KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff maintained her composure during a live broadcast in Sherman Oaks, California, after a large flying cockroach landed on her neck. Menitoff continued her segment on extreme heat without interruption, later acknowledging on Instagram that remaining professional while the insect crawled across her microphone was “not easy.”
The Anatomy of a Live News Interruption
The incident occurred during an evening live shot as Menitoff reported on dangerous heat conditions. Video footage shared by the station shows the insect landing on the reporter’s neck, traversing her shoulder, and eventually reaching her microphone before taking flight. Despite the physical sensation of the insect, Menitoff did not break her report. Once the camera cut away, she was seen shaking and brushing off her shoulders, telling colleagues that the insect was effectively “trying to steal my thunder.”
Did you know?
Live news bloopers involving animals are a recurring phenomenon. From CNN reporter Joe Johns fending off a raccoon at the White House in 2020 to a Kenyan reporter interrupted by a baby elephant in 2022, journalists often face unpredictable environmental hazards while on air.
Professionalism Under Pressure in Broadcasting
The response to the clip highlights the high expectations for composure in broadcast journalism. KTLA anchor Eric Spillman described the event as “terrifying,” while social media users praised the reporter’s ability to remain on script. According to NBC, Menitoff addressed the online praise on her Instagram story, emphasizing that the physical control required to ignore the cockroach was significant.
This incident adds to a long line of viral animal interruptions in live media. While some instances, such as a dog stealing a microphone in Moscow or a sow interrupting a Greek interview, are often framed as humorous or “cute,” the reaction to Menitoff’s segment underscores the visceral, often startling reality of reporting from the field.
Future Trends in Field Reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the reporter react to the cockroach on air?
Rachel Menitoff continued her live report on extreme heat without stopping or acknowledging the insect, despite it crawling on her neck and microphone.
Has this happened to other reporters?
Yes. Previous incidents include reporters being interrupted by raccoons, dogs, and even elephants during live broadcasts.
What did the reporter say after the segment?
Menitoff later noted on Instagram that keeping her cool during the incident was “not easy” and joked that the insect was trying to steal her thunder.
Have you ever seen a live news blooper that caught you by surprise? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of media.
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