In the Newsroom - A Conversation with Essex Porter

In the Newsroom - A Conversation with Essex Porter

Guest Speaker: Essex Porter

In this episode, host Kevin P. Henry sits down with veteran journalist Essex Porter, who shares his remarkable journey through four decades in journalism. Essex discusses his early inspirations, the influence of his high school experiences, and the pivotal events he has covered throughout his career, including significant historical moments.

The conversation delves into Essex's upbringing as a military kid, from Kansas to Hawaii, where he discovered his passion for journalism through a vibrant high school newspaper. He recounts how watching the nightly news with his family ignited his desire to be an eyewitness to history, particularly during the coverage of significant events like the Civil Rights Act and the assassination of President Kennedy.

Essex reflects on his choice to attend the University of Nebraska for its esteemed journalism program and shares anecdotes from his early career at a Los Angeles newspaper. He emphasizes the difference between news reporting and feature journalism, expressing his preference for the engaging atmosphere surrounding features, where he could connect with celebrities and storytellers.

The discussion also highlights reporters' ethical challenges, focusing on the importance of holding individuals accountable and asking tough questions. Essex's insights underline the responsibilities of journalists in uncovering truths and informing the public. Our guest is Essex Porter, a veteran journalist with a rich history of news and feature reporting.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the guest, Essex Porter

02:30 - Early influences in journalism and high school experiences

06:45 - Discovering a passion for news through family discussions

12:00 - The impact of the Civil Rights Act and Kennedy assassination coverage

20:15 - Transitioning from college to professional journalism

25:30 - Exploring the difference between news and features reporting

30:00 - Reflections on the challenges of investigative journalism

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