CNN journalist speaks to Texas State students

By: Melanie Yoes

Award-winning journalist and TV personality Soledad O’Brien addressed a crowd of 1,400, mostly undergraduate students at Strahan Coliseum Wednesday as part of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Distinguished Lecturer series in coordination with the 2011 Common Experience.

O’Brien spoke about the role of First Amendment rights as they concern the media as well as in everyday life. O’Brien also discussed her accomplishments in the field of broadcast journalism and how freedom of speech as well as freedom of the press is of the utmost importance in both her personal and professional life.

O’Brien, who was born in 1966 and grew up in a racially segregated America, credits her multi-racial parents with her decision to go into the field of journalism, and to focus on stories that are often underreported in the mainstream media. O’Brien’s mother, a black woman of Cuban nationality, particularly impressed upon O’Brien the importance of being a witness, and to stand up against intimidation and discrimination.

“By watching my mother, I learned how incredibly important it is just to observe people. A true witness is a rarity, and by seeing and telling those stories that might not otherwise be heard is what journalism is really about to me,” O’Brien said.

The journalist also stressed the importance of accuracy, credibility and integrity the media should always maintain when reporting a story.

“You have to have credibility and be as fair and accurate as possible when covering an issue. We, as the media, have an obligation to the public that we have to uphold,” she said.

O’Brien’s First Amendment address was well received by the audience in the coliseum, and several times she had to halt her speech in order to let the crowd’s cheers die down.

“Inspiring, truly inspiring,” said Texas State freshman Daniel Montoya, who attended the event as part of his university Common Experience requirement. “I really had no idea who she was before she came to Texas State to speak but she was awesome,” he said.

Sophomore Dana Smith shares a similar opinion.

“I loved the speech! It was great, especially when she talked about her background and what she went through to explain why she covers the stories she does,” she said.

At the end of her address, O’Brien received a standing ovation from the crowd.