Behind the Lens - Not just another great story

Working in television there are times that we are on the scene before cops or shortly thereafter. Occasionally, we witness firsthand the trauma of the story as it unfolds. Last week there was a murder suicide in Springville. I arrived right after cops had cleared the crime scene. It was pitch black and appeared as though nothing had happened. I was trying to gather video for the morning show. I was standing on a dark corner at 2:30 in the morning when a very upset woman drove up in her car. She was crying and said, “Please tell me what you know. He killed my aunt and she has 3 kids.”

Her emotions were raw as she had just heard the tragic news. My heart was aching for her and the rest of the family and friends whose lives would forever be changed from the events of one night. I tried to comfort her and share as much information as I knew.

Earlier this week I was covering the capsized boat on Utah Lake and the search for a missing man, while we were there family members showed up to search for their loved one. They too were very emotional. Sometimes, people think that the media is cold, heartless, and only cares about getting an exclusive. But, I’m here to tell you that there have been several stories that I’ve covered over the years I will never forget. There were days I got in the news car and cried for the pain and suffering that so many go through. I have kept them in my thoughts and prayers.

I love working in news because we get to witness history, share some wonderful stories, and pass along important information. We see people at their ultimate highs in life and we see others on the worst day of their life. One of the things I was taught early on in my career was journalistic integrity. I always try to put myself in others shoes and treat them as I would like and expect to be treated. I just want the family and friends of the people or stories that I cover to know that you’re not just another story to me.

-Brandy Vega, ABC 4 Photojournalist