A group of broadcast journalism veterans spoke to students about their journeys and the changing news landscape.

The panel was moderated by Amy Buckman, PMN public relations head and former reporter at 6ABC. Panelists were Melony Roy, KYW social media editor and PABJ president; Rahel Solomon, CBS3 anchor and reporter; and Solomon Jones, Daily News columnist and WURD radio host.
Journalists @solomonjones1, @RahelCBS3 and @MelonyRoy (from left) tell @acelmoorejourn students how they got where they are. pic.twitter.com/Thy9IccqWh
— Michaelle Bond (@MichaelleBond) February 11, 2017
.@MelonyRoy shares with #acelmoorejschool students when she knew she wanted to be a journalist. pic.twitter.com/U9Qw5xz7uZ
— Acel Moore Workshop (@acelmoorejourn) February 11, 2017
Panelists described their paths, with a common theme: You have to start somewhere. No matter your education, your background, your talent, students should expect to work hard to climb from the bottom of the ladder to the top, they said.
"If you want to be in journalism, you may have to start in a small market." – @RahelCBS3 #acelmoorejschool pic.twitter.com/tgkUnaXgDq
— Acel Moore Workshop (@acelmoorejourn) February 11, 2017
When I was homeless, living in a shelter, writing was the thing that got me out." – @solomonjones1 to #acelmoorejschool pic.twitter.com/22BiIDENek
— Acel Moore Workshop (@acelmoorejourn) February 11, 2017
Every day is an opportunity to learn something… and educate someone else. —Rahel Solomon
Buckman dove into the topic of racism and sexism, noting that broadcast journalists are seen in ways print journalists are not.
The reality, she said, is that women on air are constantly being judged for their appearances, and broadcast journalists are in part selling their appearances.
Solomon said there have been instances when she felt something unfair was happening to her on the basis of her being black or a woman. To fight that and make sure she receives the work and recognition she deserves, Solomon said, she makes sure she is as well-read and up-to-date as possible.
“I try to make sure there is no way for a colleague, a manager, to give someone else an assignment based on the merits,” she said. “The best way to combat that is to work as hard as you can.”
"The best way to combat racism & sexism, is to be as educated and well versed on the news and culture as you can be." – @RahelCBS3 pic.twitter.com/R4pIkD8hRp
— Acel Moore Workshop (@acelmoorejourn) February 11, 2017
Jones agreed, saying there will always be vocal critics who are simply racist or sexist. With them, there’s no way to win and no point in engaging, he said.
.@solomonjones1: "You have to develop a thick skin." Solomon's advice to @acelmoorejourn students about dealing with racist/sexist trolls.
— Michaelle Bond (@MichaelleBond) February 11, 2017
Jones also encouraged students to look for multiple opportunities, creating ways around obstacles.
You have to be twice as good. … You can create your own opportunities. If people try to shut the door on you, you have to open your own door. —Solomon Jones
Roy said the lack of diversity in newsrooms harms news organizations and called for more inclusive hiring.
Buckman agreed, adding that lack of diversity creates an opportunity to teach and do better.
The conversation later turned to social media — Roy, KYW’s first social media editor, encouraged students to maintain clean, professional accounts and learn to use social media tools such as Tweetdeck — and to studying journalism in college.
.@MelonyRoy to @acelmoorejourn: "The 1st impression you will make in life to most people are your social media profiles. So clean them up."
— Michaelle Bond (@MichaelleBond) February 11, 2017
The thing that you have to do as a journalist is be prepared. So it’s not necessarily about passion but about preparation. —Solomon Jones
"You are in a time in journalism that is filled with opportunity b/c you can create your own platform," @solomonjones1 told @acelmoorejourn
— Michaelle Bond (@MichaelleBond) February 11, 2017
"I'm excited to see what you're going to do. You can create your own opportunities." ~@solomonjones1 #acelmoorejschool
— Acel Moore Workshop (@acelmoorejourn) February 11, 2017