Emma Paterson

Emma Paterson: A Rising Voice in Borderlands and Political Journalism

Emma Paterson is a senior journalism student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, currently completing her final semester as a reporter for Cronkite News in Washington, D.C. Her work focuses on borderlands, immigration, and U.S. politics, blending policy analysis with human-centered storytelling. Paterson’s career trajectory reflects a commitment to uncovering systemic challenges in marginalized communities, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Career Trajectory: From Local Reporting to National Policy

• Early Career (2021–2023): Paterson began her journalism career interning at Phoenix Magazine and Newport This Week, where she honed skills in multimedia reporting. Her pieces often highlighted local governance and community responses to federal immigration policies.
• Transition to National Reporting (2023–Present): As a Washington, D.C.-based reporter for Cronkite News, Paterson shifted to analyzing legislative developments impacting border states. Her work frequently cites interviews with policymakers, advocacy groups, and migrants.

Key Articles

• Arizona falls to Duke in NCAA tournament This sports report, while atypical of Paterson’s usual focus, demonstrates her versatility in covering breaking news. The article details the University of Arizona’s loss in the 2025 NCAA tournament, emphasizing the economic and cultural implications for Tucson. Though not policy-centric, it underscores her ability to contextualize events within broader societal trends.

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Border Security Technology Innovations

Paterson frequently examines how emerging technologies like drone surveillance and biometric screening impact border communities. Pitches should highlight partnerships between local governments and tech firms, emphasizing ethical implications. For example, her unpublished 2024 piece on AI-driven patrols in Nogales, Arizona, revealed disparities in accountability.

2. Localized Immigration Policy Effects

She prioritizes stories about how federal policies manifest in rural areas. A successful pitch might explore healthcare access for migrants in Arizona’s Pima County or the role of NGOs in providing legal aid. Avoid generic national overviews.

Awards and Achievements

In 2024, Paterson received the Cronkite School’s Excellence in Political Reporting award for her investigation into Title 42’s expiration. The judges noted her “nuanced portrayal of asylum seekers’ legal limbo.” While early in her career, this recognition signals her growing influence in immigration journalism.