KTLA reporter Rachel Menitoff continued a live news broadcast in Los Angeles after a large cockroach landed on her neck [1].
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live field reporting and the professional composure required to manage unexpected disruptions on air.
The event occurred during a Tuesday night newscast, with video of the encounter being shared on Wednesday, July 15, 2024 [2]. The insect landed on Menitoff's neck and crawled up her body before eventually flying away [3]. Despite the intrusion, the reporter did not break character or stop her delivery of the news segment.
Menitoff later addressed the encounter. "I knew it was on me," she said [4].
On-screen text during the video overlay identified the insect as a flying cockroach [3]. The broadcast took place at KTLA5, a Nexstar station operating in the Los Angeles area [1]. The insect appeared as an unplanned guest during the segment, creating a moment of tension for viewers watching the live feed [2].
Viewers and other news outlets noted the reporter's ability to keep cool under pressure. The footage quickly circulated online, drawing attention to the physical challenges reporters face while broadcasting in urban environments. The cockroach's movement was described as crawling across her skin before it took flight and exited the frame [3].
“"I knew it was on me"”
This incident serves as a textbook example of live television professionalism. By prioritizing the delivery of information over a personal reaction to a pest, the reporter maintained the integrity of the broadcast. Such moments often go viral because they contrast the scripted nature of news with the chaotic reality of outdoor reporting.
