Q&A: Journalist Pierre Thomas coming to Milwaukee

By Phyllis Sides

Monday, February 20, 2006 2:08 AM CST

ABC News Correspondent Pierre Thomas will be the keynote speaker at the Milwaukee Times' 21st Annual Black Excellence Awards Banquet. The event, which honors blacks who have made significant contributions to the local community, will be held Friday, at the Italian Community Center.

He accepted the invitation, Thomas said, because "I have been told it is a wonderful event and I am honored to have been invited. It's a celebration of people doing good things for their communities and I am pleased to be participating."

Thomas covers the Justice Department for ABC News and reports for "World News Tonight," "Good Morning America" and "Nightline."

Thomas talked with the Journal Times about his career, his mentors and mentoring young reporters.

What's it like being one the most recognizable black journalists in the country?

Ha. I never really think of it until someone from the African American community stops me and tells me how proud they are of me and how much they enjoy my work. I think it says a lot about how gracious people are - and, perhaps, something about the need for more diversity in network television news.

Why did you make the move from print to TV?

On the switch from print to television journalism, it was a new challenge when CNN offered me a job. I was a little apprehensive, but that is never reason enough to sidestep a challenge. But, I will say, it was a tough decision. I had a wonderful 10 years at the Washington Post.

It was the place that helped shape me as a journalist and I had the opportunity to pursue a lot of

interesting stories. I am particularly proud of being part of a team of reporters who wrote a groundbreaking series of stories on gun-running. That Washington Post team was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. It was tough to leave print reporting - but I have really enjoyed working at CNN and, now, at ABC News.

What is the greatest challenge you've faced? Reporting on the 9-11 tragedy was pretty difficult. I am very proud of the work ABC News did in covering those horrific attacks. The entire news division was honored with Peabody and Dupont awards for that coverage.

I can remember working on only eight total hours of sleep over a three or four day period. I also remember, at one point, fighting back tears just before Peter Jennings was about to come to me for a live shot. I had just seen someone with a picture of a missing loved one. Sept. 11 reminded me of why I got into journalism in the first place; giving people information they could count on in a time of need.

What advice would you give a young person graduating from journalism school today? I know this will sound a bit hokey, but I would advise young journalists to get into this business if they want to inform the public and to serve the public interest.

Did you have a mentor?

I have had several mentors. Ben Bradlee, the former executive editor of the Washington Post is a mentor as well as former CNN principal anchor, Bernie Shaw. When I joined ABC News, the late Peter Jennings - anchor of World News Tonight - was instrumental in helping me make the transition from cable to network television. Also, I count Washington Post sports columnist, Michael Wilbon, as a dear friend and mentor.

Do you think African-American and other communities of color receive adequate and fair coverage by the media?

That's a difficult question. I think you could make a strong argument that most communities, including the African American community, could be covered better by media outlets. I think one of the greatest challenges we face in journalism is making certain we accurately portray the communities we serve.

Have you been a mentor? I have tried to be a mentor to some of my younger colleagues. I also have participated in some mentoring programs for high school students in the past. Being part of a formal mentoring program is more difficult now due to time constraints and a beautiful little 3-year-old son who keeps both my wife and me very busy.

At this point in your career, what do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Oh, I hope I have amassed a body of journalism work that people would conclude is aggressive, fair and thorough.

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