In the fall of 2022, I was hired as the Los Angeles Times’ audio fellow.
I worked to bring reporters’ stories to life on The Times podcast. From recording interviews in the field to editing clips in ProTools, I learned to develop an ear for good storytelling.
Here are my favorites:
The Times podcast: How NCAA athletes cash in on name, image and likeness
published March 27, 2023
I co-pitched this story with my co-producer, Kasia Broussalian. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, the LATimes Olympic sports reporter, served as the guest. I interviewed Olympians Jordan Chiles, Emma Malabuyo and UCLA gymnast Margzetta Frazier about their experiences navigating the new NIL era.
The Times podcast: Why hotel rooms for L.A.’s homeless sit empty
published February 15, 2023
Along with LATimes business reporter Jaimie Ding, I interviewed the residents of the Cecil Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Private developers converted the Cecil Hotel into SRO (single room occupancy) units for LA’s homeless population. Our story uncovers how difficult it is to get a housing program up and to keep it running.
The Times podcast: The music genre Korean elders ‘trot’ to
published April 21, 2023
LATimes Asian American communities reporter Jeong Park did a great story about Koreatown’s elderly and their renewed love for Korean Trot music. We turned his print story into an audio one. The best part? Going to the Greek Theatre for my first Trot concert and also the Koreatown Senior Centre to record some live dancing and singing.
Helen Li's Portfolio 