What does it take to be a morning traffic anchor for the ABC Eyewitness News team? It means going to sleep at 5 p.m, a time where most people are productive, and waking up at 2:03 a.m. Often one would feel that she was missing out on different parts of their lives, but Heather O’Rourke does this every day and is satisfied with her job.
Unlike many, O’Rourke’s work day typically starts at 4 a.m and ends at 9 a.m, not the “normal” nine to five work day. Although this may seem like a crazy job, O’Rourke has adapted to this different lifestyle with a smile.
Aside from her busy schedule, O’Rourke takes time out of her day to speak to aspiring journalists and news anchors. On Oct. 28, 2024, O’Rourke attended the Garden State Scholastic Press Association’s Fall Convention where she spoke to student journalists about her transition from being a radio traffic anchor to becoming a traffic news anchor.
Media specialist and librarian, Tracy Miceli, attended O’Rourke’s session during the GSSPA convention.
“Sometimes TV personalities can appear fake in real life, but I felt she was very approachable and answered every question that students asked her,” Miceli said.“Her Q & A session might have been longer than her actual presentation, and she was so selfless about answering what seemed like rapid-fire questioning from the audience.”
During the session, O’Rourke gave advice on time management, motivation and the importance of networking and forming connections.
“Persistence is key,” O’Rourke said. “When you are passionate about something, you must be persistent. Don’t be afraid. It opens doors for many opportunities.”
With her busy job, O’Rourke must practice time management. She takes time out of her limited day to create her own traffic reports, do research based on traffic cameras, spend time with her family and do chores around the house.
Senior producer and anchor of DVTV, Adrienne Wolfram, represented Del Val’s broadcasting program at the convention.
“This made a huge impact on me personally because I was able to better learn how many different types of film there are,” Wolfram said. “She also made me realize how important time management is within this industry.”
O’Rourke spoke about how motivation is so important for her job, speaking about how hard it is to wake up and sleep at early times and get ready in 27 minutes, but it’s what she must do to work this job.
“Days are tough, but you just have to pull through and remind yourself of your goals,” O’Rourke said.
O’Rourke spoke about the importance of networking and making connections in both her personal and work life. Specifically, O’Rourke used her connections to help her daughter pursue future studies. She believes that even if these connections do not directly impact you now, they may be beneficial to have in the future.
After listening to O’Rourke speak at the convention, members of The Delphi staff were amazed by her youthful skin and asked some questions regarding her skincare routine. In case you were wondering, to achieve her beautiful skin she eats a healthy diet, receives facials monthly, and gets sufficient hours of sleep.
Check out ABC 7 NY to see O’Rourke in action.
