KUJH online

Charley-Ann Ortiz (she/her)

Lead Producer, News Anchor

Charley-Ann Ortiz is majoring in multimedia journalism and minoring in business. Throughout her time at the J-School, she has created segments and reported for production shows, including Jayhawk Jukebox and KUJH News. She has four years experience in social media management for a local business in Wichita. She loves pop culture, particularly music and celebrities, and hopes to work in entertainment.

Venus Beland (she/her)

Web Producer, News Anchor

Venus Beland is a junior from Kansas City, Missouri. She is majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in philosophy. In addition to her role as Web Producer for KUJH News, Venus is currently the Arts and Culture Editor for the University Daily Kansan, where she has worked for two years. She recently spent a summer abroad in the Netherlands, where she studied global journalism and eastern philosophy. She’s looking forward to being part of the KUJH News team as she hopes to gain more experience in digital producing and editing. In her free time, Venus enjoys attending local live music shows, reading classic novels and embarking on her never-ending journey to find the perfect iced latte.

Sofia Lamento (she/her)

Social Producer

Sofia Lamento is a senior majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in psychology. She has a passion for exploring and uncovering hidden gems in Kansas. From local restaurants to vintage festivals, Sofia is inspired by her love for community and strives to craft human-centered stories that connect with audiences on a deeper level. Along with her work reporting for the University Daily Kansan, Sofia currently works as Social Producer for KUJH News. She hopes to cover entertainment and culture for a digital magazine in the future.

Eddie Haith (he/him)

Social Producer, Graphics

Eddie Haith is a senior from Overland Park, Kansas, majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in photography. This year he will serve as a Social Producer for KUJH News and create new graphics for the show. In his free time, Eddie creates digital art and designs clothing. After graduation, he hopes to work as a social media producer for a marketing agency or a local news station.

Caleb Beasley (he/him)

Digital Producer, Social and Videographer

Caleb Beasley is a senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma and is double majoring in Multimedia Journalism and History. He is currently finishing his final semester at the University of Kansas. Caleb will be serving as digital producer, social media producer and videographer for KUJH News. Caleb also is a writer for the University Daily Kansan and hopes to work as a multimedia journalist after graduation.

Lauren Richey (she/her)

Sports Director, Anchor

Lauren Richey is from Olathe, Kansas, majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in sports management. This year she is producing Playmakers and is one of the sports directors for KUJH News. In both outlets, she serves as a reporter and a news anchor. In her free time, you can find Lauren in the gym or at any sporting event. Lauren’s hopes post-grad are to work in sports as a reporter and analyst. She is looking forward to the new experiences this year will bring!

Lindsay Ryan (she/her)

Sports Director, Anchor

Lindsay Ryan is double majoring in sports media and multimedia journalism with a minor in sport management. She has produced Good Morning KU Sports for two semesters while technical directing several other Media Crossroads shows. This year, Lindsay will be co-producing Playmakers and working for the KU Club Hockey team as a rink-side reporter.

Sydney Clark (she/her)

News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist

Sydney Clark is a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, majoring in multimedia journalism and minoring in sport management. She’s been part of KUJH News for four semesters and has experience in many different roles in the newsroom, from production assistant to multimedia journalist to anchor. Sydney has a passion for sports, and outside KUJH News, you can find her with Kansas Athletics as a social media intern. She’s been heavily involved within Media Crossroads productions, formally as a sports reporter for Playmakers, as well as a technical director for various shows. Within the William Allen White School of Journalism, she’s part of the student ambassador program and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters as a college ambassador. She’s looking forward to growing her skills as a reporter with KUJH News, as she enters the job search for roles as a sports multimedia journalist post-graduation in May 2025.

Melaina Hesterlee (she/her)

News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist

Melaina Hesterlee is a sophomore from Lenexa, Kansas majoring in multimedia with a minor in film. In addition to her involvement with KUJH News, Melaina participates in Multimedia Crossroads, Her Campus socials, and work as a techie at the J-Bar. Outside of school, Melaina enjoys reading, cheering, playing Minecraft and spending time with friends and family. She’s excited to learn more this semester and hopes to become an on-air reporter or producer after graduation.

Charlotte James (she/her)

News Anchor, Multimedia Journalist

Charlotte James is a sophomore at KU studying journalism and political science with a minor in communications. This is her first semester with KUJH after participating in Good Morning and Good Evening KU as a producer as well as on-screen talent. Outside of the studio, she is involved with the St. Lawrence Catholic Center and KU Dance Alliance. In the future, Charlotte hopes to work in Washington D.C. in media, government or both.

Anabelle DeFord (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Anabelle DeFord is a junior studying journalism and mass communications, with a concentration in sports media and a minor in sports management. Outside of the J-School, Anabelle works for Rock Chalk Video, the production team for Kansas Athletics. There, she has gained a solid foundation of sports production. After graduation, she hopes to work for another D1 institution as a creative service specialist.

Ashley Updike (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Ashley Updike is a junior from San Antonio, Texas, studying multimedia journalism with a concentration in sports media and a minor in sport management. Ashley is a huge football fan and you can always find her rooting for the Green Bay Packers! She currently works as a videographer for the Kansas Jayhawks football team, and her ultimate goal is to work as a videographer for an NFL team. Ashley has worked on a few shows for Media Crossroads since she started taking classes in the J-School, and she’s excited to join the KUJH News team this semester!

Grace Johnson (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Grace Johnson is a junior at the University of Kansas, studying journalism with a focus on sports media and a minor in sports management. She works for Rock Chalk Video, assisting with ESPN+ broadcasts for Kansas Athletics, where she has gained experience in live sports production. In addition to her work with Kansas Athletics, she has directed Good Morning KU, Good Evening KU, and Run It Back for the William Allen White School of Journalism. After graduation, Grace hopes to work in game-day production for ESPN or the NFL.

Lexy Urban (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Lexy Urban is a junior at the University of Kansas from Des Moines, Iowa. She is majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in sociology. Lexy enjoys covering stories about culture and entertainment. This is her first semester with KUJH News and she is excited to grow her broadcasting skills. In the future, Lexy hopes to work at a news station as a reporter or anchor.

Taylor Doyle (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Taylor Doyle is a junior from Shawnee, Kansas. She is triple majoring in political science, multimedia journalism, and global and international studies, with a minor in leadership studies. Taylor has worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Digital Inclusion, housed in the journalism school, for three years. She assists with a technology education program developed for justice-involved women, and researches technology access among marginalized communities. After completing her undergraduate degree, Taylor will attend law school in Fall 2026.

Caden Baird (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Caden Baird is a junior from Fort Worth, Texas, majoring in multimedia journalism with a focus in sports media and broadcasting with a minor in sports management. Caden has been involved in multiple media crossroads opportunities as on-air talent in shows such as Good Morning KU, Good Evening KU and Good Morning KU Sports. He is currently a sports writer for the University Daily Kansan and is looking to continue his dream of becoming an anchor for a news or sports segment on a broadcast network.

Jenna Zerr (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Jenna Zerr is a junior from Overland Park, Kansas, and is pursuing a degree in multimedia journalism with a minor in sports management. Jenna has always been passionate about storytelling and sports, and plans to continue her education by attending law school in the fall of 2026, with hopes of studying at Arizona State University. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jenna was a member of Good Evening KU. This experience has helped her refine her skills in media production and journalism, further preparing me for a career that bridges my interests in communication and law.

Delaney Gregory (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Delaney Gregory is a junior from Chicago, Illinois, working towards a degree in multimedia journalism with a minor in business. Delaney enjoys covering sports stories and has goals of becoming a sports broadcaster. This is her first semester with KUJH News as well as Jayhawk Jukebox. She’s looking forward to the challenges and excitement this semester has in store!

Lily Schutzenhofer (she/her)

Multimedia Journalist

Lily Schutzenhofer is a senior from Chicago, Illinois, majoring in sports management with a minor in journalism. This will be her third year with Playmakers, a Media Crossroads production. She is also a rink-side reporter for the University of Kansas Men’s Club hockey team. Outside of the University of Kansas, she is a Kansas City Maverick’s street team member. She enjoys watching sports, reading and traveling in her free time.

Caden Letsche (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Caden Letsche is a junior from Arlington, South Dakota, majoring in sports media with a minor in sports management. He has been involved with broadcasting for KUJH News and writing for the University Daily Kansan. Caden is consistently involved on campus and is excited to be a part of KUJH. 

Tyler Bermundo (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Tyler Bermundo is a senior from Long Beach, California, studying sports journalism, broadcast journalism and sports management. After playing two years of junior college baseball, Tyler transferred to the University of Kansas where he has been involved in Media Crossroads productions and started his own podcast, Social Media Sobriety. He is also a proud member of KU Chabad and coaches baseball in his free time. Tyler will also be the radio announcer for KU baseball.

Coop Hannon (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Coop Hannon is a multimedia journalism major from Redondo Beach, California. As a junior, Coop has been part of numerous student-run TV programs in hopes of joining a news station after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, golfing and watching tv.

Donivan Bullins (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Donivan Bullins is a junior from Lenexa, Kansas, majoring in political science and multimedia journalism. He is seeking to apply his journalistic skills and attend law school after completing his undergrad, specializing in defense litigation. Before KUJH, Donivan previously reported for Transitions Media, an online magazine in the Czech Republic. Outside of the KU J-School, he is a member of the Marching Jayhawks and the KU Basketball Band.

Jonah Kahn (he/him)

Multimedia Journalist

Jonah Kahn is a senior from Kansas City, majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in business. Jonah is a transfer student from Stony Brook University located in Long Island, New York. Outside of KUJH News, Jonah is a news intern with KCTV5 News Kansas City and has been part of their team since January 2024. At KCTV5, he has produced digital content and has assisted reporters with daily story assignments. At Stony Brook, Jonah was involved with The Statesman, a student newspaper, where he was a sports reporter focusing on lacrosse coverage. Outside of the newsroom, Jonah has performed in various shows throughout the Kansas City area, and enjoys working out and spending time with his two dogs.