Cornelius Hocker
Reporter at KING 5
Seattle, WA
What or who inspired you to become a journalist?
-I’d always been interested in news, grew up watching it with my family, and wrote for my school newspaper. I didn’t consider it as a possible career until I met a local tv news reporter, Lauren Adams, on my college campus. She encouraged me to apply for an internship at her station. That’s how I landed in broadcast journalism.
What is your favorite story that you have written?
-I’ve covered too many stories to pick a favorite. In all my stories, I work hard to inform and inspire our viewers and readers.
Do you feel like you have a dual responsibility for being queer and a journalist?
-In the past, yes, but in my current newsroom, there are many people knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues. All that to say, I don’t feel like I have to cover every story about my community.
Do you believe you have a role to play in helping preserve LGBTQ+ history and culture in your work?
-LGBTQ+ history is everyone’s history, so yes. It’s important to cover milestones and progress being made in my community.
What keeps you passionate about journalism?
-Knowing I can make a difference in someone’s life every day.
What advice would you have for those wanting to become a journalist?
-Seek the truth and have thick skin.
How has being a journalist impacted your personal life?
-Moving around has made it tough to develop close friends beyond my college years, but I’ve managed to add a few people to my inner circle over the last 10 years. Relationship wise, I’m partnered and very happy. He’s supportive of my career and doesn’t mind my, sometimes, crazy schedule.
Do you have any future goals or projects you would like to share with us?
-No goals or projects to talk about but I want to hammer home this point: support local news. People in newsrooms are your neighbors, friends, etc. We care about our community and want to keep people informed.
