When I decided to apply for press credentials to cover the 76th Annual Emmy Awards, I didn't think much would come of it. While I've had the incredible opportunity to moderate panels at conventions and speak with some remarkable guests on my podcast Wilhelm, I had never covered an event as prestigious as the Emmy Awards. The Emmys are Hollywood royalty, a celebration of the best in television, and to say that I was taking a shot in the dark with my application is an understatement. I thought, “What’s the harm? At worst, I don’t get selected.” So, you can imagine my surprise—and excitement—when I found out that my application was accepted. My podcast Wilhelm was officially going to be part of the media covering the Emmys!
To say I was honored is an understatement. Out of what I can only imagine were thousands of applicants, only about 100 outlets were selected, and my podcast was included among some of the biggest names in media: Variety, Access Hollywood, IndieWire, ABC, and Hollywood Insider just to name a few. It felt surreal knowing that Wilhelm, a podcast I started over a decade ago, was now listed alongside these high-profile outlets, and I was covering one of the biggest nights in television.
Of course, being a virtual press member presented its own set of challenges and unique experiences. Unlike the journalists sitting in the press room, physically watching the red carpet unfold in real time, I was part of the group covering the event from a virtual setting. But the organizers ensured that there was no difference in how we were treated. Anytime an Emmy winner came through the press room for post-win interviews, we virtual press members had just as much opportunity to ask our questions as those in the room. The Emmy Media Center Team did an excellent job making sure both in-person and virtual outlets got equal time to interact with the talent.
Although I wasn’t lucky enough to be selected to ask a question, I knew going in that not everyone would have the chance to do so. With such a limited number of spots available, I knew it was possible that my questions might not get asked this time around, but it didn’t diminish the experience for me. I had my questions ready for quite a few of the winners, and hopefully, if I’m selected to cover the event again in the future, I’ll get more opportunities to ask.
One of the most exciting parts of the virtual experience was getting to interact with other media outlets in the provided chat room. It was fascinating to be part of such an inclusive community of media professionals, some from massive outlets, others from smaller, independent ones like my own. There was a genuine sense of camaraderie and support. Anytime an outlet was selected to ask a question, the chat would light up with congratulatory messages. People were engaged, not just with the Emmy winners but with each other. It was also a great way to help each other out—whether someone needed tips on how to navigate the virtual platform or advice on framing a question, there was always someone in the chat ready to assist.
That said, virtual coverage did have its hiccups. The most common issue was sound quality. Some outlets had poor microphones, or their volume levels were off, which could be a bit frustrating. But those minor issues didn’t overshadow the overall experience. Being virtual also had some perks, like having a front-row seat to everything without having to navigate the hustle and bustle of being physically present. ABC provided us with a real-time, commercial-free stream of the award ceremony, which was a fantastic way to stay connected to the event as it unfolded. Additionally, they gave us all the tools we needed to create professional coverage: official images from the ceremony, videos of interviews with the winners, and full transcripts of the ceremony.
It felt empowering to have access to all the resources I needed to cover the Emmys in the most professional and efficient way possible. Despite being virtual, I never felt like I was missing out on the experience, and that’s a testament to how well-organized the Emmy Media Center Team and ABC were.
While I wasn’t able to ask any questions directly this time around, it still felt incredible to be part of the event in this way. Even though I didn’t get to interact with the Emmy winners myself, I watched closely as other outlets asked insightful questions, many of which were ones I’d had in mind too. It was still an inspiring and educational experience—getting a peek into the kinds of questions that elicit deeper responses from talent, and seeing how the whole media interaction unfolded.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank Na’Vell Lee from The Buzz, who encouraged me to apply for press credentials in the first place. Na’Vell has always been a great friend and supporter, and without his push, I might have let the opportunity slip by. Being able to share this experience with a friend who was also covering the event made it all the more special.
All in all, my first experience covering the Emmy Awards as a member of the press was everything I could have hoped for and more. It was a true honor and a privilege to be part of such a monumental event, and I can only hope that this will be the first of many opportunities to cover future ceremonies. A special thanks to ABC and the Emmy Media Center Team for granting me the opportunity to be part of such a historic event, and here’s hoping I’ll have the chance to do it again in the future.
For now, though, I’m still soaking in the magic of what was an unforgettable night.
