Students at Stony Brook University's School of Communication and Journalism recently participated in a live, student-run interview event featuring Matthew Moskowitz, a senior producer at CNN and alumnus of the university. The event, titled “Turning the Table: A Conversation with Matthew Moskowitz,” was held on November 19 and brought together students, faculty, alumni, and friends for an interactive discussion.
Student journalists Miles Reese and Thomas Pardo led the conversation with Moskowitz, while Sky Crabtree moderated questions from the audience. The session allowed students to take on various production roles such as running cameras, scripting questions, directing shots, and managing audio—providing them practical experience in broadcast journalism.
Moskowitz shared his career journey with attendees. “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.”
He recounted early experiences that influenced his path into journalism. “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 encouraged students to be flexible and open to learning new skills as they build their careers.
When asked about challenges faced while working at CNN, Moskowitz responded: “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.”
He advised students entering journalism to focus on writing abilities, interpersonal communication skills, and gaining 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.
Moskowitz also discussed adapting to irregular schedules common in news media. “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 noted routines like exercise as important for maintaining balance amid unpredictable work demands.
The format of the event provided students with insight into both newsroom teamwork and technical requirements involved in producing live broadcasts.
Reflecting on his ongoing connection with Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Professional Advisory Board—which he has served on for 17 years—Moskowitz concluded: “The truth is, I love this group. I love everything that it gave me, and I never forgot what it gave me.”