Alumni Spotlight: Johnathon O'Halloran, '20
January 25, 2024
As a student on Xavier’s campus four years ago, Johnathon O’Halloran, ’20 recalls having big dreams for a future in journalism. Those dreams led him to roles with broadcast news in the Big Apple, and the recent experience of winning a 2023 Emmy Award from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
The New York Emmy Awards recognize “talent and ability in composition, creation, and performance of works which strive to improve the quality of television” according to the organization’s website. Since New York represents the largest broadcast television market in the country, the significance of the award is amplified in this prominent media environment.
For Johnathon, the Emmy Award has significance both professionally and personally. Through his role with PIX11 News, Johnathon had pitched the idea for the award-winning story to his editors. An investigation was underway in a community close to Johnathon’s hometown in New Jersey, where an alarming number of residents had been diagnosed with rare brain tumors. The PIX11 coverage of the story increased awareness of the issue as community members were demanding answers from state and federal authorities. The experience of winning his first Emmy award for a story related to his hometown was extraordinary for Johnathon. “To be recognized in such a grand way for this story in particular means the world to me,” he shared. “Unfortunately, I know way too many people who are or could be affected by this issue. I was nominated for three Emmy’s that night, and this was the one I wanted more than anything because of my personal connection to it.”
Community involvement has always been important to Johnathon, as evidenced by his previous service as a Xavier campus ambassador and as the D’Artagnan mascot for basketball games and campus events. Johnathon shared that those experiences enhanced his studies in communication, which included majors in Communication Studies and Digital Media, as well as minors in Digital Innovation Film and Television, Advertising, and Public Relations. The multi-faceted approach to his studies helped Johnathon prepare for the fast-paced and highly competitive news media business in New York. “As communication majors, we are storytellers,” shared Johnathon. “We are pushing a message forward that people can relate to.” The crafting of a relatable story consumes much of his time as a news producer responsible for researching and writing the stories for the daily news segments. However, because he aspires to be the person on camera instead of the person behind the scenes, he also took on a role as a weekend radio news anchor with iHeartMedia to gain on-air experience.
Jonathon’s advice for anyone interested in breaking into the news media is to continue to hone their writing skills. “If you can write well and succinctly, and grab people’s attention, you will do well for yourself,” he shared. He also acknowledges the value of gaining work experience through internships and building a professional network. Experiences through volunteer roles can also prove to be beneficial to one’s career, as Johnathon discovered when PIX11 needed a costumed-character for their version of the Thanksgiving Day parade. From the Cintas Center to the streets of New York, 2020 grad Johnathon O’Halloran continues to promote the Xavier Musketeer spirit on his journey toward fulfilling his dreams.