August 2015

August 2015
John A. Iadevaia '12

Q & A:

• What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
  I cannot say one, but most of my history classes were enjoyable, especially American Way of War with Lieutenant Boden of the Hofstra ROTC and my Italian history classes with Stanislao Pugliese. Pugliese was my favorite professor because he enhanced my passion for history, both understanding it and analyzing it through different contexts. I learned so much about my Italian heritage through his classes. He even made me enjoy writing research papers. What I enjoyed most during my time at Hofstra was the thrill of staying active. I was heavily involved across the spectrum. I had to bounce between my duties at WRHU, a custodial job at the Student Center, researching for and doing broadcasts (especially with the New York Islanders), playing hockey and attending classes. Sometimes I did all of those things in one day. It is enough to drive anyone mad, but for me, I loved every second of it.
• What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
  Truthfully, it has been challenging to find consistent work in the field. My first job in the media field was logging for NBC’s Football Night in America, but it was seasonal. Freelance jobs were my main form of work until 2014 when I was hired by SiriusXM and later promoted at NBC Sports. Finding a job in media today can be stressful, and it made me question my future in the field. Yet I never lost my passion for storytelling and delivering news. I may try different things, but that will always be a part of me and it keeps me going to achieve my goals.
• What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
  Originally I wanted to become a music teacher, but I was too far behind and lost interest in the field as a freshman. I had always enjoyed broadcasting in high school. Sometimes I went to Islanders games and mock announced the games. Before I chose radio, I had no preference as to the form of sports journalism I wanted to start in, but I knew where I wanted to end up. My parents pushed me to enter the industry when I was deciding on a new major. I enrolled in the Ed Ingles Broadcasting Camp in the summer of 2008, signed up for the WRHU Training Class in the fall, and the rest is history.
• What advice would you give Hofstra students?
  Get involved, take advantage of what is offered across Hofstra, and find your passion. To do that, you need to break out of your comfort zone. You will learn a lot about yourself and your interests. I was fortunate to create my own path and do all the different activities I did.  It helped me figure out what I want in life. Also, time management helps through all of this. You have no idea how important this will become when you enter the real world.
• In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
  Passion.
• What is your favorite aspect about working for SiriusXM and NBC Sports?
  For SiriusXM, I am in the heart of the wacky sports world when I work inside the newsroom. Most of my work is in production, but I get to follow stories as they break and listen to games, shows and interviews. I also get free apple juice and pretzels, which is a bonus. I used to work at 30 Rock for NBC but now commute to Stamford, Connecticut, to work at the new NBC Sports Network facility. I love it there because I get to cover my favorite sports and grow my career. Most of all, the friends and people I work with at both locations make the experience better.
• How has being a hockey player helped you in your professional career as a broadcaster?
  The two skills that apply to both are focus and preparation. As a goaltender, I like to say that 80 percent of the battle is a mental game, and only 20 percent is physical. That can be attributed to confidence and finding a groove. The same holds true for calling a game. Believe in what you are saying and show conviction with your delivery and explanation. When I speak of preparation, it involves the things I can control before I act. With hockey, it is off-ice training and the attention to details I rely upon during a contest. For broadcasting, preparation relates to researching, which is one of my strengths. I look at everything: stats, storylines and general information. The same effort goes into the articles I write.
• Which outlet of broadcasting is your favorite to work on: radio, television, print, or production? Why?
  I have to say radio because it is instantaneous. The aspect I have always enjoyed is that you have to listen and create a theater of the mind. That engages the listener and creates a connection. Plus I get to wear jeans most of the time in the newsroom. It is fun to work in television, but I feel it can be too scripted at times. Print can also get repetitious, but it is very inviting. You do get a sense of accomplishment when you read and write. It remains one of the best forms of storytelling.