Point Park University's Josh Croup is an Emmy Award-Winning News Anchor and Multimedia Journalist
Meet Josh Croup
- Job Title & Employer
- Anchor/Multimedia Journalist, WTVG (Toledo, Ohio)
- Major/Program
- Broadcast Reporting
- Graduation
- 2018
- College Activities
- U-View, The Globe, WPPJ, Point Park Athletic Communications, Point Park Sports Network, Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing, United Student Government, Honors Program, Broadcast Education Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Student Production Services
- Scholarships
- Vice Presidential, Myron Cope, Margy Snyder Memorial, Bernard/Thomas, MARC USA
- Hometown
- Butler, Pa.
- High School
- Butler High School
"The hands-on training I received at Point Park from professors who are still working in the field gave me a strong foundation that helped me hit the ground running as soon as I graduated."
What steps did you take to secure your first job in news before graduating?
My first job in news was at WDTV in Bridgeport, W.Va. The news director at the time visited Point Park my senior year to talk about the industry to students. I followed up with him via email and he reached out when a position opened up at the station late in the spring. I signed my contract before I had my diploma.
What are your key responsibilities in your current role at WTVG?
I anchor our evening newscasts on the weekends. I help edit video and write stories for the newscasts and website throughout the night. During the week, I anchor breaking news reports and digital exclusive segments from our livestreaming desk.
It's been an exciting year for you professionally. Tell us about your recent Emmy Award and honors.
I recently won my second Emmy Award for anchoring in the Best Weekend Newscast category in the Central Great Lakes region. Last year, I won my first Emmy for Breaking/Spot News Coverage.
My work leading our livestreaming efforts from our digital desk helped us win the prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation this year.
Additionally, I was honored at the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors ceremony in the following categories:
- Best Reporter (second year winning in Ohio, fourth year overall after winning Best Reporter in the Virginia AP awards)
- Best Enterprise Reporting for my series "Why it Matters"
- Best Continuing Coverage for covering the 2022 election campaign in "Your Voice Your Vote"
- 2nd place, Best Anchor (behind Point Park's Lindsey Watson)
- Best Digital Project for our election night coverage that included my nearly seven hours of digital livestreaming. My award wins helped us secure 2nd place in the top honor for General Excellence.
On Set with Josh Croup
What does it mean to you as a broadcaster to be recognized for your work?
I think it's a testament to the people around me who have guided me on my professional journey. There's a story behind every award that gives me the chance to reflect on all of the professors, family members, friends and colleagues who helped me get to where I am today. I'm thankful that I get to do the job I've wanted to do since I was a student at Northwest Elementary School in Butler, Pa. It's work worth doing, regardless of the accolades.
What college experiences impact you most in your career?
Point Park gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience from day one. The faculty and mentors I got to work under at Point Park helped develop my skills to make sure I was as prepared as possible to work in this industry.
Why is it an exciting time to pursue a degree in broadcasting?
There are more ways than ever to showcase your work as technology evolves. Social media allows anyone to have a voice and tell a story. In theory, that allows anyone to be a journalist these days. But the world needs more trained journalists — people who know how to gather, authenticate, organize and report facts so we can have a well-informed electorate.
The hands-on training I received at Point Park from professors who are still working in the field gave me a strong foundation that helped me hit the ground running as soon as I graduated.
What advice do you have for a student interested in Point Park?
Experience is incredibly important if you want to work in this field. Not only will Point Park give you experience if you seek it out, but it will provide you with mentors and professionals who are actively working in the industry and know what it takes to succeed.
Learn from everything you do, learn as much as possible, even if you don't think you'll benefit from it, and don't waste your failures.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would tell current students to make the most of the opportunities available at Point Park. You'll get out of your college experience what you put into it. Groups like U-View, The Globe and WPPJ allow you to get involved from day one. Take advantage of those resources where you can work to become well-rounded.
Video Highlights Point Park's B.A. in Broadcasting Program
Connect with Josh Croup
More About: WPPJ, student production services, School of Communication Alumni, broadcast reporting, athletics, School of Communication, Center for Sports Media and Marketing, Honors Program, SPJ, Butler Area High School, U-View, The Globe, United Student Government, success story, Broadcast Education Association, alumni