for WLUW 88.7 FM's daily newscast. I learned from professors who are seasoned journalists and supportive mentors. Loyola encouraged me to follow my dreams and pave my own path.