## From ASU’s Newsroom to the Stadium Lights: One Cronkite Grad is Ready to Score Big in Sports Journalism
The crisp crack of a bat, the roar of the crowd, the nail-biting tension of a game-winning shot – these are the sounds and emotions that drive sports journalism. And one bright young talent, fresh from the halls of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, is poised to become a leading voice in this exciting field.
Outstanding Cronkite Graduate Accelerates Toward Future in Sports Journalism
Ari Wohl knew he wanted to study sports journalism, but it wasn’t until he attended summer camp at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication that he realized he was heading to Arizona. The California native fell in love with the Cronkite School during camp and came back to earn not one, but two degrees in four years through the Accelerated Master’s Program.
“Sports journalism isn’t a program you can find across the country, but Cronkite had a sports journalism-focused program,” Wohl said, “and I pretty much instantly fell in love with it in two weeks.” He will graduate with his Master of Mass Communication at the Cronkite School’s spring 2025 convocation, where he’ll also be one of the students honored with the Outstanding Graduate Student award.
Advice for Future Students
Wohl shared his experience and guidance for future students, emphasizing the importance of being open to new experiences.
“Be open to letting things change because for me they did,” Wohl said. “I learned I liked a lot more than just broadcast, and I’m thankful I was open to trying those things. College is the perfect time and Cronkite is the perfect place to try new things.”
He also advises future students not to be afraid to start over and explore different paths.
“Don’t be afraid to start over and figure out what you really want to do,” Wohl said. “I was not afraid to start over and I think it’s a good thing.”
Reflections on the Cronkite School
Wohl expressed his gratitude for the experience and the people he met during his time at the Cronkite School.
“When I came here and started working as a freshman, I knew I made the right decision,” Wohl said. “The Cronkite News Phoenix Sports Bureau is such a different experience than anything you’ll get in a classroom. I was there four days a week this spring, working with two different groups of people. That collaborative effort of friendship, while being in class, trying to do a job and working seven hours a day, was such a different opportunity than anything I was anticipating.”
Post-Graduation Plans and Future of Journalism
Wohl shared his immediate plans and future goals, including representing the US in the Maccabiah Games in Israel and job searching in sports journalism.
“This summer I will be heading to Israel to represent the United States in the 2025 Maccabiah Games as part of their media team,” Wohl said. “After that month, I will start looking for a full-time job working in sports journalism in some capacity.”
When asked about his future goals, Wohl expressed his desire to work in sports journalism and make a name for himself.
“I want to work in sports journalism and make a name for myself,” Wohl said. “I’m confident in Cronkite’s ability to produce well-rounded journalists, and I think that’s important for the future of the industry.”
Inspiration for the Future of Journalism
Wohl emphasized the importance of good storytelling and factual reporting in the future of journalism.
“Cronkite does it right in the sense that you’re taught how to do journalism the right way,” Wohl said. “We are at a very important time in our history where journalism is not always viewed in the best light. It is really important that people my age know how to tell good stories, report factually and do the things necessary to progress journalism to the standard we want it held to.”
He also highlighted Cronkite’s role in shaping the next generation of journalists.
“Cronkite does a good job of teaching those things, and it makes me feel confident that my fellow students and I will do great things and be great journalists,” Wohl said.
Conclusion
As we conclude the inspiring story of an outstanding Cronkite graduate accelerating towards a future in sports journalism, several key points stand out. The article showcases the Cronkite School’s commitment to excellence, its faculty’s dedication to nurturing talent, and the immense opportunities available for those willing to put in the hard work. The graduate’s remarkable achievements, from internships to award-winning stories, serve as a testament to the school’s rigorous curriculum and its ability to equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
The implications of this success story extend far beyond the realm of sports journalism. It underscores the importance of institutions in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and storytellers. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we continue to invest in and provide opportunities for talented individuals to hone their craft, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In an era where the media landscape is rapidly evolving, it is more vital than ever to have skilled, passionate, and dedicated Cronkite graduates like our featured alumna, who will shape the narrative of our world.