Students who sat in Washington-Johnson Complex Tuesday were in for a treat as they listened and observed during a workshop that was held by the Department of Mass Communication. The purpose of the event was to teach and inform students of on-going issues and opportunities available in the media industry.
Opening the event was Tracy Wright, Director of University Communications, followed by student Gregory Carey. An introduction of speakers was given by student Henry Williams.
Guests for the event were vice president of the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Michelle Duke, operations manager of Sirius XM HBCU Radio Network, Steve Robinson, and commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Mignon Clyburn.
Duke joined NABEF in 2005 as director of diversity services and was later promoted to vice president of diversity services and development. She was promoted to vice president of NABEF in 2009. The graduate of Middle Tennessee State University highlighted fundamental points on how to succeed in the media world. “Get a mentor, build your network, and stay on top of your game,” said Duke.
Following Duke was Steve Robinson. The former Howard University graduate noted to students that in the workforce “opportunities are available. Don’t let them pass you by.” His most important piece of information came from reminding the audience that “in order to build your net worth you need to be to build your network.”
Speaking last at the workshop was FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Commissioner Clyburn was appointed by President Barack Obama on June 25, 2009. She is the first female African American selected for the position and her term will end in 2017. The daughter of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, Commissioner Clyburn served for 11 years as the representative of South Carolina’s 6th congressional district on the South Carolina Public Service Commission.
The FCC is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in the country.
During her speech, commissioner Clyburn spoke of important tools of success that can aid not just one but all. “Stay hungry yet humble.”
While at the podium, Clyburn discussed net neutrality, which will allow the FCC to prohibit internet service providers from offering faster streaming to the companies that can afford to pay for the privilege. Clyburn is one of three commissioners who voted in favor of net neutrality.
Following Clyburn was a segment for students to be able to ask questions. Each of the three were able to provide positive insight those who were curious, reminding them to build their network, be flexible, and to stay connected.
Students who attended the event received more than just advice from the guests.
“It was very impactful for me to be in a room and take advising from women of color coming from their different competitive fields,” said sophomore mass communication major LaNita Hughes.