Amy Koczera: Strategic Writer & Storyteller

Category: Videography & On-Camera Presence

This collection includes on-camera reporting samples from my time as a TV journalist, short-form video content created for digital platforms, and collaborative creative pieces developed to elevate brand presence. These projects demonstrate my ability to craft stories through visuals, voiceovers, pacing, and emotion.

President Joe Biden signs to rejoin Paris Climate Accord, West Texas politicians, experts react

LUBBOCK, Texas — On his first day in office, President Joe Biden fulfilled a longtime campaign promise – signing on to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. Climate scientist and Texas Tech professor Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, along with 19th Congressional District Congressman Jodey Arrington spoke on Thursday about what this could mean for the people of West Texas.

“The cost to our country, to our economy to jobs, and to regions like West Texas, would be tremendous,” said Congressman Arrington. “They’re going to get higher energy prices. We’re going to lose jobs in West Texas and rural communities like West Texas, and it’s going to compromise our energy independence, which is a pillar of our nation’s security.”

However, scientists like Dr. Hayhoe explained how the potential changes that could come from this won’t be as damaging as some might think.

Read the full article published on everythinglubbock.com on January 21, 2021.

January 21, 2021
Lubbock receives first shipment of Moderna vaccines, more to arrive next week

LUBBOCK, Texas — On Monday, the city of Lubbock received 17,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. These will be distributed to the remaining health care workers as a part of Phase 1A the state’s vaccine distribution plan.

“It just felt so great. It felt like we were turning a corner,” said Lubbock Director of Public Health, Katherine Wells, a vaccine recipient herself.

The city health department received 1,000 doses of the vaccine. They set up a mass clinic at the Civic Center to get front-line workers and first responders vaccinated.

“I really expect those 1000 doses to be gone by tomorrow,” said Wells. “We have five or six home health agencies that are coming in hospice. Some of our community clinic workers have been through there today.”

Read the full article on everythinglubbock.com, published December 28, 2020.

December 28, 2020
Recovering addict speaks out about $8.3 billion Purdue Pharma settlement

LUBBOCK, Texas — On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced they had reached a settlement with Purdue Pharma for $8.3 billion in penalties.

The company, known for creating the highly addictive drug Oxycontin, among others, is known for perpetuating the current opioid epidemic, which has led to over 400,000 deaths in America over the past two decades.

However, considering Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy last month, this amount is largely symbolic. It is unlikely company executives will pay the full amount. In a news conference with several national leaders this week, many said the penalty is not enough.

“Justice was not served for the families who have lost loved ones and who’ve experienced such devastation,” said Maura Healey, Massachusetts Attorney General. “No one’s going to jail. No one’s going to prison. And worse yet, they’ve set up a situation where Purdue is going to be able to continue on.”

Melissa Silva is the program director at Stages of Recovery and a recovering addict herself. She’s just one of the thousands that have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. Silva said the settlement would never be enough to make up for the lives lost.

“I don’t ever think it’s going to be an adequate amount,” said Silva. “I mean, there are people who lost their lives. Some people are still feeling the effects of oxycontin, I don’t think there will ever be a sufficient amount of money that will ever give people their lives back.”

Read the full article published on everythinglubbock.com on October 22, 2020.

October 22, 2020