My Experience at Anambra Broadcasting Service as a Next Gen Intern, by Abigail Mbah

Starting my internship at the TV Editing Desk of Anambra Broadcasting Service through the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development CJID, has been both exciting and overwhelming for me. 

I was not sure what to expect when I got the news that I had been selected for CJID’s Next Gen Internship programme for the 2026 cohort. I had indicated interest in my application to intern at the ABS newsroom. 

Walking into the station for the first time during my resumption in May felt like entering a completely different world from what I was used to. The atmosphere is fast-paced, serious and energetic at the same time. 

Everywhere I turn, people are busy doing one thing or another, reporters moving in and out for assignments, presenters rehearsing scripts, producers making urgent phone calls and editors concentrating deeply on their screens. 

I also felt proud because I had finally entered a professional media environment I had always admired from afar. During my first few days, I spent most of my time observing how work is done at the TV Editing Desk. 

I watched editors handle raw video footage from reporters and transform it into complete news stories ready for broadcast. Seeing editors carefully arrange clips, adjust audio, select the right visuals and work under strict deadlines opened my eyes to the technical and creative side of television journalism. 

One thing that immediately stood out to me was how important accuracy and timing are in broadcasting. A small mistake in editing can completely change the meaning of a report, so everyone works with serious concentration and attention to detail.

As the days went by, I gradually became more comfortable in the environment. The staff members were welcoming, which made it easier for me to settle in. I started asking questions whenever I did not understand the workings of a particular task, and I realised that the newsroom is a place where learning never stops, every day came with something new to observe or understand. 

I learnt basic editing processes such as arranging clips on the timeline, cutting off unnecessary parts of videos and understanding how visuals are matched with scripts during news production.

Watching professionals handle these tasks so effortlessly made the work look simple, but trying some of the processes myself showed me how much patience and practice editing actually requires. One of the most interesting parts of the experience was observing how teamwork operates within the station.

The editors constantly communicated with reporters, cameramen and producers to make sure every story was complete and accurate before airing. 

It made me realise that broadcasting is not an individual job but a collective effort where everybody depends on one another. 

I also admired how calm the editors remained despite working under pressure, especially when deadlines were close.

Sometimes multiple stories had to be prepared within a short period, yet they still managed to stay focused and professional. Within the first week, I had already begun noticing little professional habits among the staff that inspired me.

Punctuality, discipline, patience and the ability to think quickly were qualities I saw every day. 

Even during quieter moments, people remained productive, either reviewing footage, organising files or preparing for upcoming broadcasts.

By the end of May, say by the 25th, I could already see personal growth in myself compared to my first day. The environment no longer felt entirely strange, and I was beginning to understand the workflow of the TV Editing Desk much better.

Although I am still here, learning, and have a long way to go, I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the realities of media work firsthand. 

The internship has already started teaching me valuable lessons beyond editing itself, including communication, teamwork, confidence and the importance of paying attention to details.

Overall, my first month at ABS as an intern under CJID’s Next Gen Internship has been enlightening, challenging and inspiring. 

The experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the effort behind every television broadcast and has motivated me to keep learning more about journalism and media production. 

I look forward to learning even more in the coming weeks and months, making the most of this opportunity.