On Michael

Michael (second from right) photographing testimony during the impeachment proceedings of President Donald Trump (Doug Mills/New York Times)

Michael Melinger is a Los Angeles based journalist most recently working as an intern at AIR MAIL, a digital weekly from Graydon Carter.

At AIR MAIL, Michael completed various editorial work while sourcing ideas for staff writers and working closely with former New York Times Bureau Chief and AIR MAIL Co-Editor, Alessandra Stanley, on research for multiple stories.

Michael has had extensive experience covering politics including onsite experience at the White House and Capitol Hill. He has been on campaign trail stops with top candidates and covered early presidential runs in Iowa. He has produced numerous stories on Los Angeles politics and appeared on USC programming offering his insights on Mayor Bass’ budget plans. Michael has been interviewed about his reporting by ABC News.

He has also worked in sports, on the team and player side. Working first for the USC’s football team in content where the roster included Heisman Trophy Winner Caleb Williams. He currently maintains involvement by working in Name, Image and Likeness when on campus. He has also previously worked for a Miami-based sports lawyer who formerly served as in-house counsel for multiple NBA teams.

Michael started as a photographer, receiving his first professional credential at 15 to cover the Los Angeles Clippers. Prior to that, he began covering high school sports for $35 a game while in middle school. Over the years, Michael has been fortunate to have been credentialed at many high level events and worked alongside mentors including Pulitzer-prize winner Doug Mills of The New York Times.

Michael has contributed reporting to his collegiate outlets: Annenberg Media and the Daily Trojan. He is currently working as on-air talent at Annenberg Media. Formerly serving as a Producer at Annenberg Media where he developed original television programming. He is a former Assistant City (News) Editor at Daily Trojan.

Michael continues to study journalism as an undergraduate at the University of Southern California and will graduate this upcoming spring.

Michael (middle) on the South Lawn of the White House as President Donald Trump departs (Doug Mills/New York Times)
Michael (left) with Odell Beckham Jr. while covering the Super Bowl championship parade