March 2010

March 2010
Jamie Morris '07

Q & A:

• What is your edge (strength)?
  My voice. I've always found it easy to communicate with and relate to people.
• What at Hofstra gave you your edge?
  Hofstra's radio and TV programs are unlike all others. I was allowed to jump right into whatever I wanted to do in my first year. A lot of other schools make students wait until sophomore or junior year to even touch actual equipment. Because of my early hands-on training, I was getting internships over other students from different schools.
• In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
  Dynamic.
• What was your major?
  Broadcast journalism.
• What was your favorite class?
  My training class for Hofstra's radio station, WRHU.
• What is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
  It's hard to choose just one, but if I have to:, I'd choose an internship with WCBS; I was able to report live on WRHU from the Republican National Convention in 2004 at Madison Square Garden. I saw President Bush's speech. Democrat or Republican, it's an amazing experience to be in the same room as the president.
• What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
  I always knew I wanted to work in radio, so I looked at colleges that were specifically known for their radio programs (clearly, Hofstra won!), and I got a ton of experience from interning at different radio stations in New York City. By applying everything I learned to my work, I was able to land freelance jobs, and from there, I worked my way up.
• Who in your field do you most admire?
  This will sound weird, but I would love to fill the shoes of Ryan Seacrest. The guy does it all. He's all over radio and television across the country for so many different shows and stations. He's THE entertainment host right now. He hosts our midday show here at Z100, American Top 40, American Idol, E! News, New Years Rockin' Eve ... the list goes on and on.
• What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
  I worked as a freelance traffic reporter at Cablevision's News 12 Traffic & Weather, where I had wonderful and encouraging producers who taught me how to be a serious reporter without losing my personality.  My commute was horrendous and my scattered hours were even worse, but I learned that when you put in every ounce of your effort, it really does pay off.
• What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
  Take every opportunity that comes your way. Even if you don't think it's something you want to do, just give it a try. You may be surprised what it leads to. Intern, intern, intern, network, network, network!
• How do you balance work and life?
  I wake up very early in the morning during the week, so it does take a little bit of a toll on the social life when I am ready for bed by 8 p.m. But going to work early means getting out early, which lets me get all my errands out of the way during the day, leaving plenty of time on the weekends for family and friends.
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  I see myself being part of a successful radio show ... because no, radio will NOT be dead in 10 years!
• What is the single most rewarding experience in your career thus far?
  When I was offered a full-time, on-air gig at Z100.  It was the most overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.  They gave me one opportunity to fill in, which was exciting enough, and they hired me immediately after. THIS was exactly why I had been working so hard for so long.
• Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has kept you motivated through the years?
  You can never stop learning. I am constantly challenging myself to become a more polished broadcaster.