After two years working behind the scenes at ESPN, Joey Ellis is returning to his home state to work in front of the camera. An STAA member, Ellis has joined WLUC in Negaunee, MI as a sports anchor/reporter.
Ellis graduated from Michigan State University in 2019. “Then, I joined ESPN as part of the ESPN Next program for young professionals, where I worked in production for almost two years,” he says. “I knew from my days in school, though, that I wanted to be in front of the camera, particularly to do play-by-play, which remains the goal today.”
Though being on-air has always been Ellis’ goal, working in production at ESPN benefitted him greatly. “My nearly two years at the ‘Worldwide Leader’ equipped me with the knowledge of what’s required to effectively put out a solid product, both in front of and behind the camera. I learned so much in my time there and felt I was ready to make a move to a position that would allow me to be on air.”
Ellis joined STAA midway through his senior year of college in 2019. “The tireless work that Jon Chelesnik and his staff do in helping aspiring broadcasters find employment in the industry is inspiring,” he says. “The investment is 100% worth it. Jon takes pride in helping each and every person who shows serious interest in the service.”
The WLUC opening was emailed to STAA members in mid-May. Ellis, though, first heard about it through a friend. “Seth Wells, now the No. 3 sports reporter at WOODTV8 in Grand Rapids, MI notified me.” Ellis continues, “Seth started his on-air TV career there and spoke highly of it, so I felt it would be an opportunity worth pursuing.”