Laura Kirtley

 

Laura joined WLFI in April 2008 as the weekend anchor and reporter. In summer 2009 she moved to the all new Morning Team 18 . 

She grew up in Crawfordsville and went to Crawfordsville High School.  In 2004, she graduated from Indiana University with a degree in journalism and political science.  After college, Laura moved to Washington, DC where she worked for Senator Evan Bayh.  In 2006, she joined the successful Congressional campaign of Brad Ellsworth.  She most recently worked for Congressman Ellsworth representing Indiana's 8th District on Capitol Hill.  While in college, she interned at a public relations agency, a local newspaper, and spent a semester working in London at the House of Commons.
Laura loves politics and is an avid runner.  She is happy to be near her family after a few years away.  She says this is a lifelong dream come true and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to be able to cover stories where she grew up. 

---

  Where did you grow up?

Crawfordsville, Indiana
 
What college did you attend?

Indiana University

 

What was your very first job?

Arni's in Crawfordsville

What is your favorite movie?

The Sound of Music and Notting Hill

What is your favorite dessert?

I love to bake. You name it, I bake it.  But, my absolute favorite is Chili's Molten Lava Cake.  I once traveled across state lines just to get one. 

What type of radio station do you listen to?

NPR, country, pop, and of course, Delilah.  Most people laugh at my iPod mix.
 

What you most like to do in your free time?

I am a political junkie.  I also love to run, read the newspaper, and hang out with my friends and family.
 
If you could meet any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Oprah Winfrey

Your favorite sport to play?

Ha!
 
Your favorite sport to watch?

Ha..ha!  Let's just say, I have a lot to learn from our sports department.

How much sleep do you need?

7-8 hours

How much sleep do you get?

6-7 hours.  I blame late night comedians.

Has any moment in television / reporting history influenced you?

The 2000 presidential election.  I stayed up all night watching the returns, pacing the hallways, and checking online for the latest updates.  It was the first time I remember turning the Internet for the most up-to-date information.  When the networks raced to call Florida, I went to bed thinking it was all over.  It was the first time I could remember the news actually getting it wrong in the race to be first.  It also became clear that journalism was changing and becoming more interactive. 

Which holiday do you get into the most?

All of them!  I usually coordinate my baking and clothing to match the holiday.  I only wish I were joking.
 
What did your first day in news / TV teach you about the business?

Wow, you have a lot of learn.  Always have your cup of coffee and be ready to go at any moment.  This job can take you anywhere on any given day.  It is incredible to learn something new and different each day. 

Your most memorable moment at WLFI?

Sitting at the anchor desk for my first newscast.  When I sat down and the lights went on, it was a lifelong dream realized. 

Saying or motto you live by?

My mom's advice to me and my sisters--take it one day at a time.  If that's too much to handle, one hour at a time.  And, if it's a particularly rough day, take it minute by minute!