Alcorn State, Department of Mass Communication holds Media Day 2012
Alcorn State, Department of Mass Communication holds Media Day 2012
Alcorn State University Department of Mass Communication hosted Media Day 2012, Wednesday, March 28, with invited professionals from the print, television and radio industries. Students from the University and local high schools, employees and guests gathered in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center Auditorium to hear media professionals address the importance of networking, internships, and how to launch their career in media among other discussions.
Panelists entertained a host of questions from student moderators and the audience, giving honest answers and providing real insight into the industry. “Don’t be afraid to do the job that’s not the one you want because it gets your foot in the door,” replied Metro Writer for the Clarion-Ledger Therese Apel when asked about landing your dream job. “You have to fight to be in this business and you have to want it.” Director of Radio at Mississippi Public Broadcasting Jason Klein also shared, “My biggest advice is that you have to want to be in media and be relentless in your pursuit.”
Other panelists included News Channel 12 in Jackson Reporter Melissa Faith Payne ’99, Operations Manager for WTYJ/WMIS Radio Station in Natchez Calvin Butler ’98 and Presentation Editor for The Vicksburg Post Paul Barry.
Senior Mass Communication major Lisa Brown served as a moderator at the event. “Today was an incredible opportunity to meet and hear from professionals that graduated from Alcorn and are now leading amazing careers in media,” shared Brown. “It’s encouraging and I now have added confidence that my life after graduation will be successful.”
Dr. Jerry Domatob, interim chair for the Department of Mass Communication, expressed his extreme pleasure with Media Day. “We are excited this year to have media experts who can enlighten, educate and elevate our staff, students and the entire University,” he shared. “It is an honor to be able to showcase graduates from this department who are excelling in their professions and can serve as role models to students currently in the program.”
Others media professionals present included Sports Director Rob Jay and Morning Anchor Katina Rankin ’94 of WLBT 3, and Senior Corporate Communications Specialist at Entergy Tim Crisler ’96.
