The People of Penn State
Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!
Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!
The People of Penn State
Episode 20 — Award-Winning Journalist, Jeff Ballou '90
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
