On Friday, November 9^th I had the honor to attend Medaille College’s first annual “Media Day” which consisted of panel sessions on journalism, radio, broadcasting and public relations. Professionals within the field, some who were Medaille graduates, hosted the sessions.

            I attended the journalism session, hosted by Brian Meyer(s) a city government reporter from the Buffalo News along with Roger Puchalski, Editor and Publisher of Am-pol Eagle. This session started with a brief introduction of each panelist but was primarily focused on answering student’s questions and giving advice in the related field.

            This session was particularly interesting for me because I was able to ask experts in the field I hope to work in questions. Also, it was beneficial because I was able to ask questions that pertain to the work we do within the Perspective.

            The most inspirational comment was made from Brian, who said, “Our typical salaries are not rich. Being able to go to work everyday and love what I do makes me rich.” It’s refreshing to know that someone other than myself realizes enjoying what you do for a living is more important than your salary.

            Also, good advice was given from both. Brian encouraged us future reporters to be curious. When you are a reporter, “you have a license to be nosey.” Be curious, be hard hitting, and have fun,” advised Brian. 

            Puchalski encouraged those who wanted to be journalists to constantly write. “The more you write the better you will be,” he said.

            In addition to the journalism sessions, I also attended the public relations and broadcasting sessions. In both sessions, panelists talked about the journey they took to get to where they were in the career today. The public relations left more time for questions than the broadcasting session. I think that was the downfall of the broadcasting session. The panelists mainly talked about them, rather then allot time for students to ask questions.

            I feel I benefited the most from the journalism session and found the “Top 10 Do’s and Don’t’” at an interview that Andy Brocato, community relations director at Tops Market’s addressed to the students during the luncheon helpful

            I think all in all “Media Day” was a terrific opportunity for Medaille communication students and a complete success. In the future I would like to see more sessions and even longer sessions. I think the selected professionals of certain concentrations with in the field have lots of good advice to give, and I think more time would have allowed for students to ask more questions.

 ~Summer Gemmati