Linda’s story
LINDA Roth spent a good 27 years of her working life at one of the most influential multimedia platform agencies in the world and that of course is the renowned CNN group.
I met Linda and we had dinner together, but I was so enthused with her that we met several times after this to discuss and share experiences we both had in the media field. Obviously, Linda has a vast amount of experience and know-how in this field and it was nice to absorb and reflect on some of her life experiences.
This is a brief extract from our interesting and insightful interview, which I hope you like.
Linda please tell the readers where you are from and a summary of your upbringing?
LR – Well Ajay, I am living in the Capital City of America, Washington DC, actually not too far from the White House, my father studied law then became a judge and it was through him that I became interested in journalism and also politics. My mother was a homemaker and a very calm and collected individual who always made me feel I could achieve anything.
ABA – Did you study towards a career in the media industry?
LR - Yes I certainly did and would recommend anyone pursuing a career in their chosen path to concentrate on their core subjects. I actually graduated from Boston University in the late 1980s and majored in journalism as my chosen subject.
I am sure the readers are wondering how you went from a journalism graduate to a top executive at CNN, can you elaborate please?
LR – Actually I had high hopes upon leaving university and tried various avenues of employment but to no avail. Eventually there was a very junior position at CNN which was at the bottom of the ladder and I just decided I had to start from somewhere.
Linda what did your junior role entail.
LR – Basically it was to take a copy of a transcript or something written and transfer it to a screen for the presenters to read. The role had a title called teleprompter I believe, and it was a very junior role indeed.
From this start at CNN how did you manage to progress up the ladder to where you eventually became an executive producer.
LR – It was a long time ago but let me recall all the roles, after being a teleprompter I became a news assistant where I helped out in the newsroom on a daily basis. Because of my work ethic and ability to work all hours I was promoted to production assistant.
This appointment made me believe I could succeed in this highly competitive industry. Once I had mastered this position I tried my hand as a script writer for various programs, which I enjoyed very much.
This progression must have taken time and there were still more mountains to climb. Dd this hinder you in any way?
LR – Yes to reach the top does take time, but in regards to being a woman I never look at that as a hindrance, in fact I always felt that my results would speak for themselves rather than anything else.
This also reflects in my perseverance and a can do attitude, after my stint as a writer I was promoted to associate producer which was just one rung down from becoming an executive producer. In an organisation like CNN time really flies and it was a wonderful journey. I finally made my dream come true by becoming executive producer and have no regrets in working for such an amazing organisation.
You have worked and travelled the globe with a host of remarkable individuals. Can you name a few who have inspired you?
LR – I think the three main working colleagues who have left a mark on me were Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper and Christiane Amanpour. They are all very professional and highly motivated individuals, who love their work.
If I had to ask you to name which one of these you most enjoyed working with, who would it be?
LR – That would have to be Wolf Blitzer, of my 27 years spent at CNN, 17 of those were exclusively with Wolf and his calm, cool and committed presence made him a dream to work with. I am truly blessed to have a colleague and friend like him.
ABA – Linda, 27 years is a long time to be at any organisation, do you have any regrets being there so long.
LR – Ajay, not at all, in fact it was a pleasure to be involved with CNN, I have been privileged to travel the world, meet so many interesting people from the downtrodden to heads of states, sporting and entertainment celebrities, to individuals who have a story to tell.
What has been your main motivation to be in this industry?
LR – For me it is giving the opportunity for everyone to voice there opinions, today we have so many one sided views expressed by the rich and powerful in the political field across the globe. That is unfair and it is the duty of all responsible journalists and analysts to get both sides of the story and let the people decide what is right. We need to promote free and fair press and encourage the ability to criticise people in power and also praise them for the good they do and accountable for the bad they do.
Linda, finally what advice would you give any aspiring individuals who may be interested in a career not just in journalism but any other field that may interest them?
LR – Well firstly my advice Ajay is passion, you must have passion in what you do, secondly make sure that you do any job with enthusiasm regardless of whether you may feel it is beneath you.
I remember working my way up the ladder from my very junior role, I had a burning enthusiasm to do the smallest of tasks the best I could and that was noticed and appreciated, maybe not at first but it will be.
Finally never give up, the majority of us give up too easily, but with determination you can achieve wonders and one day I hope to see someone from the beautiful islands of Fiji on the global stage in media, maybe reporting or anchoring a CCN show, wouldn’t that be lovely.
Thank you Linda and I am sure our readers will be inspired by your words of encouragement and also motivated by your determination to reach the top.