Caitlin Ashbaugh 395s60

Caitlin ed the Live 5 News team in June 2023. 58291i

Professional Experience: Digital Content Producer, News Intern – WACH FOX 57 News (Columbia SC), Intern – SCETV

News Philosophy: For me, being in news is all about balancing the delivery of accurate information while constantly learning how to engage and connect with your communities – because at the end of the day, you’re telling the stories that will impact them most. I also think that it is extremely important to prioritize ability in journalism and provide the public with a voice to be heard.

Hometown: Goose Creek, South Carolina

Education: I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science.

Family: My relatives are all spread out along the East Coast. I am very grateful to have my loved ones cheering me on as I begin this new chapter!

Hobbies/Interests: I am an equestrian of 15 years and a former competitive swimmer. I love to cook, dance, be out in nature, and I have recently gotten into thrifting and vintage-inspired fashion!

Favorite Books/Music/Movie: I like a little bit of everything when it comes to music, and I am always looking to discover new tunes! If I had to pick three artists, my favorites would be Fleetwood Mac, The 1975 and Harry Styles. My favorite movie is Little Women and my favorite book series is The Hunger Games.

Likes best about the Lowcountry: My favorite part of this area has always been the community aspect. The Lowcountry is full of lovely people with amazing stories to tell! I feel honored to get to tell them, and I am excited to get to know this city on a deeper level.

Most interesting assignment: While working for the digital team at WACH FOX 57 in Columbia, I field produced a story on Benedict College’s Annual Anti-Gun Violence Walk. The event brings community and law enforcement together to honor the lives lost to gun violence and advocate for safer gun legislation in the state of South Carolina. After documenting the march, I sat down with several students, faculty and other community who directly experienced situations connected to gun violence or knew loved ones who have been affected. Being able to engage in such moving conversations and see people come together to bring change in their communities was very transformative for my journalistic experience.