Omar Meza visits NBC's "Meet the Press" in Washington D.C.

2016 Nov 2

Omar Meza, a Communication & Theatre Arts major, recently had the opportunity to experience what most aspiring journalists can only imagine: a visit to a network news studio during a live broadcast of NBC's Meet the Press with Chuck Todd.

Meza was among several representatives of The Carroll News selected for the special professional development visit. The students were able to tour the Washington, D.C. news operation and watch the live broadcast on Sunday, October 23. Guests for the broadcast included Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine, and Kellyanne Conway, who serves as the campaign manager for Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

"This was an incredible experience for our Carroll News editors as they explore their path to professional journalism," said Robert (Bob) Noll, John Carroll University professor and advisor to the student newspaper. He added, "We are grateful for the network's continued support of the NBC/JCU Meet the Press Fellowship which has resulted in journalism careers for our students."

Madeline Smanik, a 2016 John Carroll graduate, is the current NBC/JCU Meet the Press Fellowship recipient. She and Ashley Bastock, a 2015 JCU graduate and Fellowship alumnus who was officially hired by Meet the Press earlier this year as a production assistant, made time to talk with The Carroll News students about their work experience.

NBC and John Carroll University created the NBC/John Carroll University Meet the Press Fellowship in honor of 1972 John Carroll alumnus, Timothy J. Russert. It is awarded to a John Carroll University graduating senior motivated to pursue a career in political journalism.