Kristen Berset is the Sports Anchor/Reporter for WUSA 9. She comes to the DC area from WBFF in Baltimore, Md., where she was the Weekend Sports Anchor and part of the team that won the Chesapeake Bay Region AP award for Best Year Round Sports Coverage. While in the Charm City, Kristen covered the Ravens, Orioles, Maryland Terrapins and the NCAA National Lacrosse Championship as well as several other local university athletics. She also had a weekly radio show on FOX 1370 called the Saturday Morning Football Show, covering all levels of football. Before coming to Baltimore, Kristen was a news anchor at WJHG in Panama City, Fla., and co-host of the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series, a fishing show broadcast around the nation.
Copa: What made you interested in Television news?
Kristen: Since a very young age I was interested in television. I was extremely shy talking with people face to face, but put me on stage or behind a camera and that is where I was most comfortable. When it comes to Broadcast News, I was one of those that always wanted to know everything that was going on, what everyone was talking about. I didn’t want to be left out of the loop. There are so many incredible stories out there to be told, I’m thankful I get to do that.
Kristen: Since a very young age I was interested in television. I was extremely shy talking with people face to face, but put me on stage or behind a camera and that is where I was most comfortable. When it comes to Broadcast News, I was one of those that always wanted to know everything that was going on, what everyone was talking about. I didn’t want to be left out of the loop. There are so many incredible stories out there to be told, I’m thankful I get to do that.
Copa: Who was your favorite News Anchor early in your career?
Kristen: I remember looking up to Diane Sawyer. I admired her poise and confidence on the air. She broke barriers for women in Television News.
Kristen: I remember looking up to Diane Sawyer. I admired her poise and confidence on the air. She broke barriers for women in Television News.
Copa: Were you ever a fashion model at anytime?
Kristen: I began modeling when I was 12 years old in my home state of Florida. I’ve appeared in Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and ESPN the Magazine, among others. When I got to college, I spent time modeling and acting in New York City. Once I graduated, I decided to make it my full time career. So I did that for a several years in Miami before deciding to get back into Television.
Kristen: I began modeling when I was 12 years old in my home state of Florida. I’ve appeared in Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and ESPN the Magazine, among others. When I got to college, I spent time modeling and acting in New York City. Once I graduated, I decided to make it my full time career. So I did that for a several years in Miami before deciding to get back into Television.
Copa: How do you always look so marvelous while working those crazy hours?
Kristen: Haha… the Make-up has you fooled! No seriously, I try to get as much sleep as possible when I can. Plus, exercise and eating right is an integral part to staying and looking energized.
Kristen: Haha… the Make-up has you fooled! No seriously, I try to get as much sleep as possible when I can. Plus, exercise and eating right is an integral part to staying and looking energized.
Copa: Have you found Washington, DC to be the ultimate place to work?
Kristen: In my line of work it’s like hitting the jackpot. In the Sports world, you have teams representing every professional sport, plus several prestigious collegiate programs. I also enjoy that high school sports are important in this area. Washington DC is such a melting pot, and never boring.
Kristen: In my line of work it’s like hitting the jackpot. In the Sports world, you have teams representing every professional sport, plus several prestigious collegiate programs. I also enjoy that high school sports are important in this area. Washington DC is such a melting pot, and never boring.
Copa: What was you most interesting assignment?
Kristen: Back in 2008, I was the Co-Host of a Nationally syndicated fishing show. We had the opportunity to take our show to the Middle East. We spent ten days traveling throughout Kuwait and Iraq, finishing the trip at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. While there we treated over 500 servicemen and women to a fishing tournament at Z Lake. It was a once in a lifetime journey. We met the heroes of our country, heard some incredible stories and it opened our eyes to the sacrifices these men and women make to keep us safe.
Kristen: Back in 2008, I was the Co-Host of a Nationally syndicated fishing show. We had the opportunity to take our show to the Middle East. We spent ten days traveling throughout Kuwait and Iraq, finishing the trip at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. While there we treated over 500 servicemen and women to a fishing tournament at Z Lake. It was a once in a lifetime journey. We met the heroes of our country, heard some incredible stories and it opened our eyes to the sacrifices these men and women make to keep us safe.
Copa: How would you define your individual fashion on camera and while out on the town?
Kristen: I have a fairly classic sense of fashion, but I throw a little flair in there every once in a while. I wear whatever makes me feel comfortable. If I could live in jeans I would! However, I do enjoy getting all glammed up every now and then. When I am on the air I try to be as colorful as possible, but I need something that’s comfortable and versatile because I never know if I will be working in the studio or out in the field that day.
Kristen: I have a fairly classic sense of fashion, but I throw a little flair in there every once in a while. I wear whatever makes me feel comfortable. If I could live in jeans I would! However, I do enjoy getting all glammed up every now and then. When I am on the air I try to be as colorful as possible, but I need something that’s comfortable and versatile because I never know if I will be working in the studio or out in the field that day.
Copa: We see that you competed for the Miss Florida pageant, how did you enjoy that experience?
Kristen: It was one of the most amazing experiences. I competed in my first pageant at 20 years old.. and 2 years later won the title of Miss Florida USA 2004, so everything happened so fast. I made appearances all over the country, and the process really helped me come out of my shell and mature. I placed in the Top Ten at the Miss USA pageant that year. I met some incredible people during my reign, including many of the women I competed with. To win a pageant takes lots of training, not just physically but mentally as well. You work to improve your social skills and interview skills. All those hours of coaching has played a vital role in my success in Broadcast Television.
Kristen: It was one of the most amazing experiences. I competed in my first pageant at 20 years old.. and 2 years later won the title of Miss Florida USA 2004, so everything happened so fast. I made appearances all over the country, and the process really helped me come out of my shell and mature. I placed in the Top Ten at the Miss USA pageant that year. I met some incredible people during my reign, including many of the women I competed with. To win a pageant takes lots of training, not just physically but mentally as well. You work to improve your social skills and interview skills. All those hours of coaching has played a vital role in my success in Broadcast Television.
Copa: What advice would you give to any aspiring young woman venturing out into the world of news broadcasting?
Kristen: Broadcast News really is an exciting job, but it takes lots of long hours for little pay to begin with. However, the payout in the end makes it all worth it. I always tell young women to be themselves and work to make sure that comes across on camera. Viewers can tell if you’re not being real. This is a very cruel business sometimes. People are willing to criticize, insult and tear you down at any moment. You have to be confident in yourself and your work. If you put 100 percent into everything you do, if you’re willing to learn, you will succeed. ~Copa
Kristen: Broadcast News really is an exciting job, but it takes lots of long hours for little pay to begin with. However, the payout in the end makes it all worth it. I always tell young women to be themselves and work to make sure that comes across on camera. Viewers can tell if you’re not being real. This is a very cruel business sometimes. People are willing to criticize, insult and tear you down at any moment. You have to be confident in yourself and your work. If you put 100 percent into everything you do, if you’re willing to learn, you will succeed. ~Copa
