Aspiring communications professionals have never had more opportunities to pursue their passions for journalism and content creation.

Schools like my Alma Mater, Northwestern State University, are creating pathways for students to thrive in a multimedia-driven workplace.

The university’s Department of New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts recently held its 51st Journalism and Media Day to expose hundreds of high school students to educational opportunities.

As these young people discern their future careers, they got a preview of the coursework offered through multiple degree programs and student media.

Some of the highlights included tours of the university’s TV and radio stations, newspaper newsroom, podcasting studio, and a demonstration of the school’s fleet of drones.

It was a great privilege for me to be asked to deliver the keynote address for JaM Day. My remarks included a reflection on the importance of developing a network of mentors, especially in the early years of any career.

I also had the opportunity to work alongside one of my former classmates to judge a news writing competition. In the same classroom where we took reporting classes many years ago, Jim Mustian and I shared insights with participants. Jim is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for the Associated Press in New York.

This year’s JaM Day left me feeling quite optimistic about the media industry. There’s a new generation full of talent who are ready to meet the needs of a democratic society amid growing skepticism, misinformation, and the unethical use of artificial intelligence.

The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of KLTV/KTRE-TV or Gray Television. They are solely the opinion of the author. All content © Copyright 2024 Lane Luckie