Spring 2026 Florida A&M University journalism graduate Valdemar Carnegie has joined ABC affiliate WPBF 25 News as a Fred Young Hearst Television Producing Fellow. Carnegie steps into the role at “South Florida’s No. 1 station” with a résumé shaped by hands‑on newsroom experience — including serving as a senior newscast producer for FAMU TV‑20, an independent multimedia journalist for multiple sports platforms, and a Baltimore Ravens writing intern for the Fan Feed Network.
He also served as a podcast producer for Word Around Campus First Strike, sports writer for The FAMUAN, and online editor for Journey Magazine. Each role, he said, prepared him for this next step.
Carnegie said he was “thrilled” when he learned he had been selected for the fellowship.
“My hard work had paid off,” he said, celebrating the moment. “Professor Kenneth Jones really prepared me as a student, and what made the opportunity even more special is that it’s at my hometown news station.”
The fellowship honors media pioneer Fred Young, who spent more than 40 years at Hearst and earned recognition for producing influential, award‑winning journalism. Established in 2016, the program identifies promising recent graduates with strong leadership potential and equips them with the skills and experience needed to accelerate their careers in television news. After completing the 12‑week fellowship, Carnegie will transition into a full‑time newscast producer role at one of Hearst Television’s stations.
He credits the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication with giving him the foundation he needed to succeed.
“FAMU prepared me in many ways,” Carnegie said. “I learned how to write broadcast scripts, use ENPS, which is the same newsroom system my station uses, and build strong connections while working in a newsroom environment.”
As a Fred Young Fellow, Carnegie currently works as an associate producer, helping to write and edit scripts and assisting with the production of the station’s 9 a.m. and noon newscasts.
“The experience has given me hands‑on newsroom training and has helped me grow more confident in my producing skills,” he said.
Carnegie said he is passionate about producing because it allows him to shape a newscast from start to finish. He also enjoys visual storytelling and documentary work.
“It gives me the opportunity to highlight important issues, educate viewers, and bring attention to stories people may not know about,” he said.
His selection comes shortly after he successfully co-produced FAMU TV‑20’s first‑ever legislative session and sports news specials in the spring under the mentorship of Professor Jones. Both were milestone projects that showcased his leadership and producing abilities.
“I hope to become a polished news producer by learning from all of my trainers and gaining as much experience as possible,” Carnegie added. “Eventually, I want to pass on the knowledge and skills I learn to future journalists.”
About Hearst TV
Hearst Television owns or operates 35 television stations and two radio stations across 27 media markets in 39 states, reaching more than 22 million U.S. households. The company is widely regarded as a leader in broadcasting and has earned numerous accolades for excellence in journalism, innovation, and community service.
Gallery: Valdemar Carnegie’s SJGC Experience in Photos
