Misty Severi: Breaking News Reporter and Voice for Ethical Journalism

Misty Severi has established herself as a respected voice in political journalism, known for her commitment to accuracy and ethical reporting. Currently an evening reporter at Just the News, her career trajectory from California Baptist University graduate to Washington, D.C. correspondent demonstrates her dedication to informing the public on critical issues.

Education and Early Development

Severi graduated with honors from California Baptist University in May 2021, earning a double major in journalism and history. Her education provided the analytical foundation for connecting current events with historical context—a skill that defines her reporting approach today.

During her time at CBU, she worked extensively with The Banner, the campus newspaper, holding various editor positions. Her coverage of a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Riverside during summer 2020 earned her the “Outstanding Field Reporting” award and “The Best Breaking News Story” recognition from the California College Media Association.

Freelance and Stringer Work

Before launching her full-time career, Severi gained practical experience through multiple channels:

• The College Fix: Worked as a freelance writer and student journalist, developing skills in political reporting
• Press-Enterprise: Served as a freelance reporter covering Riverside County news
• Associated Press: Worked as a stringer during the 2020 general election, calling in live results from Riverside County
• Lancer Media Group: Held the position of National Editor, managing editorial teams and content strategy

These early roles taught her to adapt to different writing styles, meet tight deadlines, and handle breaking news under pressure.

Washington Examiner: Breaking Into National Journalism

In August 2021, just months after graduation, Severi joined the Washington Examiner as a breaking news reporter—a position that typically requires several years of experience. Her rapid advancement came through connections developed at The College Fix and her demonstrated skill in fast-paced reporting.

At the Washington Examiner, she covered major political developments, Supreme Court decisions, and international events. Her reporting interests centered on U.S. military affairs, European politics, and the intersection of history with current events.

One of Severi’s significant beats involved British political and royal coverage. She reported on:

• The death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022
• The coronation of King Charles III in May 2023
• British prime minister elections and transitions
• An exclusive interview with former Prime Minister Liz Truss

This international focus distinguished her reporting and demonstrated her ability to provide American audiences with nuanced coverage of European affairs.

Current Role at Just the News

Severi currently serves as an evening reporter for Just the News, continuing her focus on breaking news and political developments. Her work emphasizes factual accuracy and accountability journalism.

Her reporting covers:

• Federal policy decisions
• Congressional actions
• Supreme Court rulings
• National security issues
• Social policy debates

Awards and Recognition

Severi’s work has earned professional recognition:

• California College Media Association: “The Best Breaking News Story” and “Outstanding Field Reporting” awards for her coverage of civil rights protests
• National Journalism Award: Recognition for excellence in journalism

Her achievements are particularly notable given her relatively short career span, indicating the quality and impact of her work.

Journalistic Philosophy: Ethical Reporting Standards

Severi advocates for what she calls “moral journalism”—an approach that prioritizes truthfulness, thorough research, and ethical storytelling. She believes journalism’s core mission is to inform the electorate so citizens can make educated decisions about governance.

Key principles of her approach include:

• Fact verification: Prioritizing accuracy over speed
• Source transparency: Clearly attributing information
• Contextual depth: Providing historical and political context
• Fair representation: Presenting multiple perspectives on complex issues

In interviews, she has emphasized that democracy functions only when the public is well-informed, making journalism essential to civic life.

Reporting Style and Approach

Severi’s reporting style is characterized by:

• Clarity: Breaking down complex political and policy issues into accessible language
• Speed with accuracy: Delivering timely updates without sacrificing factual precision
• Human focus: Highlighting how political decisions affect everyday Americans
• Historical perspective: Drawing connections between current events and historical precedents

Her dual background in journalism and history enables her to provide depth that resonates with both casual news consumers and policy experts.

Coverage Areas and Expertise

Severi covers Washington politics extensively, including White House decisions, congressional legislation, and federal agency actions. Her reporting provides real-time updates during major political events.

With a particular interest in U.S. military affairs, she reports on defense policy, veteran issues, and national security developments. This specialization allows her to provide informed analysis on complex military topics.

Her coverage extends beyond domestic issues to European politics and international relations, particularly regarding the United Kingdom and transatlantic affairs.

Severi reports on social policy debates, including education, healthcare, and civil rights issues, examining how policy changes affect communities.

Mentorship and Industry Influence

Beyond her reporting, Severi actively mentors aspiring journalists. She encourages young reporters to:

• Develop strong research skills
• Cultivate diverse source networks
• Maintain ethical standards
• Pursue stories that matter to communities
• Balance speed with accuracy in breaking news

Her rapid career progression serves as inspiration for journalism students and early-career reporters.

Professional Challenges and Adaptation

The breaking news environment presents constant challenges:

• Irregular hours: News breaks at any time, requiring flexibility and availability
• Pressure and deadlines: Balancing the need for immediate reporting with thorough fact-checking
• Information verification: Distinguishing accurate information from misinformation in real-time
• Emotional toll: Covering difficult events while maintaining professional objectivity

Severi has demonstrated resilience in managing these demands while maintaining her commitment to accuracy and ethics.

Severi’s career path—from student journalist to national political reporter in under five years—reflects both talent and dedication. Her position at Just the News allows her to continue pursuing investigative stories and breaking news while advocating for press freedom and journalistic integrity.

She has expressed interest in expanding her coverage of Washington institutions, holding elected officials accountable, and mentoring the next generation of journalists. Her commitment to factual, unbiased reporting positions her as a voice for responsible journalism in an era of media skepticism.

Impact on Contemporary Journalism

Severi represents a generation of journalists navigating the challenges of modern media:

• Adapting to digital platforms while maintaining traditional journalism values
• Using social media for real-time reporting and audience engagement
• Balancing transparency with source protection
• Maintaining ethical standards amid pressure for rapid content production

Her work demonstrates that young journalists can quickly establish credibility through consistent, quality reporting that serves the public interest.

Conclusion

Misty Severi has built a career defined by ethical reporting, political expertise, and commitment to informing the public. From her award-winning student journalism at California Baptist University to her current role covering national politics at Just the News, she exemplifies the values of accuracy, fairness, and transparency that sustain public trust in journalism.

Her focus on U.S. military affairs, European politics, and historical context provides readers with depth and insight. As she continues her career in Washington, D.C., Severi’s dedication to moral journalism and mentorship influences both current reporting standards and the future of the profession.

FAQs

What is Misty Severi’s educational background?

Misty Severi graduated with honors from California Baptist University in May 2021 with a double major in journalism and history. Her education provided both practical journalism skills and historical perspective that informs her political reporting.

Where does Misty Severi currently work?

She currently works as an evening reporter at Just the News, focusing on breaking news and political developments in Washington, D.C. Previously, she worked as a breaking news reporter at the Washington Examiner from August 2021.

What major events has Misty Severi covered?

Her notable coverage includes the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the coronation of King Charles III, British prime minister elections, congressional legislation, Supreme Court decisions, and various political developments in Washington, D.C.

What awards has Misty Severi received?

She has received recognition from the California College Media Association for “The Best Breaking News Story” and “Outstanding Field Reporting” for her coverage of Black Lives Matter protests. She has also received the National Journalism Award for excellence in journalism.

What does “moral journalism” mean to Misty Severi?

Severi defines moral journalism as an ethical approach that prioritizes truthfulness, thorough research, and responsible storytelling. She believes journalism must maintain integrity to effectively inform the public and support democratic processes.

What topics does Misty Severi specialize in?

Her reporting specialties include U.S. military affairs, European and international politics, U.S. political developments, and historical context for current events. She has particular expertise in covering the British royal family and U.K. politics.

How did Misty Severi start her journalism career?

She began as a student journalist at California Baptist University, working with The Banner campus newspaper. She then freelanced for The College Fix and Press-Enterprise, and worked as a stringer for the Associated Press during the 2020 election before joining the Washington Examiner in August 2021.