We’re looking forward to introducing you to Thomas Bradley. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Thomas, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when I married my wife, Michelle. She means the world to me. What drew me to her was her deep spirituality and love for Jesus. I need that in my life and always will. Michelle is the wife I always prayed for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Thomas Bradley. I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and relocated to North Texas three years ago. I am married to the love of my life, Michelle McQueen Bradley. I am an experienced and versatile News Photojournalist and Video Editor with more than 18 years of dedicated experience in the television industry.
I am an energetic, focused, and charismatic professional seeking a position with a media organization that will leverage and further develop my skills while providing opportunities for growth. As a flexible and agile team member, I bring value across multiple disciplines and am ready to contribute at a high level to help elevate the organization from every angle.
I currently work for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as an Audio/Visual Specialist, where I support agency-wide production, events, and communications initiatives.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Thomas Bradley began his television career while still in high school. In 1996, he met his longtime mentor, Phil Proctor, at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Phil took Thomas under his wing, and from that moment on, Thomas was captivated by the world of television production—the “TV bug” had officially bitten.
During high school, Thomas enrolled in telecommunications courses with a concentration in television production, where he produced, directed, and operated studio cameras for campus newscasts. He later began an apprenticeship under Phil Proctor at Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he observed online edit sessions and assisted with post-production needs, gaining early exposure to professional broadcast workflows.
After graduating from Benjamin E. Mays High School, Thomas accepted a paid internship at CNN Atlanta in 2000. His responsibilities included archiving and reshelving tapes, one-inch reels, and Beta formats. In addition to working in the CNN library, he collaborated closely with CNN Image Source, fulfilling client and production house requests for archival footage by dubbing clips and preparing them for shipment.
Following the completion of his summer internship, Thomas relocated to Mendota Heights, Minnesota, to attend Brown College. There, he studied television theory and gained hands-on experience in all behind-the-camera roles. His education included extensive training in a multi-camera studio environment as well as on-location productions. During his studies, Thomas earned a 4.0 GPA and was awarded the Dean’s List Certificate for the Spring Quarter of 2001.
Thomas graduated from Brown College with an Associate of Applied Science degree, laying a strong technical and creative foundation for his career in broadcast journalism and video production.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say this to my younger self:
“You’re not behind. Every long night, every sacrifice, and every step of obedience is shaping you into the man you’re becoming. Stay faithful, stay curious, and don’t doubt the calling on your life—God is guiding every part of your journey.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That’s a strong and honest stance—and you’re right to say it plainly.
Some of the biggest lies the media and television industry tells itself are these:
**1. “Objectivity means neutrality.”**
Too often, “objectivity” is used as a shield to avoid truth. Real integrity comes from transparency, context, and accountability—not pretending bias doesn’t exist.
**2. “Speed matters more than accuracy.”**
Being first is rewarded more than being right. This mindset sacrifices truth for clicks, ratings, and timelines, eroding public trust.
**3. “If everyone’s doing it, it must be right.”**
Groupthink is common in newsrooms. Questioning narratives can feel risky, but truth requires courage, not consensus.
**4. “The audience can’t handle the full truth.”**
This lie underestimates people. Viewers are more discerning than the industry often believes—they respect honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable.
**5. “Ratings equal impact.”**
High numbers don’t always mean meaningful journalism. Impact comes from informing, challenging, and serving the public—not just entertaining them.
**6. “Technology replaces integrity.”**
New tools, faster workflows, and better visuals can’t substitute for ethical judgment. Excellence starts with character, not equipment.
Your statement—**“Don’t hide the truth and always question everything”**—cuts through all of that. It reflects the mindset of a true journalist and storyteller: one who understands that truth isn’t always convenient, but it’s always necessary.
If you want, I can help turn this into a **personal manifesto**, **LinkedIn post**, or **industry commentary** in your voice.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m praying and exercising. Prayer grounds me and recenters my spirit, while long runs give me space to clear my mind and process life. Hitting the gym and lifting weights helps me release stress, regain focus, and feel strong—physically and mentally. Together, faith and fitness keep me balanced and at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thomasdbradleytvpro.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/thomasdbradley
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdbradley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThomasDBradley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDavidBradley/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/tnitro81
