The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF), in partnership with Hearst Television, has concluded its third annual Emerson Coleman Fellowship at the NAB’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Program fellows gain real-world experience during a summer internship at a local television station where they are immersed in a local programming and production environment. In addition to the onsite training, students attend online classes, complete a capstone project and receive mentorship on professional development.
The 2025 Emerson Coleman Fellowship class is comprised of:
- McKenzie Curtis, Morgan State University, WTTG-5 in Washington, D.C.
- Aria Harrell, University of Miami, WMAQ-5 in Chicago
- Elsie Mandela, North Carolina A&T State University, WUSA-9 in Washington, D.C.
- Joselyn Martinez, University of Central Florida, WLWT-5 in Cincinnati
- Matias Pollak, USC and Bocconi University, WNYW-5 in New York
“We are very excited about how this program is positively influencing young people to pursue creative careers in the world of broadcasting,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “The foundation is also honored to facilitate this program in tribute to Emerson Coleman’s distinguished legacy as a pioneering force in our industry.”
The program was a success with the support of sponsors Brooks Pierce, CBS Media Ventures, Comcast NBCUniversal, Debmar-Mercury, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, FOX, Hearst Television, Katz Media Group, Locality, Nielsen Foundation, SmithGeiger, Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Teen Kids News, Warner Bros. and Weigel Broadcasting.
The Emerson Coleman Fellowship encourages college students to pursue careers in broadcast television programming and production. Its namesake, Emerson Coleman, had a distinguished 32-year career at Hearst Television, serving as senior vice president of programming for 25 years until his retirement in 2022.
