Klein College students recently had the opportunity to learn from one of their own—Temple alumnus and former 6ABC President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica—in a seminar that brought together leadership, career insight, and the evolving realities of the media industry.
The conversation, led by Temple Update alum and rising multimedia journalist Lauren Haley Morris, gave students a rare behind-the-scenes look at how television really works—not just in the newsroom, but on the business side that drives it.
Prazenica’s career path offered an immediate lesson: there is no single route to success. Starting with an interest in production, he pivoted into sales early in his career—a move that ultimately led him to executive leadership. His message to students was clear: stay open, stay adaptable, and understand the full ecosystem of media.
Throughout the seminar, Prazenica emphasized a reality that often goes unspoken in the classroom—the media industry is, at its core, a business. Ratings drive revenue, and revenue drives everything from hiring to storytelling decisions. But even as platforms evolve, one thing remains constant: the need to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
That connection is now more complex than ever. With streaming, social media, and countless digital competitors, local news is no longer the only source of information. Prazenica challenged students to think critically about how to stand out in a crowded landscape, stressing the importance of authenticity, personality, and strong storytelling.
He also highlighted a major shift in the industry: the rise of the multimedia journalist. Today’s reporters are expected to shoot, write, edit, and present their own stories—skills that Klein students are already developing in the classroom and in the field. Rather than seeing this as a burden, Prazenica framed it as an opportunity for greater creative control and career flexibility.
Beyond technical skills, the seminar reinforced the importance of professionalism and preparation. Prazenica shared candid advice on internships, interviews, and workplace expectations—reminding students that showing up, being reliable, and understanding the culture of a newsroom can make all the difference early in a career.
The seminar also featured student voices from the field. Senior Kevin Gruen and junior Christian Lee joined the conversation as panelists, sharing their experiences working and interning in the Philadelphia media market. Their insights added a peer-to-peer perspective, reinforcing how classroom learning translates directly into real-world application.
What made the session especially impactful was the level of student engagement. Students asked thoughtful, practical questions about everything from career paths to standing out in a competitive hiring process. The discussion wasn’t theoretical—it was grounded in real experiences, real challenges, and real opportunities.
At its core, the seminar reflected what Klein College does best: connecting students directly with industry leaders who are shaping the future of media. As Prazenica reminded the room, success in this field isn’t just about talent—it’s about adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning.
For students preparing to enter a rapidly changing industry, it was a powerful reminder that the path forward may not be linear—but with the right mindset, it’s full of opportunity.
