Brianna Knibbs, fidgeted with the white fringe tassels in her hand, her silhouette through the Zoom screen standing out in front of the lime green walls and white headboard, her eyes closed as she recalled early school memories. “I was always a top student, very into my studies and with some of the highest grades in my class. I was doing well to the point where the teachers were always praising me for my success. They saw a lot of potential in me,” said Knibbs, who graduated with honors in December of 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Media and Communications and is now working in the media industry, showing that hard work pays off.
Born on August 8, 2000 and raised in Queens, Knibbs’ early life was pleasantly ordinary, growing up in the Cambria Heights neighborhood with her parents, paternal grandmother, and younger brother. Her parents, both of Jamaican descent, emigrated from the country to the United States early on in their lives. The pair eventually met and settled down in NYC.
The family’s cultural heritage and individual personalities, especially her mother, largely impacted Knibb’s development. “They are the type of people who always wanted both me and my brother to be very successful in life, to be as hardworking as they are,” said Knibbs. As described by herself and her peers, she is an indefatigable worker. She is empathetic yet no-nonsense and enjoys her own space.
As a top student in her class throughout her early school years, Knibbs fulfilled the wishes of her parents, who traveled so far to help their family excel. “I knew I wanted to major in the media and journalism fields, they were always something that I wanted to pursue, ever since I was in my last year of middle school. I carried that passion all the way to college.”
During her time attending SUNY OW, Knibbs showcased her hard work and ability to multitask in various ways. Being involved with The Catalyst, OW TV, the Honors College, and various other club activities kept her busy while simultaneously gathering and developing her plethora of skills.
From her first involvement with homecoming events and club recruitment activities that followed, Knibbs integrated into the student culture and knew she had made the right college choice. She also lived in the dorms for three semesters, enjoying every second. It was all about the peer atmosphere and unforgettable memories
It was her time with OW’s student newspaper and TV station that left a particularly inspirational imprint on her. “I feel like me being involved with The Catalyst and OWTV really helped me and pushed me to where I am right now and continues to push me forward to where I may go in the future. Getting to know all my peers and advisors like Professor Friedman, Professor Payton, and Professor Oz helped me throughout my time there,” stated Knibbs.
Knibbs’ new position entails a handful of important tasks such as creating and distributing graphics used in the broadcasts, which can include any information relevant to the topic that the reader will want to know while adding content and detail to the show. She is also responsible for posting highlight clips to the show’s website and pitching possible content stories. “There is a story that I did pitch recently that will go on the air,” stated Knibbs.
The position of a Graphics Production Assistant mirrors that of the media industry itself, fast-paced and unpredictable. “One thing about this industry is that news always breaks. You can have a story that you originally pitched and then when something happens you will more than likely have to drop that story and focus on the new topic.”
Accuracy and speed are also crucial. “Let’s say while the show is on air, while we are on commercial break, a producer calls you into the virtual control room and asks ‘Can you make this full-screen?’ You have to do that fast, because commercials only last two or three minutes,” explained Knibbs.
In the world of television, various roles, big and small, make the media we love (or hate) come to life. “Many people just recognize the host, but it’s also the producers and the other staff who are the creative forces that help make these productions possible,” said Knibbs. Motivated by the excitement of the industry, she looks forward to the many experiences that will come before she reaches her goal.
Aiming to be a news anchor and correspondent, Knibbs understands that you need to start somewhere and work your way up. She explained, with a twinkle in her eye, “That’s part of why I think it’s a good thing that I can start off being a graphic production assistant and work myself up to maybe being a because it can give me those skills to help prepare me for the position I want. I definitely want to cover Washington D.C. one day.”
Her path contains one of many steps, beginning with her current position. “I just want to explore as many areas as I can in television news because I’ve always wanted to get more experience with the different skills such as writing segments and editing in effects,” Knibbs stated firmly.
Going forward, Knibbs has big plans for her career and personal life, looking to be content both at home and in the workplace. Her ultimate end goals are to be successful, prosperous, and to eventually settle down and start a family. She stated excitedly, “I always say that life is too short and sometimes tomorrow is never promised. I just want to live life, have as much fun as I can and do my best.”
Knibbs ended with some parting advice to those who aspire to follow a similar educational and career path, “If you want to accomplish similar goals as myself, stay focused and be the best you can be. Just know that sometimes not everything goes on your timing, it might go by God’s timing. Be patient, be passionate, and have faith in yourself.”
This coming Fall 2022 semester, Knibbs is set to begin studying for a Master’s in Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY with a concentration in urban reporting. She is still enjoying her position as a Graphics PA for Politics Nation and still resides with her family in Queens.
