Inside Media Interpreting: An Interpreter’s Perspective

Ever wondered what it takes to interpret for the media? Learn practical insights into navigating the unique challenges of media interpreting and working with a variety of outlets.

Interpreting for the media is fast-paced, unpredictable, and unlike many other interpreting settings. Drawing on her experience with different media organizations, Carola will provide a behind-the-scenes look at this specialized field. Attendees will explore what it’s like to work rotating shifts, respond to breaking news, and prepare for high-profile events such as award ceremonies, presidential debates, and major events coverage.

Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, this webinar offers one interpreter’s perspective on the realities of media interpreting, the skills that have proven essential, and the strategies Carola has developed to prepare for assignments with little or no advance notice. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can adapt to their own professional practice, whether or not they plan to pursue work in the media.

By attending this webinar, you will learn how to:

1. Identify the skills and mindset that contribute to success in fast-paced, high-pressure interpreting settings.
2. Apply practical strategies for conducting efficient research and preparing for breaking news and other time-sensitive assignments.
3. Adapt to the unique demands of media interpreting, including shifting priorities, unexpected developments, and assignments with little or no advance notice.

About the Presenter

Carola Lehmacher is a multilingual freelance translator and interpreter with over 15 years of experience working with government and industry at executive and operational levels. She has two university degrees in translation studies and a master’s degree in conference interpreting. She is a federally certified court interpreter (FCCI) and a master licensed court interpreter in Georgia. Carola works as a conference interpreter for various local and international clients and is one of the voices for a major news network. Moreover, she is a licensed trainer of The Community Interpreter® International, teaches the orientation workshop for aspiring court interpreters for the Georgia Commission on Court Interpreters, and dedicates many hours to volunteering. She is the past chair of the AAITE Ethics and Standards Committee, past president of AAIT, the Georgia chapter of ATA, and currently serves as an advisory member to the Georgia Commission on Court Interpreters. She is also a member of the Positions Paper Committee of NAJIT.