Accomplished international journalists connect, share advice with Point Park international media students
By: Josh Croup
Tales from first-hand experiences in North Korea, Syria, Guantanamo Bay, the 1970s U.S. feminist protests, and Italian politics were exchanged in a corner room of Vinando, a Roman restaurant for one night only.
It was a small group dinner featuring Point Park broadcasting students and School of Communication professors with accomplished journalists based in Rome.
The guests included Sylvia Poggioli, senior NPR European correspondent; Seth Doane, Rome-based CBS correspondent; and Jordan Foresi, Sky TG24 Italian national political correspondent.
Foresi, who has Pittsburgh connections as a former Duquesne University student, was the first to arrive. Born in Rome, he spent one year at Duquesne before taking off to the American University in Rome. Foresi earned his master’s in government and politics, international relations from St. John’s University in 2000.
He showcased his knowledge of the Pittsburgh sports scene upon arrival, offering his well wishes to the Penguins.
“Is Sidney Crosby still their best player?” he asked.
Foresi shared his stories of a special report he produced and hosted in 2008 from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, a place few civilians – let alone journalists – have visited. He also spent time talking about Italian politics and how the media covers politicians in the country.
“I was just really impressed with Jordan’s history and every story he had to tell,” sophomore Emma Federkeil said. “He’s done a little bit of everything. I thought it was cool that he’s gone back and forth between Italy and Pittsburgh.”
Poggioli also chimed in on the political conversations. The Peabody-award-winning reporter currently covers politics, economics and culture in Italy, the Vatican, Western Europe and the Balkans, according to her NPR bio. The well-traveled reporter began working at NPR’s foreign desk in 1982, and after a long career, she reports on a part-time basis now
She discussed what it has been like to cover former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who she said was “Trump before Trump” but without Twitter. She also said she believed his impact in the recent election, that left Italy without a majority winner, was overstated by the local and national media.
What stuck out most to senior Kimmie Prokurat was her stories from the 1970s women’s movement and how the modern #MeToo movement is virtually nonexistent in Italy.
“Sylvia is a gem,” Prokurat said after the dinner. “She feels like her and a lot of other women in the ‘70s worked really hard to make more for the women nowadays.”
Doane’s night with the students came hours before he had to board a plane for Jerusalem to cover the opening of the new U.S. embassy. He shared stories of his time in Syria as the only U.S. correspondent on site after the recent bombings on the country, along with experiences as the Asia correspondent for CBS News based in Beijing before he was moved to Rome.
Doane spent three years in Asia for CBS News, traveling to North Korea twice, the South China Sea, Japan and others during his journey that has included around 70 countries.
“Seth has been to so many places,” sophomore Allison Schubert said. “I’ve always wanted to travel, and if journalism takes me there, I think that’s even better.”
Doane also has a Peabody Award and previously spent time as the CNN International India-based correspondent. He said his ultimate goal is to work for “60 Minutes.”
“Believe in yourself and have confidence in what you do,” Doane told the students. “Have the confidence to continue to push. It’s good to take advice, but don’t be overly swayed by people who think they know better than you do. You just don’t know. All you can do is make the best decisions at each juncture and make as informed decisions as possible.”
Point Park School of Communication students are used to hearing from industry professionals on campus and attending events where they hear words of wisdom from people who hold positions they wish to have someday.
For the small group in Rome, this time was different. Nice segue and build up to your close.
“It reminded me why I want to go into the profession,” sophomore Nicole Pampena said. “The stories you get to share and the things you get to do. It’s so interesting to me.”
Senior Casey Hoolahan is preparing to start a new full-time job as a reporter herself and begin her career. One piece of Doane’s advice stood out to her the most.
“I’ll remember him saying that he takes time for himself,” Hoolahan said. “That’s comforting to know that there’s a way to have your own personal life and work life and make them work. I feel more at ease for my future.”