TL/DR –
Former Fox 10 journalist Ashlie Rodriguez has become Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Arizona press secretary. Rodriguez left her news job in May due to burnout after 16 years in the industry, citing a desire for change. She accepted the position with Gallego’s office in July after leaving her previous role without another job lined up.
Ashlie Rodriguez Transitions from Journalist to Press Secretary for Sen. Ruben Gallego
Former Fox 10 journalist, Ashlie Rodriguez, has made a career shift into politics, taking on the role of Arizona Press Secretary for Sen. Ruben Gallego. This move comes after leaving the news industry in May due to burnout after a 16-year tenure.
Unlike Kari Lake, another Fox 10 journalist who left her anchor job in 2021 to run for office as a self-proclaimed “Trump in heels,” Rodriguez chose a different path and political aisle. She joined Gallego’s office in July, a few months after leaving her previous role with no subsequent job in place.
Ashlie Rodriguez Embraces Change in Career
Rodriguez expressed her readiness for the switch. Having always had an interest in politics, she cited her decade-long coverage of Trump as a significant factor pushing her towards the career shift.
Rodriguez initially planned to work for newspapers, but the 2010 layoffs led her to divert her career path. She bought a handheld camera, shot a resume tape, and sent it across the country until she landed a job in Great Falls, Montana, marking the start of her TV career.
Rodriguez Eager to Leave Breaking News Behind
When asked if she would miss covering breaking news, Rodriguez expressed her preference for city council meetings, legislative sessions, and interacting with politicians. She acknowledged the fatigue from covering stories of death and destruction and expressed excitement about her shift into politics.
Rodriguez didn’t immediately transition to work for Gallego after leaving Fox 10. With her contract up in May, she decided to take a leap of faith and left her job without any plans. After interviewing with different political groups, Gallego’s office position opened up, and Rodriguez found her fit.
Journalism Landscape has Shifted, Rodriguez Notes
Rodriguez observed that journalism has significantly changed since she started. She expressed her concerns about biased stories and echo chambers, stating that these factors contribute to the nation’s division. Despite these challenges, Rodriguez is hopeful about the future of journalism, citing the rise of podcasts and alternative media.
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Contact Ashlie Rodriguez at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Subscribe to our weekly Watchlist newsletter.
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