What’s the Buzz: TV reporter Alissa Smith opens up on LA knife threat

The TV journalist who was confronted by a knife-wielding man while covering the NRL’s sojourn to the United States has spoken about how she dealt with the frightening ordeal.

Channel 7 sports journalist Alissa Smith has spoken of her terrifying experience when confronted by a knife-wielding man in Los Angeles while covering the NRL season-opener.

The incident occurred just minutes before Smith did a live cross from Santa Monica at 10pm local time for Seven’s 4pm news bulletin in Australia.

Network bosses have praised Smith and cameraman Danny Burton for their bravery to continue the coverage under the most daunting of circumstances.

“My heart was beating through my chest,” Smith said, “I was saying into my live microphone ‘he’s got a knife, he’s got a knife’, hoping the directors in the studio at home would hear me.”

Smith, a former Fox Sports presenter who now works for Channel 7 in Brisbane, is married to former NRL star and Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin.

Alissa Smith in Santa Monica

She was based in Los Angeles for a week to anchor the Channel 7 sports bulletin and cover the Broncos training camp before moving on to Las Vegas.

The assignment required late night crosses from various locations because of the time difference.

Smith and her cameraman were positioned for a live cross from Santa Monica next to a carpark with the famous pier in the background when the drama began.

“We were set up and ready to go,” Smith said, “We had a couple of minutes before going live.

“I was standing on a box with my earpiece in. Then this guy came around the corner.

“He thought we’d done something to his car because our gear was there.

“He said ‘what the f… are you doing’ and was walking pretty fast towards us.

“I thought if he’s got a knife and can flick it out that quickly what else has he got on him. He looked erratic and unpredictable.”

It was pitch black, but for their TV lights.

The pair had to make a decision.

alissa smith in las vegas

Either run to safety or stay calm and try to reason with the man.

“We were saying nothing’s happened to your car,” Smith said. “We’ll move our gear away.

“It was pretty full on. I felt really threatened. I thought don’t move, don’t run. Stay calm.

“We had to show we weren’t a threat to him. So we talked and calmed him down and he was okay.

“I put on my professional face and did the live cross. No-one at home would have known.

“During the cross he started moving away. I’d introduce a story then look over my shoulder to make sure he wasn’t coming back.

“We threw our stuff in the car and found another spot for the next cross.”

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: TV reporter Alissa Smith opens up on LA knife threat