A Service of UA Little Rock
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Faces Of NPR: Cecily Meza-Martinez

Emily Sullivan/NPR

The Basics:

Name: Cecily Meza-Martinez

Twitter Handle: @ItsCecilyYall

Job Title: Audio & Technical Resource Specialist on the News Operations Desk

Where You're From: Santa Ana, California

An Inside Look:

You're a Audio & Technical Resource Specialist. What does that mean?

I provide any and all audio for all the shows, reporters and live, special coverage. I manage the audio recording requests, quality, logistics and execution of all audio that is needed. I support and launch any logistics needed for special coverage. I also provide support to all remote and in-house reporters, manage the studio usage for in-house production and external clients, such as Member stations. On top of the many daily tasks News Operations takes on—we stay busy here on the third floor!

How did you get started here? What advice do you have for someone who wants a job like yours?

I started as an intern with the Arts Desk in Fall 2014—one of the most creative and talented bunches in this building! I went back to California to finish my last semester of college then took a huge leap and moved to the east coast for some temp work at NPR. I bounced around between News Operations, Morning Edition and Programming and landed a full-time permanent position after about six months at News Ops. Some advice: DO NOT STOP HUSTLING. There is tons of work here in this building and you never know what could pop up. Just keep emailing, checking in, and standing out.

/ Emily Sullivan/NPR
/
Emily Sullivan/NPR

What's your favorite #NPRLife moment? What are some cool things you've worked on?

I worked on Media Row during the Democratic National Convention during the summer of 2016 and engineered live and pre-produced segments for our member stations and NPR newsmagazines.

What's on your desk?

I have tons of Drake merchandise. I'm a big fan and have him pinned all over my desk. I also have post cards of the recent places I've traveled, media credentials, campaign swag, wine and a Cowboys pennant. Cheat sheets galore too—a lot having to do with News Ops related work.

Favorite podcast?

Loveline.

/ Emily Sullivan/NPR
/
Emily Sullivan/NPR

Favorite Tiny Desk?

T-Pain and Gucci Mane! Fingers crossed that we can get Drake up in here.

First thing you do when you get to the office?

Drop off my purse, get my breakfast out and get ready for what the news day has in store. I spend much of my morning reading the wires and events happening in DC while puzzling the pieces together of what audio coverage we can get for reporters and desks.

What were you doing before NPR?

I worked at In N Out Burger! I lived and traveled with them to open up new markets in California, Arizona and Texas. I also interned in D.C. at Talk Radio News Service, which is now known as Talk Media News.

What are you inspired by right now?

I feel inspired every day with a motivational song and artist to get me through the work day, work out and to the weekend. Currently: G-Eazy, Rotimi, 50 Cent and Drake are my music inspirations to get me through the week.

/ Emily Sullivan/NPR
/
Emily Sullivan/NPR

How do you destress from the daily news cycle?

Bad reality TV, ESPN and my regular TV shows on repeat: Power, Being Mary Jane, American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead.

What do you love about public radio?

It's free—and many of my family and friends, who have never heard of NPR until I started working here, now listen!

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.