Gerard Albert’s journey into journalism began in the halls of his high school, where the seeds of curiosity and a passion for storytelling were planted. Inspired by documentaries from Vice and the fearless reporting of Hunter S. Thompson, he became captivated by the potential of journalism to shine a light on important issues.
“I started liking journalism as kind of concept,” he recalls.
As he progressed to Florida International University, Albert honed his skills at the college newspaper, PantherNow, and gained invaluable experience with South Florida Media Network, now called Caplin News.
He recognized the importance of both books and hands-on experience. “You learn the basics in the classroom, and then you just have to go out and do it.”
During Albert’s early career, he began to understand how stories could impact communities and reveal wrongdoing. He worked in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and then at WLRN in Miami.
“I started getting into more accountability work, like in college, and seeing the power that journalism can have by making things better,” he explains.
However, his drive for impactful storytelling was put to the test when left Miami to work for Blue Ridge Public Radio in Western North Carolina. When Hurricane Helene struck there after passing through the Florida panhandle, his really began to understand the critical role journalists play in times of crisis.
The challenges faced during the hurricane were harrowing. When Helene hit, Albert found himself stuck in a hotel without cell service or running water for four days.
“I got stranded in a rural part that I went to cover because the river had gone over the main highway,” he explained.
He couldn’t report on the devastation. “I was so frustrated,” Albert described. “It was supposed to be one of the hardest hits, and I couldn’t get anything out.”
As the isolation set in, he felt the anxiety build. “I don’t mind being stuck, but no cell service, no internet, and I don’t know anybody. This is getting a little annoying.”
Despite these challenges, he has been working 18-hour days to cover the hurricane’s aftermath while still lacking running water.
As a rural communities reporter, Albert remains dedicated to uncovering the unique challenges faced by the populations he serves. “I try to take that to heart and say, like, what issues are they facing out here?” he shares, demonstrating his commitment to amplifying local voices.
Now, Albert reflects on the urgency of reporting and the complexities involved in covering natural disasters.
“You had counties out here that issued mandatory evacuation notices at 8 p.m. on the night before the storm,” he notes, questioning the effectiveness of such last-minute warnings and their impact on residents’ safety.
His journey as a journalist has not been without its difficulties, particularly in the early years.
“As a young journalist, you’re kind of expected to do a lot of dog work,” he says. However, he believes that these experiences are crucial for growth.
“If you are in it for the right reasons to stay in it, it’s a career that’ll take you places,” he adds.
Albert’s commitment to authenticity and depth in storytelling shines through in his approach to journalism.
“Be as close to the action as you can be in any story,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in the subject matter.
His metaphorical call to “taste the cake” encourages journalists to not only report facts but to understand and convey the human experiences behind the stories they cover.
