Konner Kicks Off 2023-24 Newhouse SMC Guest Speakers

Michael Konner was the first Newhouse alumni guest speaker for the 2023-24 school year on Friday afternoon to speak with current students about his experience in the television industry. The 1995 SU graduate is currently the Senior Coordinating Producer for NFL Media, compiling over 20 years of experience in sports media production and operations. 

Konner was a producer for Fox Sports from 1998-2005 and then went on to have vital roles in the launches of both the NFL and MLB Networks. The seven-time Emmy Award winner began his career in the entertainment industry as an assignment editor for the shows “Access Hollywood” and “A Current Affair.”

As a Newhouse student, Konner was involved with WJPZ radio, wrote for The Daily Orange newspaper, and interned at local CBS affiliate WTVH. Konner reminisced about his time at Syracuse and emphasized the importance of taking full advantage of everything that Newhouse students have at their disposal. 

“I wish that I could be in your seat right now with how much I’ve learned over the years, but that’s what makes it so cool to come back here is to share that knowledge with all of you. Make sure to enjoy the journey along the way because you’re going to blink and be up here like I am in 28 years talking to students thinking how fast it went,” Konner said. 

Konner encouraged students to get involved with organizations on campus and experience multiple different internships in the market. He treated his internship entering his senior year with “A Current Affair” like he was a full-time employee. That mindset paid off as Konner was offered a job during spring break that would be waiting for him after he graduated. 

“The toughest job you’re going to get is your first one. If you treat an internship as that first job, then the bosses won’t be able to envision their newsroom without you,” Konner said.  

Even though Konner landed his first job in entertainment television, he knew that he wanted to transfer to a career in sports media. After spending over two years at “Access Hollywood,” one of his coworkers put him in contact with FOX Sports, who just purchased the NFL’s media rights from CBS in 1998. Konner moved back to the East Coast to oversee operations in their New York City division. 

In 2003 he received a call about joining the start of NFL Network as a News Producer. After a few years, he became Manager of Remote and Studio Operations. Over the next five years, Konner traveled 28 weeks per year to coordinate events like Thursday Night Football, the NFL Draft, and the Super Bowl. For a change of pace from the hectic lifestyle at NFL Network, he decided to take a position with the newly created MLB Network where Konner spent the next eight years as a Coordinating Producer. 

When the opportunity presented itself to return to NFL Network in 2017 as the Senior Coordinating Producer, it was just too good to pass up. Konner’s current role oversees how the network covers the NFL offseason from Super Bowl week to the end of training camp. 

“My experiences are a different road map than everyone else’s, and the same will be for you. If you have a passion in the industry whether it’s being on air or producing, just go for it and make your own path,” Konner said. 

Konner shared what network executives, like himself are looking for in new hires and offered other meaningful pieces of advice. The main takeaway was to be accountable and a nice person that others want to be around. 

“I say it to the people at NFL Network all the time that you are in control of two things every single day, your work ethic and your attitude. That alone will help you stand out from your peers,” Konner said. 

Be on the lookout for other alumni guest speakers throughout the academic year by following the Newhouse Sports Media Center on social media.