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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
ALUMNI

Sam Farber

Class of 2008, Master's



I got my Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from USC in May 2008.
While at SC I also worked for Southern California’s Morning News at KNX 1070, the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, as a Broadcast Engineer. I also reported on air for them several times. I was also the voice of the Matadors at Cal State Northridge, calling baseball and women’s basketball during the 2006, 07 and 08 seasons, and I interned at Fox Sports West, Produced and Reported for Annenberg Radio News and worked as a Sports Anchor at ATVN.
Before SC I was in Washington DC where I did Play-by-Play for the Bowie Baysox (AA-Baltimore Orioles), and The George Washington University. I was the Sports Director for WRGW where I also hosted a sports talk show. I also worked behind the scenes for DC United Radio and WMET.

Awards:

Directors Award for Excellence, from USC 2008.
Chick Hearn Memorial Scholarship Award, 2008.
Alan Malamud Sports Journalism Award, 2008.

Survey

What are the top three skills journalism students should learn in college?:

Number one is reporting. The way you look and the way you sound are important, but not as important as what you say. Always keep in mind that you are a reporter and your stories need to matter to the people you are speaking to. Know where to find public documents, watch city hall meetings, and talk to anyone and everyone you can. What you do matters so make sure you know what you’re doing.

Second is writing. I’m amazed at how weak the writing can be out in the real world. Follow the guidelines you’re being taught. Write clearly and concisely. Get to the point. Make your words count. The first step to sounding good on air is good writing.

Finally, journalism is a profession, and you need to be professional in what you’re doing. You need to look and act the part so that people respect you and take you seriously. Practice professionalism now, because you may be surprised how much that will separate you from your competition. 



What were your duties at ATVN? :

Sports Anchor, Sports Producer



How did ATVN prepare you for your career?:

ATVN gave me the confidence that I can make it in television. Make no mistake, if you are at USC you are in a big talent pool. I’m convinced ATVN has some of the best young television talent in the country. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

I may not be using my television education right now, but that’s because I’ve chosen a different route at this point in my career.
ATVN did make me better as a radio anchor and a play-by-play broadcaster. The only difference I’ve found so far between reading the news on the radio and reading it on television is the wardrobe. I still read off a prompter, I still have to ad-lib at times, and I still have to hit the out times on time.

As for play-by-play, the majority of my pre-game show is based around interviews I do roughly an hour before a game. Having that experience coming into ATVN helped make me faster turning around packages and stories. Likewise, the training I got at ATVN has helped refine many of those skills and has improved the product I can give during games. 



What is your advice to aspiring journalists?:

Work hard. If you’re in undergrad it’s important to have some fun because these are some of the best years of your life, but it is also a chance to learn at the best journalism school in the country. If you’re in grad school, play time is over and it’s time to get to work. In either case keep in mind that you’ll probably never regret working to hard, but may always regret not working hard enough during your time at SC.



What should graduates keep in mind when negotiating their first job?:

The best advice I can give is have a goal, have a plan, and don’t panic if neither works right away.

Know what that dream job is for you, whether its network reporter, or a smaller market anchor who stays in their seat for decades. I know people who have done both and are very successful and happy. Do what’s best for you.

Next have a plan. Talk to people in the job you want, and figure out how they got there. You need to know what path to take.

A very important aspect of this is not to panic. Remember that you are a qualified candidate. Your years at USC are worth just as much if not more than a couple of years in the field. Be confident in what you can do, sell yourself and deliver when given the opportunity. If you do that there’s no reason why you can’t get to the job you want. 

SC SNAPSHOT: Kaes Van'T Hof

April 30, 2008

DAVID DAVIS INTERVIEW

April 23, 2008

Trojan Football Alum David Davis now kicks for the Los Angeles Avengers.

'SC SNAPSHOT: Brian Cushing

April 16, 2008

Does linebacker Brian Cushing prefer Paris Hilton`s purse or her chihuahua?

USC QUARTERBACKS BATTLE

April 16, 2008

The fight for the starting QB spot is fierce, but Mark Sanchez appears to be winning.

'SC SNAPSHOT: Veronika Bartunkova

April 9, 2008

A closer look at water polo player Veronika Bartunkova.

'SC SNAPSHOT: Jamie Lovemark & Tom Glissmeyer

April 2, 2008

A look at two Trojan golfers Jamie Lovemark and Tom Glissmeyer.

USC PRO DAY

April 2, 2008

Draft hopefuls of USC football at Pro Day

'SC SNAPSHOT: Leyla Entekhabi

March 26, 2008

A closer look at Trojans tennis player Leyla Entekhabi.

'SC SNAPSHOT: Robert Farah

March 12, 2008

'SC SNAPSHOT: Nadia Parker

March 5, 2008

A look at USC Woman's Basketball player Nadia Parker

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