Aaron Besecker visits the University at Buffalo on Monday, March 9 for a press conference where students asked a variety of questions pertaining to his position as Crime Reporter with the Buffalo News and how he landed that position.
The conference started at 7:15pm in Capen Hall with approximately 25 students and one adjunct instructor attending.
Becksecker obtained his bachelors degree in sociology from the University at Buffalo in 2002 with no plan to pursue a career in reporting and journalism. The college graduate took a journalism course at Buffalo State College where he discovered his new found path for reporting which led him to enroll in the masters program.
Post graduation Besecker goes out into the greater Buffalo surrounding area to cover events at all different levels. The young reporter covered matters at Buffalo City Hall, municipal meetings, town board meetings, and used media platforms for digital reports.
One of Aarons first gigs was with the The Niagara Gazette where he was able to expand his skill set. Besecker builds his momentum and an opportunity to work for the Buffalo News surfaces.
Joining the Buffalo News was validation that his work experience and education was a great foundation for his career. Aaron was responsible for breaking news which led him to his strong focus on crime and criminal justice. With access to the Buffalo Police Departments daily police reports, his job became more involved with the community. These reports assist his effort to break news before other news outlets. Besecker works diligently to report misconduct to his viewers as professionally and quickly as possible.
“I’m typically talking to people on the worst day of their life” said Buffalo News reporter Aaron Besecker. Shortly after this statement, he explains the day he covered the deadly plane crash in Clarence, NY as the “Biggest Disaster”.
Producing news reports and getting them out to viewers efficiently is a main part of Aaron Beseckers job. He explains how stories are somewhat designed to meet the expectations of subscribed viewers. Frequently based on number of views and the topics which are most viewed.
Besecker presents the stats page for the Buffalo News to the class which is an important tool for his job. “Our editors want us to do the stories that engage with readers the most”.
The Buffalo News reporter is known for his ability to cover a story and then write it anywhere from ten minutes to an hour’s time. “I think the recent number in the last three months was 92 stories in 90 days” said Besecker.
Collectively, Aaron Besecker is an accomplished individual who enjoys his craft. Comparing Besecker’s past to his present it is clear that his education from majoring in sociology and journalism has helped him be the successful news reporter he is today.
Aaron’s work brings him satisfaction, and drives him to continue doing what he loves.
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