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Meet the Media: Jennifer Vuong, Anchor and Producer at Automotive News

Jennifer Vuong is the producer and anchor of Automotive News TV’s morning newscast, First Shift, which features the lead stories of the day, and news that developed overnight. Vuong also serves as a videographer and video editor.

Can you tell us what types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

We keep an eye on everything from autonomous and electric vehicles to what’s going on in Washington D.C. We have an amazing team of reporters at Automotive News who help generate stories for our newscasts. We also produce original content. I also look for off-the-wall automotive-related stories.

Describe the craziest or most fun story you have written.

This may not be the most fun or craziest, but back in college, I reported on TV host Jerry Springer’s visit to Wayne State University. Enough said….

What story or stories are you most proud of?

I visited a VW dealership in Newark, Calif., a couple years back. I interviewed the dealer, who is a Vietnamese immigrant. His story of starting from humble beginnings to building a successful business reminded me of my parents’ story. My folks also emigrated from Vietnam and only had the clothes on their backs when they arrived stateside. My father currently works as an engineer at General Motors’ technical center in Warren, Mich.

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

Since I work mainly with video, I look for stories that can be told with compelling b-roll, images or sound bites. But I understand not every story is visually riveting. People-oriented stories are always interesting.

How long have you been in journalism and how did you get started?

I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit in 2007 with a journalism degree. I took an internship with Automotive News in 2008 and helped launch the publication’s online video business. Almost 10 years later, I’m still here!

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am …

Exploring Detroit and creating video/social content for my personal Instagram account, @jennifer_vuong. I love shooting video, creating mini stories, and editing video.

What advice do you have for PR people that want to pitch you?

Please alert me if there are images and videos to go along with the story. Also, if there is a unique name in a press release, please provide the phonetic spelling.

Any pet peeves with PR people?

One follow-up email is adequate. Also, when sending a press release, please be available for immediate media inquiries.

Tell us a little about yourself (family, interests, hobbies, background, etc.)

I have a Vietnamese last name, but am Chinese. I speak Cantonese — although I’m not as fluent as I used to be as a kid. I enjoy running outdoors and will be running my first marathon in October in Detroit. I also don’t know how to swim.

You can follow Jennifer on Twitter at: @first_shift

You can also view some of Jennifer’s latest work here:
3.1 million electrified vehicles on roads
Nissan slashing N.A. assembly up to 20%, report says
How auto import tariffs could impact dealers