Andy Ramirez, the Road from Intern to ABC15's Managing Editor

By: Cindy G. Castillo

Andy Ramirez walked into the ABC15 building for his first day as an intern dressed up in a suit and tie.

His first day involved listening to hundreds of “tip calls” for interesting news stories.

 “When you’re an intern you really have no idea where it’s going to lead you. If someone told me I was going to be Managing Editor back when I started, I would have laughed,” Ramirez said.

Born and raised in Phoenix, he grew up about a mile from the ABC15 building. He was surrounded by the issues that revolved around the area and watched his neighborhood develop and grow.

“I used to play here. This used to be all cotton fields and my friends and I would play and ride our bikes here,” he said.

Even though journalism was not in his train of thought, Ramirez recalls his interest in keeping up with national headlines.

“I was a kid, 5-6 years old (and) I still remember watching TV, (and having) that picture in my mind when these historical events happened. I always just wanted to see what was happening,” he said.

Today, as he holds the Managing Editor title for ABC 15, he feels energized to find himself in the middle of a big news story. The same role he would wake up early to watch on TV as a child.

His main motivation is knowing the big stake he holds in his community and in making Arizona a better place to live.

 “I know this place like the back of my hand, but never in a million years would I think that I was going to be working in the fields that I used to play in when I was a kid,” he said.

Ramirez’ main duties revolve around content, checking on the stories that are coming on and what is being covered on a daily basis.

“It’s a big responsibility because there is that pressure to be first, but you should never feel that that pressure should make you do a story that you feel is not 100 percent accurate,” he said.

He takes pride on what ABC15 stands for and their ability to maintain a connection with their public giving a voice to those who need it.

“That’s who we are. We are people like anyone else, and our company is such a great company for open voices,” he said.

His beginnings as an intern also serve as words of encouragement for other students who like him, are taking the first steps as interns towards a career in the field.

As an Internship Coordinator, “I try and make (interns) feel as comfortable as possible because I still remember my first day; how 

nervous and excited I was, and not knowing what the future was going to hold,” he said.

During internships, he advices students to do the little things first, work hard, ask as many questions as possible, and most importantly, take initiative. “That’s where you get the real-world experience of what it’s like to be a journalist.”

The journey continues for Ramirez as he aims to grow as a professional eager to find what the future holds ahead. His current focus lies entirely in delivering the best news possible.

“I always tell people I never expected to be where I am. I knew I wanted to do something that would be fun and be successful. I just never thought I would be doing what I’m doing.”