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Meet This Week: Ray Baker, Intern
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ShareApril 02, 2008 2:45 PM
Meet "This Week's" Ray Baker, intern extraordinaire. Ray is a senior at Howard University with an affinity for politics and sports. At "This Week," Ray helps with the Sunday Funnies, show production, research, and pretty much everything else.
How did you first get interested in media?
I first got interested in media as a high school student. I won a speech contest that a local news station was sponsoring. It was about then when I found out I could make a career out of talking. When I got to college I learned that, although I can have a career in talking, I really need to be informed and be sure I'm speaking truth. Otherwise it becomes what the Egyptians called "tef tef."
What is something you've learned during your internship that you never thought you'd learn?
Something I learned that I never thought I'd learn was about the business of television. There is so much preparation that goes into making sure everything looks right. I had no idea how much preparation was needed to make sure television looks flawless and effortless to the viewers.
What are the best and worst things about your internship?
I think my professors would want me to give an academic answer as to what the best thing about the internship is, but truthfully the best thing about this job is Donna Brazile. She's great and it really has nothing to with her political views. She's just a brilliant, hilarious, down to earth woman. So I'd have to go with Donna Brazile and the scrambled eggs on Sunday Morning come in a very close second.
The worst thing about the job is working weekends. We have to be here pretty early Sunday morning and I'm still a college guy at heart so I'm used to hanging out and partying with my friends on the weekends. But since I've been interning here I have had to stop that.
Who are your favorite television personalities?
My favorite television personalities are lesser known but do really good and substantial work. One guy is named Jeff Johnson. He does some work for BET. Another guy I like is Ed Gordon. Obviously I'm a fan of George. Working with him I get to see first hand how talented and informed he is about political issues and social issues of the day.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation I plan to work in either community or political organizing. I have some opportunities looming that look promising so I am excited about that. Over the summer though I will be working at a summer camp I've been working at for the last three years. Those kids are important to me so rather than jump right into my career, I'd like to have one last summer where I can give something back to those kids.
If you have any questions for Ray Baker, post them in the comments section and he'll respond.
April 2, 2008 in Meet This Week | Permalink | User Comments (26)
GOMAB SIR
Posted by: Samson Fasusi | Apr 2, 2008 3:08:03 PM
Congratulations on the feature!
Posted by: Rhonda Heckstall | Apr 2, 2008 3:10:03 PM
OMG he is so handsome.
Posted by: Secret Admirer | Apr 2, 2008 3:13:43 PM
Ray, keep doing what you do. I'm expecting great things from you in the very near future. You are poised and ready to take on the world. Make us proud!!
Posted by: warren brooks | Apr 2, 2008 3:57:53 PM
Great interview Ray. You're well on your way to a wonderful career I'm sure.
Posted by: Gordon | Apr 2, 2008 4:19:25 PM
I bet Phi Beta Sigma and Howard University are very proud of you my brother. So what do you enjoy more Sports debates or Political debates?
Posted by: eric davis | Apr 2, 2008 4:46:05 PM
Great interview Ray - I am a huge fan of This Week so am extra excited to see you involved in the show. I'm sure you've learned and contributed a great deal! I'm looking forward to the day when you are in front of the camera as well:)
Posted by: Andrea Bazemore | Apr 2, 2008 7:48:01 PM
I'm proud of you man.
Posted by: Nick Owen | Apr 2, 2008 10:01:41 PM
And all along, I thought I was your favorite television personality LOL - Congrats Ray - Keep up the good work. Vic
Posted by: Vic Carter | Apr 2, 2008 11:47:08 PM
Looking good bro, keep up the good work.
Posted by: Bryant Jacobs | Apr 3, 2008 9:31:51 AM
Ray-Ray I'm so proud of you, you go man.
Posted by: Aunt Carolyn | Apr 3, 2008 12:51:15 PM
Congrats good brother. When I grow up I want to be just like you!
Posted by: Anthony Hendricks | Apr 3, 2008 4:13:26 PM
Congrats on your success Mr. Baker. It has been a pleasure watching you grow from boyhood to manhood. I look forward to seeing you develop after college. Hopefully one day I'll get to see you debate. I hope God is pleased with your progress.
Your Godmother -
Posted by: Debbie Lee | Apr 3, 2008 4:35:39 PM
Brother I was kind of hoping that first answer would have been more like..."I got interested in the media, because my god brother worked for Fox 45 for about 5 years and I looked up to him so much....". Naw, but seriously we are all proud of you Mr. Baker. Wait a sec, Ray, you aren't older than me so it's just Ray. You know we expect the world from you, because it's your oyster. Do the damn thing my man. Go POLY, Beat city!!!!
Posted by: Coach "G" Garner | Apr 3, 2008 8:30:28 PM
Well, I think you already know I'm proud of you so it's no need to repeat what others have said, I'm just glad others are finally recognizing what I saw in you almost 3 years ago. Congrats!
Posted by: Charlene Walton | Apr 4, 2008 2:26:12 PM
Wow Ray! I remember when you were just doing the Sunday morning announcements and scripture readings at church and now look at you! Congratulations my Frat Brother. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Blue Love,
Ki
Posted by: Kiauna Makel | Apr 4, 2008 4:10:43 PM
congrats Ray...good to hear from you. I'm glad that you're enjoying what you do and that a young, educated voice is being heard and on the rise.
Posted by: Justin Edwards | Apr 5, 2008 2:29:38 PM
Ray...I cant tell you how proud I am of you. I remember when you were a kid, and you use to tell me how much you looked up to me....but now I can honestly say that it is I that am looking up to you. Continue to do big things! Peace and God bless!
Posted by: Dennis Badham | Apr 5, 2008 4:14:32 PM
Congrats!! this is a really good thing. Keep it up! HU!!!!!!
Posted by: Rhoda | Apr 5, 2008 4:47:12 PM
well put good show homie
Posted by: kofi owusu | Apr 5, 2008 7:51:18 PM
Great job! You are definitely a good public speaker! I'm glad that you are coming back to summer camp again! Can't wait!!
Posted by: Leigh Ann | Apr 6, 2008 5:39:42 PM
U bad Ray! I like where you're headed. HAVE A FANTASTIC RIDE TO YOUR VERSION OF SUCCESS.
luv Blake
Posted by: Blake | Apr 6, 2008 10:36:15 PM
Keeping pushing on the liberal agenda. FOX Rules!
Posted by: A Friend of Rush | Apr 8, 2008 9:48:58 AM
"But since I've been interning here I have had to stop that."
Welcome to adulthood and real life.
Posted by: jan | Apr 13, 2008 10:53:00 AM
Ray, I remember you as a small child, sleeping and playing in the Learning Center of the University of Maryland Dental School. I am so very proud of you. You are truly an inspiration for all who come after you. Keep up the good work. God Bless your parents for raising a truly gifted child. God Bless you in all of your endeavors.
Posted by: Patricia Ali | Apr 15, 2008 5:41:31 PM
Ray, I remember you as a small child, sleeping and playing in the Learning Center of the University of Maryland Dental School. I am so very proud of you. You are truly an inspiration for all who come after you. Keep up the good work. God Bless your parents for raising a truly gifted child. God Bless you in all of your endeavors.
Posted by: Patricia Ali | Apr 15, 2008 5:41:38 PM
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