From the Arboretum to Arizona: the Emmy award-winning alum who owes it all to NTU

As she begins to file her report for Fox 10 News, it’s just another day in the office for Stephanie Bennett – the NTU Broadcast Journalism alum now successfully working stateside.

Born in America to British parents, Stephanie has been making her own headlines, recently scooping a prestigious Emmy Award.

We’re keen to catch up – not least because Stephanie has a party trick – of being able to swap effortlessly between English and American accents. Sadly, an eight-hour time difference makes chatting difficult – but that’s not enough to stop us.

Q: Tell us about your early life

A: Growing up, I was captivated by the way reporters would remain calm and poised during the most devastating moments in history.

I’m the first and only person in my British family to be born and raised in America. I took journalism classes during high school in Colorado. From there, I knew I wanted a university that would propel my career to the next level. That’s what attracted me to the broadcast journalism course at NTU.

After graduating, I went back to Colorado where I worked as a reporter and TV anchor, covering snowstorms, local politics, and everything in between. Two years later, I became a multimedia reporter for the Fox News Channel. At first, I was essentially a one-woman band working out of a car and a suitcase.

Covering the World Series and Super Bowl, held in Arizona this year

Q: Arizona vs Nottingham?

A: Arizona is very different. The climate is intense. It’s the wild west, but it’s gorgeous and there’s nothing like our pink sunsets. Saguaro cacti are as common as normal trees in the UK. The people are very friendly and welcoming too.

I made lifelong friends in Nottingham – some even became my bridesmaids. I miss the relaxing walks through the arboretum, watching the leaves change with the seasons, the independent shops, and the hundreds of cool cafes, bars, and restaurants.

I also miss a good pub crawl ending up at the Ocean nightclub on a Wednesday night out!

Q: You recently won an Emmy – congratulations! How did that come about and what was the awards ceremony like?

A: I won in the ‘Breaking or Spot News Multiple Reports’ category for my story concerning a skate park rescue. A person was trapped in floods and needed to be rescued by helicopter. The award ceremony was very posh and I was in shock when they called out my name to come up on stage to receive the award.

Collecting an Emmy Award

Q: How come you can switch accents so easily?

A: Being born and raised in America by British parents meant I learned the English accent first. The American one developed during kindergarten. During my wedding last year (to my American husband) half of the guests were British and the other American. I gave up and stuck with British.

Q: Typical day?

A: I’ll wake up around 9 am and check the day's headlines and look for story ideas. Later, my cameraperson and I will hit the road to cover our story. Because of the quick turnaround, we’ll head to the news vehicle to write and edit. It’ll then be live on air at 5 pm. Then we’ll grab a quick dinner and produce a different story for the later bulletins.

Q: Your time at NTU was important because…

A: I wouldn’t be where I am today without your amazing lecturers. Everything I learned at NTU I use almost daily. In my current position, I’ve covered dozens of high profile court cases and I wouldn’t be able to tackle them as accurately if it weren’t for you. Knowing I’d be surrounded by the best in the biz, valuable mentors, and lecturers with a passion for journalism, made me decide to leave the USA and study at NTU.

@StephBennettTV

Find out more about Journalism courses at NTU