Students filled the School of Communication and Journalism’s broadcast studio for “Turning the Table: A Conversation with Matthew Moskowitz,” a live, student-run interview with the CNN senior producer, Stony Brook alumnus and longtime friend of the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ).
What might have looked like another campus event was — for the students running cameras, scripting questions, directing shots and managing audio — the culmination of years of study, and an opportunity to put experience into action alongside a journalist who once sat exactly where they now sit.
The conversation on the afternoon of November 19 was led by student journalists Miles Reese and Thomas Pardo, both seniors in the SoCJ. The audience Q&A that followed was moderated by Sky Crabtree, also a senior journalism student.
Moskowitz returned to campus to share candid career advice, reflect on three decades in broadcast journalism and celebrate the program that helped launch his career. The event brought together students, faculty, alumni and friends as live audience participants who asked questions directly on-air, extending the conversation to big picture current events.
Moskowitz, who serves on the SoCJ Professional Advisory Board and frequently mentors students through internships and job shadowing, opened the discussion by tracing his unlikely path into journalism. “I started here at Stony Brook in 1991 with the aspiration of being a doctor, and that didn’t work out,” he said. “So I went with what I was good at, writing and literature, and that really set everything in motion.”
The seasoned senior editor and producer at CNN described the internships and early experiences that shaped his career. “I was lucky enough to intern at News 12 Long Island in the sports department,” he said. “That experience gave me my first real glimpse of the television business and editing.” He emphasized that flexibility, a willingness to learn from others and perseverance were key ingredients to building a successful career in journalism.
Throughout the session, individuals in the live audience had the chance to ask questions directly, or facilitated by Crabtree. One student asked about the most challenging aspects of working at CNN. Moskowitz replied, “Any story you cover can be personal, but you have to set that aside and do your job fairly and accurately. That’s the foundation of journalism, service to the public, not personal opinion.”
Other questions focused on the skills students should cultivate before entering the industry. Moskowitz stressed writing, interpersonal skills and hands-on experience. “Students coming out of school today need to know how to convey their own understanding, their own voice. Nothing replaces what’s in your mind and heart,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and finding your footing.
The conversation also touched on the realities of a modern journalism career, from overnight shifts to the pressures of breaking news. Mozkowitz described his typical day, balancing early mornings, travel into the city and remote work.
“This business is about adapting,” he said. “News doesn’t happen on a nine-to-five schedule, you have to be ready when it comes.” He emphasized routines and work-life balance, including his own commitments to the gym, karate and home life as critical for managing the unpredictability of broadcast journalism.
The live, student-led format allowed attendees not only to witness Moskowitz’s insights but also to experience the practical challenges of running a broadcast. From coordinating cameras and managing audio to scripting questions and timing commercial breaks, the students garner a deeper understanding of the teamwork and technical skills that drive a newsroom.
For hosts Miles Reese, Thomas Pardo and Sky Crabtree, the session was an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting, guided by someone who has walked the same halls.
Reflecting on his long-standing involvement with the school, Moskowitz reminded students of the lasting impact of the SoCJ on his career. “I’m proud to have been on the professional advisory board now for 17 years,” he said. “The truth is, I love this group. I love everything that it gave me, and I never forgot what it gave me.”
— Lily Miller
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