Frederick Quinn aka “Freddy the Reporter” is a journalist from St. Rose, Louisiana. His passion for storytelling first stemmed from the world of professional wrestling. He has been an avid fan since he was 6 years old, however, it was at the age of 12 when he truly connected with the sport. He heard an in-ring promo by John Cena that centered on never giving up no matter the circumstances, which reflected what he was going through while navigating the world as a youth. Fast-forward a year later, and Freddy was introduced to a new world of storytelling: broadcast news. Watching the news with his family was a norm, but something sparked in him when he would watch entertainment news show, “The 504” hosted by reporter Sheba Turk. The show featured unique guests and unconventional stories about all things New Orleans. Tuning in gave Freddy the dream that he too could connect with audiences around the world.

 

His pursuit of a career in broadcast television began in college while attending Xavier University of Louisiana. Initially, he decided to become a business major due to his aspirations of one day being a business owner but focused on opportunities within mass communication. In 2019, he secured an internship at New Orleans Access Television (NOA-TV), where he learned set design, camera operation, editing, and programming. 

 

Yearning for more he went on to join the student media department in which he was a host, personality, actor, producer, and camera operator featured on shows including, Questions: Finish the Lyrics, Song Association, Xlpicit, and XUTV Silent Library. An even bigger battle brewed as Freddy’s desire to be an entrepreneur faded and his passion for being a journalist rose. It prompted him to evaluate what he wanted and raised doubt within himself. Confused by the criticism and pressure, he officially withdrew from the university in 2022.

 

He lost his confidence and was convinced the dream had died. God is a big part of Freddy’s life. It was his grandmother that taught him that faith was forever. She passed away when he was a teenager, and this situation brought him back to that pain. But realizing that God was preparing him for something greater was the motivation that he needed to chase that dream again. This led him to reenroll at The University of New Orleans to complete his degree. Only this time he vowed to do it differently.

 

He put his dream first and was yet again on the hunt for just a shot in broadcast news. He looked for opportunities to get his foot in the door like joining a film club and becoming a reporter for the returning school newspaper, Driftwood. In January 2024, itching to get a taste of a real newsroom, Freddy applied for a digital news internship at WGNO. He got the internship and knew God had prepared him for this moment. In that role, he gained valuable experience as a young journalist. 

 

Freddy was on his way but wanted to learn more and would land a paid internship at WVUE Fox 8. This time he was a broadcast TV intern and witnessed the ins and outs of the broadcast. He wrote as a producer, ran teleprompter, and shadowed directors on top of curating stories for digital. Simultaneously, Freddy continued his work outside the traditional newsroom completing a community reporting fellowship at Lede New Orleans. He interviewed community leaders in New Orleans and shot a documentary on one of the city's historic landmarks, Congo Square.

 

Freddy has traveled a road filled with doubt and heartache but got through it by the grace of God. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from The University of New Orleans in December 2024 and continues to uplift the community through storytelling.

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Remember if he can do it, you can too!