WINK Digital Team
•7/31/2026
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — After spending the summer learning the ins and outs of the newsroom, WINK News intern Brooke Casey is heading back to Penn State University with new experiences, lasting friendships, and an even stronger passion for journalism.
From shadowing reporters in the field to producing her own sports stand-up, Brooke embraced every opportunity to learn. Before she heads back to school, we asked her to reflect on her summer at WINK News.
What made you want to intern at WINK News?
Brooke Casey: As a Penn State student, I had heard nothing but wonderful things about WINK News, so when I saw the internship application open, I knew I had to apply. I wanted the chance to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve always loved telling stories that have a real impact on the communities they serve, and WINK News felt like the perfect place to grow that passion while learning from people who genuinely care about the work they do. (Also, the warm weather was a plus.)
Where do you hope to be in five years?
Brooke Casey: Honestly, it’s probably cheesy to say, but I just hope I’m happy. I’ve had the chance to explore so many different areas of news and storytelling that I can’t picture myself committing to one specific path five years from now. More than anything, I just hope I’m still telling the stories that matter. Whether that’s in a huge market or a smaller one doesn’t really matter to me. As long as I’m creating meaningful work that helps people, I’ll be happy.
What has been your favorite part of your internship?
Brooke Casey: Without a doubt, getting to work alongside and shadow the reporters. Being out in the field, meeting the people these stories directly impact, and helping tell stories that can create meaningful change has been incredibly rewarding. Every day has taught me something new, and I’ve genuinely loved every second of it.
What was something about working in the newsroom that you didn’t expect?
Brooke Casey: Honestly, I didn’t expect everyone to be so close-knit. It really does feel like one big family, and I felt welcomed from my very first day. Everyone was so willing to answer questions, offer advice, and make sure I was learning, which made the experience even more meaningful.
What was your favorite story you worked on?
Brooke Casey: This is such a hard question because every story taught me something different. One of my favorite learning experiences was spending the day at the courthouse with Olivia Jean and Matt. It was such an unexpectedly fun day, and I learned so much by seeing that side of reporting firsthand.
That said, my favorite story was probably the feature on Cape Coral BMX coach Nick Jones. It was the first time I got to help conduct an interview and record my own WINK Sports stand-up. It was one of those moments where everything started to feel real, and I left that day even more excited about pursuing this career.
Who in the newsroom had the biggest impact on you, and why?
Brooke Casey: Lauren Halpern, without a doubt. She was incredibly welcoming from the second I was assigned to work with her and always treated me like part of the team. She never made me feel like “just the intern,” and I learned so much simply by getting to shadow her. Watching how she connected with people and approached every story with empathy and genuine excitement was so impactful. She truly made my summer, and I’m so grateful I got the chance to learn from her.
We wish Brooke all the best as she continues pursuing a career in journalism and can’t wait to see where her storytelling takes her next.
