Behind the Scenes

Intern of the Week: Dave Herd

Intern of the Week: June 29, 2009

Stephanie Mancuso
FNCU Assignment Desk Reporter

It's that time again.

This week's FNCU Intern of the Week is Dave Herd.  A senior broadcast journalism major from Utah's Brigham Young University (BYU), Herd works as an intern for "America's Newsroom."

After contributing two stories to the FNCU Web site, Herd is being recognized for his efforts.  His first story was a TV news package about the New York City street performers in Central Park, and his second was a radio broadcast dealing with shopping deals in China Town.

Although Herd says he has a passion for journalism, he has a strong enthusiasm for making people laugh.

"I just like having fun, because life is all about having fun," said Herd. "That is my philosophy."

According to Herd, the best part about interning for FNC, is the interaction he gets to have with so many different people who are "goal driven" and "dedicated."

Herd also explained how, by interning at FNC, his perception of news changed.

"My news judgment has enhanced dramatically.  My first couple weeks [at FNC] I was pitching stories and they were like, 'Yeah right Utah,'" he explained.  "Now I pitch stories and most of them are on air once I pitch them.  My selection of news stories has definitely gotten a lot better."

One thing that surprised Herd about FNC is the experience that he's getting from interning and the responsibilities that are given to the network's interns.

"This is a national network and you would think that the interns would mostly watch and not do a lot.  Since we are actually getting hands-on experience, it is really good," said Herd.

When he isn't pitching story ideas, you can find Herd on the mountains.

"I love to rock climb.  Back in Utah, we're known for mountains.  I do a lot of extracurricular sports," he said.

In his spare time Herd also enjoys singing and what he calls, "going on crazy, crazy, crazy dates."  One date, in particular, included a pre-prom dinner that Herd set up along a main highway.

In between dates, Herd is a reporter, anchor, and producer for a radio station at BYU and a live newscast through PBS.

This self-described "easterner at heart," is having a great time while interning at FNC and living in New York City.

"In Utah it's so relaxed... In New York, its like if you get in people's way you're their worst enemy," he explained.

© 2009 Fox News Channel University.