Broadcast Journalist Larry Kane Stresses Importance of Real News
"The greatest joy in going to a job is going to work and not feeling like you're at work," remarked broadcast journalist, Larry Kane, during the DeSales Marcon Lecture Student Discussion Session on April 24.
Education in America, the current job market and the world of the media were among the many topics Kane discussed with the DeSales students at the session held in the Heritage Room of the DeSales University Center. (To view photos from Lane Kane's visit to DeSales, see Photo Gallery)
Kane, a notable regional journalist and Philadelphia news icon, drew from more than 40 years of experience working in the media, to give DeSales students a good amount of advice.
"Do any of you feel that a reporter can ever be unbiased in reporting the news?" Kane asked the students. "Although it should be a reporter's goal to remain objective, it is impossible to completely deny one's feelings," responded Christopher Boyer, a junior communications major from Reading, Pa.
"The communication business is the most exciting business on Earth," said Kane, when asked about the job prospects for communications majors. "It might mean working for nothing, which isn't a bad thing, unless you do it forever."
More than 20 sophomores, juniors and seniors attended the student panel session. The students represented majors ranging from political science, communications, secondary education, and TV/film. Students had many thoughtful questions for Kane.
"I want my students to both understand what I'm teaching, and be entertained," said Marianne Mpakarakes, a junior secondary education and English dual major from Parsippany, N.J.
Kane replied, "Communication will be the key to accomplishing your goal. Schools teach geometry, algebra and history, but the one lacking piece of American education is verbal communication. Knowing the sense of verbal communication will give you what you need for success in life."
"Don't give up on what you want to do in life because of economic reasons. Even if you have a job unrelated to your field, take the experiences you gain from that job to your next one," said Kane.
In Billera Hall later that evening, Kane delivered the 24th Annual Frank L. Marcon Lecture. After welcome remarks from Father Bernard O'Connor, OSFS, university president, and an introduction by Dr. Angela Corbo, assistant professor of communication at DeSales, Kane addressed an audience of about 650. Following the program, he took part in a book signing.
During the lecture, Kane stressed the importance of being right, rather than first.
"We cherish our freedom of the press in America," said Kane. "But with that freedom comes the need for responsibility."
According to Kane, people are finding it difficult to discern between real news and tabloid and talk.
"Unfortunately the lines are blurred for many Americans who don't understand the difference between a news program and a show that is based on opinionated commentary," said Kane. "This is a dangerous trend, as dangerous as the lack of reading of newspapers, newsmagazines and journals by most Americans."
During the last part of his address, Kane entertained the audience with personal recollections of the Beatles. Kane, the author of Ticket to Ride and Lennon Revealed, is the only broadcast journalist to travel to every stop on the Beatles' 1964 and 1965 tours.
Kane said his favorite Beatle was John Lennon. According to Kane, Lennon was sometimes shattered by disappointment and had a long-term investment in drugs during his life, but he managed to find "a good way out of his mess." In 1975, Lennon joined Kane in a TV marathon for many good causes, and sponsored and supported projects that would aid human beings.
In conclusion, Kane stated, "Most of the well known people I've covered come in two categories - me or we. The 'me' people are lost in their own self-indulgence. The 'we' people are always trying to help others make it. It's a simple choice and the choice is yours."
"It sounds kind of idealistic," added Kane, "but if we are a society without ideals, then we become a society headed toward destruction and oblivion."
Press Release: Broadcast Journalist Larry Kane Stresses Importance of Real News | Posted on: 5/1/2007
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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