Fox Sports Ohio reporters and married couple Ray Crawford and Dionne Miller made their way from Columbus to the University yesterday to talk to students about broadcasting.

Crawford, a 1993 University alum, spent the last 20 years building his career as a journalist, working in Ohio, Missouri and North Carolina. Miller’s career also took her across the country from Alaska to Florida.

With their diverse backgrounds, Crawford and Miller discussed life in broadcasting, with topics ranging from starting up a career to giving successful job interviews and appealing to an unknown audience. Both Crawford and Miller stressed the importance of internships.

Crawford interned as a paid reporter during his senior year of college. He emphasized that starting in small stations, rather than jumping to big studios, was a positive thing.

“I went to small stations where I knew I could touch the camera,” Crawford said. “I went as small as I could because I knew I’d have a good chance to gain experience.”

Miller and Crawford offered other important tips — be open to everything, not just what’s in your field, and take advantage of what the University has to offer in the journalism field.

“There are so many more media outlets now,” Miller said. “Keep all your options open. Be willing to go anywhere and do anything.”

The sportscasters also explained the importance of networking and keeping in contact with professionals. When Crawford worked in Missouri, he landed a job in Findlay because of a well-connected friend.

“Every three or four months, tell [your contacts] what you’re doing,” Crawford said.

On top of their wisdom from years in the business, Crawford and Miller provided encouragement for hopeful journalists.

“Don’t get discouraged,” Crawford said. “Producers are very busy. Timing has a lot to do with everything.”

“I distinctly remember being in [121 West Hall] and my teacher looked out and said, ‘One of you might make it.’ I wanted to be that one.”