By Kim Saltmarsh

WCBS reporter Mike Xirinachs discussed the highs and the lows of the media business and the reasons to keep believing in a dream with communication majors in Dempster Hall on Oct. 25.

Xirinachs began the discussion by delving right into the negative aspects of being a reporter.

“You will never have good working hours. You learn to live with it, but you never get used to it,” said Xirinachs, a veteran in the reporting business with more than 30 years of experience. “The money is horrible, too.”

In the media field, reporters are often researching negative stories, he said. “The news does not stop for you,” Xirinachs said. “Almost everybody hates you at one point, but by uncovering the negative you are helping society.”

Still, the WCBS reporter has a passion for his job despite the early hours, negative attitudes and low salaries.

“I wake up every day still loving what I do,” Xirinachs said. “It’s always exciting. It’s always challenging, never a dull moment. The great thing about radio is the immediacy of it.”

According to Xirinachs, people are impacted based on one’s writing, but more importantly, how one presents what one writes.

He recalled dreaming as a young boy of being on the radio. “I heard that voice, and I wanted to be heard,” Xirinachs said. “I never let that dream go.”

“Your voice is everything,” the WCBS reporter said.

Xirinachs advised students that writing skills are important for any media-based career. “In radio you are writing for the ear,” said Xirinachs.

The media business is changing, according to Xirinachs. “I had more time back then [to report] then I do now,” Xirinachs said. “Competition is everywhere now.”

The WCBS reporter left the audience with some lasting advice. “Sharpen your writing skills, stay true to your word, and be interested in everything,” he said.

Xirinachs recently reported in Baghdad covering the war in Iraq. “These Iraqis are some of the most loving people you’ll ever meet,” said Xirinachs. “Wonderful, loving people are dying out there. You can really make a difference.”

Dream, WCBS Reporter Advises Hofstra Students