91����

Shortly before Easter break, students at 91����, California, had the privilege of learning about the art of storytelling from a master of the craft. Award-winning radio journalist Pete Demetriou, field reporter at KNX NewsRadio in Los Angeles, addressed students in a limited-access talk about his 38 years in broadcasting.

Mr. Demetriou graduated from UCLA in 1977 with a degree in political science and began working as a radio field reporter in 1985. He has never looked back, racking up no fewer than 25 Golden Mike Awards, as well as Journalist of the Year awards from the Associated Press and the Southern California Association of Professional Journalists, respectively.

His years at the microphone have coincided with numerous dramatic moments in recent history. Mr. Demetriou has covered “natural disasters, warfare, from the streets of L.A. to the sands of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, and the evolving social and political dynamics of California,” said College and Career Advisor Dan Selmeczy (’08) in his introductory remarks.

Drawing on this wealth of experience, Mr. Demetriou offered professional advice for students interested in journalism and broadcasting. In particular, he observed that the habits of mind formed by studying the Great Books through the Discussion Method are crucial for success in the profession. “In my view, the education you’re getting at TAC is better than that of students at many universities and Ivy League schools,” he said. “You are taught the skill of analysis without any bias. They’re training you to think — the most incredible and awesome tool you can have.”

Regarding his specific brand of journalism, Mr. Demetriou assured students that radio’s life is far from over, notwithstanding the dominance of newer media. Recalling his coverage of a Calabasas wildfire, for instance, he noted that it was radio more than any other medium that helped coordinate evacuation efforts. “Information saved lives,” he said.

But radio will need reporters if it is to survive. “It requires thought, it requires talent, a little bit of panache,” said Mr. Demetriou, adding with a laugh, “not to mention intelligence — which I’m seeing here in spades!”