Between You and Media - Maggie Kent
Posted by tmadison on Oct. 13, 2026 / Subscribe 0
You grew up in Philadelphia’s Italian Market and returned home to join Action News in 2018. What first sparked your interest in journalism, and what did it mean to you to report in your hometown?
I grew up watching Action News. Rick, Monica and Cecily were on in the morning as I got ready for school. I feel very grateful to have them as an example, and later in my career as co-workers- can you imagine?! Incredible.
I’ve always loved people, storytelling and performance. Local news is a great blend of those three elements and really plays to the empathy that I feel with my neighbors.
You started your career carrying your own camera through the Bronx and Brooklyn. How did that experience shape the reporter you are today?
I think it’s truly the only way to go. In learning each aspect of the job, you become a better coworker as your team grows. I know what it’s like to shoot, so I can now collaborate well with my photographers. I’ve been in situations where editing without any video to fill the story, and now I’m a stronger writer for it. It builds respect for the craft and those who can do it at such a high level.
With social media in the mix, it was a natural fit because I already felt confident in my digital storytelling skills.
Between anchoring Saturday mornings and reporting in the field during the week, what do you enjoy most about the different parts of your role at 6abc?
I like it all. That’s why general assignment reporting really appeals to me. You never know what your day will be like when you wake up. The uncertainty can at times drive you crazy, but it also feeds the curiosity monster in all of us journos.
Anchoring stretches an entirely different muscle. It’s storytelling with finesse. As a solo-anchor I need to transition between stories and topics seamlessly.
You cover everything from breaking news to stories about neighbors making a difference. What makes a local story stand out to you, and is there one you’ve covered that has particularly stayed with you?
It’s all people. Each story is only as impactful as the characters in it. I think finding those characters is the such an exciting aspect of reporting. My favorite question to ask at the end of each interview is, “Is there anything I forgot?” It’s usually when you get the best nuggets of information!
My favorite recent story is about a South Philly grandmother who stopped a package theft in progress. After yelling at the would-be thief, she offered her the last $7 in her purse. That’s Philly.
For PR professionals reaching out with a story idea, what makes you stop and read a pitch? What should they include to help you picture how the story could work on television?
Pitches are best when they are succinct. The 5 W’s who, what, where, when and why (& easy contact info!) I really appreciate a pitch that includes an outline of the visuals. There are so many great stories but without understanding how they would “pop” on camera it’s hard to move forward. I love a pitch with characters built in- someone who is affect by said issue and ready to talk, etc.
What are some common pitching mistakes you wish PR professionals would avoid, and how do you prefer they handle follow-ups?
Long pitches without clear directions about when something is happening or what I’ll see on scene. Pitches too far in advance. I’d say a sweet spot is 3-4 days. Then a follow up the day before/that morning. Hot tip: Almost all newsrooms have a 9am meeting to plan for the day ahead. Hitting a reporters inbox at 8am is prime-time.
Just for fun: Your bio mentions finding local lunch spots while out in the news van. What’s a favorite Philly food stop or hidden gem you’ve discovered along the way?
I love them all, I truly don’t discriminate. One really unique spot is in Delco- Hibernian Cafe. An Irish store/restaurant with the BEST Mexican food too… Who would guess?!
What is your contact information/preferred mode of contact?
[email protected] or Instagram DM!
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