Senioritis can be a difficult affliction to overcome, but it’s not something that KTVN Channel 2 anchor Landon Miller struggled with.
Although Miller graduated from the Reynolds School of Journalism in 2015, he’s been making waves on Reno’s news stations for several years. Miller discovered his passion for broadcast journalism at a young age and began working in the field professionally when he was 17 years old. Miller has worked at Channel 2 for two years and began anchoring the station’s evening broadcasts in January.
Miller had a clear goal in mind when enrolling in the university. He was certain that he wanted to work as a broadcaster and he spent much of his time both in and outside of the classroom working to achieve that goal. According to Miller, there are a deceptively large number of career opportunities for students and recent graduates, and he noted that strong networking and personal sacrifices were key to success.
“Students don’t realize how easy it is to get an in someplace if you have the right attitude and make the right kind of contacts,” Miller said. “Companies are hiring younger people because they can pay them less and if you have talent, dedication and understand that it takes sacrifice, it’s pretty manageable to get a job. Instead of going out to bars, I’d wake up at 2 a.m. (for work) and I’ve given up years’ worth of weekends and evenings.”
In addition to his nightly shows, Miller keeps busy by attending editorial meetings, recording topicals, writing stories and covering various events for Channel 2. His weekly segment spotlighting a community member, titled “Someone 2 Know,” has been particularly well-received. According to Miller, having the opportunity to share people’s successes and tell uplifting stories is one of his standout opportunities.
“About three weeks ago, I covered a thirteen-year-old who made a device that could harvest energy, whether it’s thermal, solar or radiant,” Miller said. “It got shared a ridiculous amount; I think it’s at one and a half million views now. The thing that I liked is that it’s a positive story and gives people hope.”
Miller’s work during his time as a student received similar attention, with his news package on land sailing earning him first place in the national Hearst Journalism Awards competition last year.
Since graduating, Miller has maintained close ties with the Reynolds School and is currently teaching JOUR 208: All Things Media: Images and Sounds at the university and is scheduled to teach JOUR 423: Newscast Production in the fall semester.
Miller and recaps from his broadcasts can be found on his official Facebook page.