Emmy-Award Winning Producer Visits the University of Central Missouri

Emmy-Award winning journalist and University of Central Missouri (UCM) alumnus David McDonald spoke to UCM students about his trials and achievements in film, radio and news broadcasting on Thursday (Sept. 12).

McDonald graduated from UCM in 2006 with a degree in broadcasting and film and is currently an executive producer at Wave 3 News Sunrise, an NBC news station in Louisville, Ky. During his presentation, McDonald didn't hold back from describing some of his less-than-favorable memories of UCM.

"I had professors tell me I would never work in the television industry," said McDonald. "But I am always up for a challenge; it pushed me to try even harder."

UCM students majoring in Digital Media Production, Journalism and Communication Studies were eager to attend today's presentation, to not only ask questions but to also network with the former alumnus.

"The small, informal setting held with an Emmy winner, and former UCM student... captured his candid side and allowed us students to feel at ease and ask questions at will," said UCM student Tami Goodhart, who is majoring in Digital Media Production. "I felt David gave good advice about the communications field, in that students really can't just be focused on one aspect, but rather we need to have a broad overall understanding of the career field."

McDonald stayed after the event to shake hands with students and to pass out his business cards. He had some closing advice for students and aspiring television broadcasters: "Learn everything.... There are no excuses for not getting involved on campus or being proactive in your education."