Students at Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) recently hosted a live interview with Matthew Moskowitz, a senior producer at CNN and alumnus of the university. The event, titled “Turning the Table: A Conversation with Matthew Moskowitz,” took place in the school’s broadcast studio and was run entirely by students.
The session was led by student journalists Miles Reese and Thomas Pardo, both seniors, while Sky Crabtree moderated the audience Q&A portion. Attendees included students, faculty, alumni, and friends who participated as part of the live audience.
Moskowitz discussed his career path in journalism and reflected on his experiences since graduating from Stony Brook. He described how he began his studies intending to become a doctor but shifted focus after discovering his strengths in writing and literature. “I started here at Stony Brook in 1991 with the aspiration of being a doctor, and that didn’t work out,” Moskowitz said. “So I went with what I was good at, writing and literature, and that really set everything in motion.”
He spoke about early opportunities that influenced his career trajectory. “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.” Moskowitz highlighted adaptability, learning from others, and perseverance as important factors for success in journalism.
When asked about challenges faced at CNN, Moskowitz emphasized professionalism: “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 to focus on developing strong writing skills, interpersonal abilities, and practical experience before entering the field. “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 described aspects of working in modern newsrooms such as irregular hours and balancing work commitments with personal life. “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 that maintaining routines outside work helps manage stress associated with unpredictable schedules.
The format provided students hands-on experience managing technical aspects of a live broadcast—such as directing shots or handling audio—while engaging directly with an industry professional who once studied at their institution.
Reflecting on his continued involvement with SoCJ over nearly two decades through its Professional Advisory Board—and ongoing mentorship activities—Moskowitz stated: “I’m proud to have been on the professional advisory board now for 17 years… The truth is I love this group. I love everything that it gave me, and I never forgot what it gave me.”
