By Abbie Bernet
Four years of dedication culminate today for Derryl Barnes. He’ll join more than 250 graduating seniors from the University of Miami’s School of Communication at the Watsco Center, marking the beginning of his post-college chapter.
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, the broadcast journalism major has carved a remarkable path through his four years at the University of Miami. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and a social life, he thrived as a Communication Honors student, P100, UMTV member, treasurer of the National Association of Black Journalists UM chapter, and creative video intern for UM Athletics.
The University of Miami’s impact on Barnes exceeded his wildest expectations. “These four years have really made me who I am,” he reflected. During his college career, Barnes seized once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, becoming the youngest intern in his cohort at ESPN. His impressive trajectory continued as part of The Wall Street Journal and ESPN digital video teams where he interned and worked, respectively.
Barnes interviews Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
As a senior, Barnes received the prestigious TNT Sport’s Oscar Pope Lift Every Voice Fellowship where he interviewed NBA players at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and shadowed editorial and production staff. Thanks to his Sports Reporting course with Lecturer Michelle Kaufman, Barnes had experience working major sporting events. The unique course gives students the rare opportunity to not just attend Inter Miami CF, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins games, but to be in the media room with professional reporters. “It didn’t feel like class, it didn’t feel like work. It was just going and doing the thing that I had always wanted to do,” Barnes recalls.
He describes the hands-on experiences and opportunities he received through UMTV as, “second to none.” Barnes has worked as an anchor, reporter, producer, and writer for shows and special presentations including SportsDesk, NewsVision, PrimeTime, and Hometown Heroes. In his junior and senior years alone, Barnes has amassed an impressive collection of over 20 regional and national awards in broadcast journalism, both individually and as a vital contributor to various UMTV productions.
Barnes poses with the College Television Award Sports Category trophy won by UMTV SportsDesk in 2023.
With his impressive resume, Barnes is ready to chart his course in sports broadcasting. He’s received multiple offers but feels empowered to choose the perfect fit. “My experience at the University of Miami has allowed me to be picky and wait for the best job.”
Learn more about Derryl Barnes’ journey at the University of Miami School of Communication through his features by UM Admissions, The Miami Hurricane, and News@TheU.
