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CBS Radio Assistant News Director Comes to Post

CBS Radio Assistant News Director Comes to Post
Photo by Paul Kalis

Abigail Brosnan
Staff Writer

On January 24, Jonathan Clark, Assistant News Director for CBS Radio, visited LIU Post to share the story of his success, and answer students’ questions regarding the fields of journalism or communications. The crowd, which had been an incredibly diverse assortment of journalists and communications majors, was diligent in their arrival. The students were all very keen to hear what this successful alumnus of Long Island Universities class of 2000 had to say, and waited patiently even though Clark was about ten minutes late. The energy in the room reflected the genuine interest of all participants, and the front table offered refreshments, which helped keep everyone content.

Clark discussed how he landed his job at CBS Radio through his first internship. Unlike many other college graduates who are obligated to do extensive research prior to finding their niche in the working world, it virtually “found” him. Audience members listened closely, relating to Clark a great deal due to his young age (30) and common interests, and took in the story of his success; from his involvement on campus at WCWP, the campus radio station, to declaring his major (communications) a year into his schooling. The September 11th tragedy finally triggered his decision to pursue a career in news reporting. “To know that what you did has an impact on people’s lives… is a responsibility you can’t take lightly,” he expressed with enthusiasm. News reporters play such a role in delivering news to uninformed citizens. This, to Clark, is ultimately the most worthwhile factor of being involved in news casting.

Throughout the lecture, Clark further articulated his views on being a news reporter, claiming it to be a very time consuming yet rewarding occupation. From assigning stories to reporters, being reachable for employees to contact, keeping up to date on the goings on in the world and delivering the most accurate information as possible, it’s a lot to do. The job doesn’t stop after work hours, because something is always going on in the world. It’s an endless cycle of events that need to be covered. Yes, there’s always a matter of ethics when it comes to choosing appropriate stories and ways of obtaining the information, but once the news is out and citizens are well informed, there’s an inevitable feeling of importance that comes with being the source of information. Another significant point Clark made was that it’s crucial to try and find a balance with working with all sorts of people, no matter what field of work it is. There are going to be people in higher positions, and lower, but there must be a mutual respect; relying on others in the work force is just as important as relying on your own integrity.

His incredibly passionate views on the position of news reporters, and perspectives on student-to-professional success, proved captivating for all who watched. Professor Abby Kenigsberg, who teaches Fundamentals of Media Literacy, was pleased with Clark’s representation of media. With the execution of virtue, diligence, and hard work, she said, he took his profession very seriously and had positive ideals regarding it. “I liked how he was devoted to telling news as a service, [rather than simply contributing for the resulting funds] and I loved his awareness on the industry itself.”

At the close of the lecture, the audience was extremely satisfied at the information given to them. A few students stayed after to speak with Clark one-on-one, touching on further questions and concerns regarding internship opportunities, and he provided them with information on how to apply for CBS internships just as he did. The lecture was seemingly very beneficial to those predisposed to journalism and communications. Keep an eye out for guest speakers around campus; LIU Post often holds events such as these to motivate students towards building a future for themselves.

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