AI

Reporters, reality and robots: Carrington Cole and the future of news

Reporters, reality and robots: Carrington Cole and the future of news

By: Dezzy Crumpler AUM Audio · WAKA reporter Carrington Cole is interviewed by AUM senior Destannie Crumpler MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The week before Carrington Cole was supposed to start working with Marvel Studios in 2020, the world shut down. “The week before I was supposed to start, COVID hit the U.S,” she said. That sudden pause sent her back to Montgomery, where she traded Hollywood dreams for something unexpected: learning to report the news for WAKA in her hometown. Carrington Cole is shown at this year's Alabama Broadcast Association conference in Birmingham. Her journey is more than just a career…
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The future beyond the newsroom’s rise of AI

The future beyond the newsroom’s rise of AI

Photo courtesy of Shahbaz Zaman on pexels.com One local editor says AI is helpful, but not enough to replace his own writing AUM Audio · Montgomery Independent Editor Brian Hodge is interviewed by AUM COMM student Brionna Crumpton By: Brionna Crumpler MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Like Superman faced Brainiac, journalists today face a similar challenge in navigating the rise of artificial intelligence in their work. Montgomery Independent editor Brian Hodge, in a recent interview, discussed how the news media works to maintain the human voice in its stories. Brian Hodge spent his childhood in Valley but lived in Millbrook in his…
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Telling Selma’s story: A profile of Brent Maze

Telling Selma’s story: A profile of Brent Maze

photo courtesy of Pixabay on pexels.com Local news editor affirms community journalism matters and is worth the fight AUM Audio · Selma Times Journal Editor Brent Maze is interviewed by AUM senior Nichlos Cutrell For long-time journalist Brent Maze, success isn't measured in the number of awards he's won or the titles he's held. He measures the success in stories he's written connecting neighbors, holding local leaders accountable and giving voice to communities. “People sometimes think local news is small news,” Maze said. “But it’s the news that affects your life every single day. It’s the stories of your neighbors,…
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More than just news: News anchor and reporter of 23 years Sally Pitts shares her experience being a part of the WSFA family

More than just news: News anchor and reporter of 23 years Sally Pitts shares her experience being a part of the WSFA family

By: Tyreanna Causey ​​AUM Audio · WSFA-TV anchor Sally Pitts is interviewed by AUM student Tyreanna Causey MONTGOMERY, Ala.— For 23 years, Sally Pitts has worked for WSFA-12 News, where she reported and anchored for the state of Alabama, bringing viewers breaking news and heartfelt stories to watch. When she’s not in the studio, she’s playing tennis, running or spending time with her family or taking her daughters to soccer practice.  Sally Pitts is shown reporting live from Montgomery Whitewater to show off some behind-the-scenes footage of the location on July 7, 2023. (Photo taken by WSFA-12 News in 2023) Sally…
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When headlines fade, faith remains: Former reporter Chris Searcy traded the newsroom for the pulpit, finding purpose beyond the press

When headlines fade, faith remains: Former reporter Chris Searcy traded the newsroom for the pulpit, finding purpose beyond the press

Pastor Chris Searcy poses for a picture with AUM senior Shaniece McGhee after their interview in the Communication Department office on Sept. 22, 2025. (photo courtesy of Nichlos Cutrell) AUM Audio · Montgomery's Pastor Chris Searcy is interviewed by COMM senior Shaniece McGhee By: Shaniece McGhee Chris Searcy reporting at night against a city skyline backdrop, showcasing his role as a journalist. Before Pastor Chris Searcy stepped in front of a newsroom camera, he never imagined his life going that way. His mind was first set on pursuing a career in politics, and he believed that campaigning would be his…
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Students and faculty reflect on AI, media and the future of creativity

Students and faculty reflect on AI, media and the future of creativity

Photo courtesy of Steve Johnson on unsplash.com By: Nicholas Drayton MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The impact of artificial intelligence on different professions is manifesting in different fields such as medicine and government, as well as technology, the arts and media fields. This advent of technology has created a level of excitement along with apprehension among students and educators at Auburn University at Montgomery. Sophomore nursing major Jewels Wolfe sharing her thoughts on artificial intelligence. (Photo courtesy of Nicholas Drayton) Jewels Wolfe, a sophomore nursing major from Phenix City voiced a cautionary stance. “I feel like it’s good for certain things, but…
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How one WSFA marketing producer is on a path of growth and creative fulfillment

How one WSFA marketing producer is on a path of growth and creative fulfillment

WSFA studio is shown where anchors deliver the news for the people of Montgomery and the surrounding area. (Photo taken by Devin Vaughn) By: Devin Vaughn “It’s important to know what draws eyes and ears and what people find appealing.” - Timothy Skipper, WSFA-12 Timothy Skipper smiles as he leans on a rail on Wednesday morning Sept. 17 for a photo after his interview. (Photo takn by Devin Vaughn) MONTGOMERY, Ala. – “That was a really fulfilling experience,” I thought to myself as I took the elevator down from WSFA’s news floor located in the RSA building downtown. Earlier, I’d had…
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AUM prepares for an AI-driven future with workshops, an NSF grant and new AI degrees

AUM prepares for an AI-driven future with workshops, an NSF grant and new AI degrees

Image courtesy of Nahrizul Kadri from unsplash.com Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is actively providing artificial intelligence (AI) workshops and courses to better equip students and faculty on how to ethically use AI as a tool in their professional careers.   AI is quickly transforming our future and many emotions about this trending technology are sparking both excitement and concern. Many people are eager to understand AI's full potential, while others fear its impact on jobs and careers. Some worry the technology will replace human workers in various industries. At AUM, faculty and professors are working to help the campus navigate…
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