We like to take time to highlight women we see out in the world doing their part to make the world a little nicer. In this Real Nice Lady Spotlight, we’re talking to Gina Bullard, local Morning News Anchor, about delivering news during a pandemic and being authentic on TV.
Title/Profession
Morning News Anchor
Favorite Drink?
Extra dirty martini or wine!
Favorite Food?
Pickles! Or...anything Thai
Karaoke Song?
Hard pass.
What song are you listening to on repeat right now?
“Go to Town” by Doja Cat and “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Female icon you would be for Halloween?
The Notorious R.B.G – Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Telling as little or as much as you want, how are you feeling these days?
Oof…there’s no doubt; life is a little crazy right now. These past few months have been really trying. We’re dealing with multiple traumatic situations. We’ve all lost something. But there are beautiful things coming out of all of this. For me, I’ve been able to reflect and reset my life.
What, if anything, are you enjoying about quarantine?
Since I’m an essential worker, I’m still going into work. But there’s no doubt, I’m still feeling the impacts of quarantine.
I love that right now we're getting to throw social expectations out the window. We’ve never been through something like this, so there is no correct way to navigate it all. To me, quarantine is all about what feels right. Cutting ourselves some slack. If I want to take a 4 hour nap – then that’s what I’m going to do. If an entire sleeve of Lemon Oreo Thins sounds good – then bon appétit!
Outside of the topics you’re covering, how do you feel your job has changed in the pandemic?
Every other week, I anchor from home. Talk about a change! From a beautiful studio, full of lighting and equipment to sitting in my kitchen…alone. So at 2:30 in the morning, I wake up and set up a make-shift studio. Imagine lots of banging around, troubleshooting technical issues and cleaning my microwave over and over haha. I’ve had to learn how to connect to people even when I feel disconnected from everything.
Your news station is owned by Meredith Corporation, who recently cut pay for 60% of their workforce after Covid-19 quarantines impacted ad revenue. Has your position been affected? If so, how have you been impacted?
Like millions of people around the country, my job has been impacted by the pandemic. I have been furloughed one day a week and had my pay cut.
What part(s) of your life during the pandemic have made you rethink your "normal" life?
I don’t think I will ever look at relationships the same way. Losing the ability to spend time with the people I love has made me value my peeps so much more. Phone conversations I used to dread having, I now look forward to. I’m making an effort every day to make sure people know how grateful I am for them. I find myself being much more sensitive during this pandemic. I miss hugging people! I want to go around screaming “I love you!!!” to everyone!
What first attracted you to your current profession?
The ability to ask as many questions as I want.
What is your favorite thing about your industry? Your least favorite?
Favorite: I’m so grateful that I get to tell the stories that make up the fiber of our community. I know that every day, whatever I do, matters. We get to guide people through tragedies and triumphs and that’s incredibly powerful.
Least favorite: It can be very superficial. There’s pressure to look perfect, be the best, be first. I’ve found solace in knowing none of that is true. People connect to genuine people, and that’s what I strive to be daily.
Do you feel like you’ve always been able to separate yourself from the pressure to look and be perfect or was that learned through experience?
No way!! I’ve had to learn to be easier on myself. I think viewers value authenticity. TV is a visual medium and looks do matter -- to a certain degree. At this point in my career, I can separate whose opinion holds weight and whose I need to let go of. For example, to the viewer who commented about the “pandemic poundage” I’ve put on….BYE.
To all the “Karens” who think it’s necessary to tell me they hate my clothes, my hair, or whatever else they’re feeling sassy about that day – thank you; I will pass your message along, to my garbage can.
Every day, my goal is to be true to myself. Do I make bad dad jokes and dress more eccentrically than most? Maybe…but to me, that’s being authentic and genuine and that’s perfection.
When it comes to the more emotionally-charged news topics (like the recent Black Lives Matter protests), how do you report on the subject without feeling like you’re sugarcoating it or glossing over it?
We’re all watching history unfold right now. How the media covers activism matters. This is heavy; this is hard. We’re all learning everyday. We’re having uncomfortable, profound, conversations about race and inequities, both in our newsroom and on air. We have to insist on the highest level of accuracy and give meaningful perspective and depth to our viewers. Our words matter. Checking in with our BIPOC community is one way we are holding ourselves accountable right now.
What’s been the most important or most memorable story you’ve been able to tell through your job?
I’ve been honored to cover so many amazing stories over the years, but what’s going on right now is the most crucial story I’ve ever been a part of telling.
Throughout history, protests have shaped our society and we’re in the midst of monumental change. There is collective grieving going on and instead of glossing over it we’re reckoning with inequality and injustices that are a part of our past and still linger today. We have to stand up for what is right; courage is contagious.
What do you want for the future of your industry?
Between the coronavirus and the civil unrest in our country -- it’s clear why my job is essential.We need to keep digging for the truth, asking the tough questions, and having the hard conversations. I implore people to keep watching local TV news -- it's essential to know what’s really going on in our communities.
What advice would you give other women trying to succeed in your industry?
Be easy on yourself. Know what sets you apart from the pack and own it.
What was a formative moment in your life that made you who you are?
Out of college I couldn’t find a reporting job right away so I went to NYC to work for J.Crew Corporate. I stayed for four years! I learned so much about myself coming from a tiny town in Connecticut, to getting thrust into the fashion industry -- working with icons. I had so much self-doubt, not being able to land my dream job right out of school -- but then I understood why. I had to find myself; stand in the fire first. I had to figure out my own story before I could tell other people’s.
When do you feel the strongest in your life? When do you feel the most vulnerable in your life?
I feel both of these on my yoga mat.
What have you been doing to maintain your mental health since the pandemic hit?
Every day I have a sadhana -- or daily spiritual practice. I meditate and pull an energy card for the day. Since the pandemic hit, I've also added in journaling and lots more yoga! I signed up for yoga teacher training before the pandemic hit...clearly the universe knew what was coming! It’s extremely challenging but also keeping me sane.
Who are five women that inspire you?
My mom, my sister, 99-year-old grandmother, Oprah and Glennon Doyle
Studio Manager - Grace
