The People of Penn State

Episode 20 — Jeff Ballou, Al Jazeera English Media Network Editor

June 30, 2022 Penn State Alumni Association Season 1 Episode 20
The People of Penn State
Episode 20 — Jeff Ballou, Al Jazeera English Media Network Editor
Show Notes

Jeff Ballou '90 has reached some incredible heights as an award-winning journalist and currently serves as News Editor for the Al Jazeera Media Network's English language channel.

In episode 20 of The People of Penn State, Jeff discusses the foundations of his passion for journalism, covering current events around the globe, how his love for Penn State started, and other topics.

Accomplishment's of note include Jeff being the National Press Club’s first elected international broadcaster. Likewise, he also became the first African-American-male President to lead the 114-year-old, 3,000-member, 110-employee storied private club. Jeff has been recognized by many bodies including the U.S. Congress, the City of Pittsburgh, the body that governs the Emmy awards, legacy news organizations such as the Associated Press the trade association for historically African American newspapers, The National Eagle Scout Association, his high school and collegiate alma maters.

You can connect with Jeff on social media:
Twitter: @jpballoujourn1
Instagram: @Everylioncounts OR @jpballou
LinkedIn: Jeff Ballou

Timestamps: 
0:00 — Alma Mater Open

0:18 — Intro

0:55 — Choosing Penn State

5:25 — Involvement as a student and beyond

9:45 — Diversifying THON 

13:58 — Ad Read

14:50 — Jeff's passion for journalism and media 

19:00 — Day to day life as a news editor at Al Jazeera

22:48 — Covering current events around the world and in the U.S.

29:50 — Domestic issues in the U.S.

34:45 — Lightning Round Q&A 

40:55 — Outro

42:15 — Alma Mater Close