ABOUT ME

Ananya Gondesi is a production assistant at NBC4 Washington. She recently graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in journalism, psychology and criminal justice.

Ananya got her start in journalism from a young age, stemming from her love of storytelling and writing. She began studying journalism in high school sophomore year, where she joined the award-winning magazine program, the Mane. Through her time in The Mane, she learned the basics of journalism, culminating in a National Student Production Award for Best Talent: News or Sports.

Public speaking has always been a passion of Ananya’s. From a young age, she did Bollywood dance and continued her love of being on stage through multiple theater productions and speech teams.

She continued this pursuit of storytelling in college, working for radio, TV and newspaper on campus. She was also the vice president of the GW chapter of Asian American Journalists Association. She currently still volunteers with animals and writes her own culture blog on Substack.

In the summer of 2024, she interned at DC’s OCTFME, where she learned the hard work that goes into social media, public relations and television for the city and Mayor Muriel Bowser. For the academic year of 2024-2025, she interned with NBC’s Meet the Press, learning the art of the interview with some of the most powerful figures in the world, including two interviews with President Donald Trump and one with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the summer of 2025, she interned with NBC4 Washington, spending her time shadowing reporters in the field, getting clips, and learning how to tell a story locally. In the fall of 2025, she interned at New Heights Communications, getting an inside look at PR, drafting articles, pitches, and briefing memos and learning the other side of the business. She also works as a freelance broadcast assistant for American University, helping cover college sports games. Now, she’s found her way back to WRC-TV, working as a production assistant and helping one of the best local newsrooms in the country.

She hopes to be an on-air correspondent, covering national politics and hard news. When not working, she can be found reading, watching movies, script writing or spending time with friends. From Chicago to DC, she wants to change the world through her passion for storytelling, creating a more empathetic and understanding news audience. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

    • Scouted and evaluated filming locations to ensure suitability for production needs

    • Managed and facilitated contracts for multiple sets, acting as the go-between for companies and directors

    • Acted as a grip on set, providing hands-on support to various production departments and facilitating smooth shoot operations, including slating and stage setting

    • Managed all extras, including placement in scenes and organized their information for production records

    Jun 2023-Jul 2023

    • Developed and executed social media strategies, creating engaging graphics and compelling copy for the public affairs department and their Instagram page, @entertaindc

    • Utilized technical skills to edit cable television programming and gained familiarity with TV production technologies, as well as editing for DC Radio YouTube channel

    Jun 2024-Oct 2024

    • Supported comprehensive show production processes, including conducting in-depth research on and pitching interview guests, developing engaging questions and show elements for moderator Kristen Welker, assisting with panel creations, while also welcoming guests during Sunday tapings

    • Assisted with Politics Desk coverage on special events, such as Election Night and Vice-Presidential Debate by logging and identifying best bites for impactful storytelling

    Sep 2024-May 2025

    • Collaborated with reporters to gather, edit, and deliver timely stories in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, enhancing overall news coverage quality.

    • Executed daily live shots and stand-ups, demonstrating strong on-camera presence and adaptability.

    • Produced and collaborated with veteran reporters on field shoots to create creative and intentional content

    • Produced engaging social media videos for TikTok and Instagram, producing over 500 likes

    May 2025-Aug 2025

    • Conducted comprehensive media monitoring and analysis to identify key coverage opportunities and industry trends

    • Developed targeted press lists and executed strategic pitching initiatives to secure media placements

    • Researched and crafted compelling statements, briefing memos, and new business proposals to support organizational objectives

    Sep 2025-Present

    • Assisted in various aspects of video production, including camera operations, replay operations, character graphics operation, audio operation, and production, consistently delivering high-quality output.

    • Utilized cutting-edge video equipment and technology in a fast-paced environment to capture high-quality footage and implement creative video production techniques, resulting in engaging and visually stunning content.

    Jan 2024-Present (FREELANCE)

    • assisting the newsroom with any needs, including printing and running scripts

    • monitoring feeds and relaying breaking news

    • creating social video with digital team

 EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE (COLLEGE)

    • Produced, researched, and edited informative news packages monthly, ensuring audience receives reliable information.

    • Skilled in operating professional TV cameras and presenting news headlines, contributing to successful shoots.

    Sep 2023-Present (CURRENTLY ON BREAK)

    • Produced compelling video content for the GW Hatchet YouTube channel, including long-form documentaries and short-form videos on social media, showcasing excellent writing, research, investigative, and rewriting skills.

    • Managed 10+ reporters to organize interviews, create graphics and put out quality content

    • Demonstrated creativity by pitching podcast ideas, interviewing subjects, recording podcasts, highlighting strong communication, and organizational skills to bring ideas to fruition. 

    PREVIOUSLY: News Podcast, Opinion, Video

    CURRENT: Contributing Video Editor

    • Successfully created and executed captivating weekly ideas for live talk show airing 9 am Mondays, resulting in increased viewership and positive feedback from audience members. (ENDED MAY 2025)

    • Spearheaded production and editing of a monthly podcast on sustainable fashion, successfully organized meetings, reviewed ideas, and curated timely news, resulting in increased engagement and awareness among the target audience (ENDED MAY 2024)

    • assisted with finding foster parents for puppies and kittens

    • learned and competed in dance recitals throughout freshman year

    • assisted in creating engaging posts for the @gwgarmi account on Instagram and TikTok

    • drafting and writing a weekly “Politics Now” newsletter on the 5 biggest stories of the week

    • covering other national political news for the campus

    Started Fall 2025 - ON HOLD

    • organizing, planning and moderating panels on topics related to journalism

    • facilitating relationships between students and larger journalism communities

    • running internal and external operations to uphold the GW chapter