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: @jpballoujourn1Instagram: @Everylioncounts OR @jpballou LinkedIn: Jeff Ballou Timestamps: 0:00 — Alma Mater Open0:18 — Intro0:55 — Choosing Penn State5:25 — Involvement as a student and beyond9:45 — Diversifying THON 13:58 — Ad Read14:50 — Jeff's passion for journalism and media 19:00 — Day to day life as a news editor at Al Jazeera22:48 — 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 — Outro42:15 — Alma Mater CloseFor more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com