Fountain Reflects on Diversity, Producing and Reporting

On Tuesday, October 11, Michael Fountain came to speak to Newhouse students about his career working for top media companies as a producer and executive. The conversation was hosted by Gabriel Carr-Johnson, a graduate student in the broadcast and digital journalism program planning to go into production. 

While Fountain spent a good deal of his storied career in sports, he also spent time working in news. In a particularly poignant moment, he recalled his time covering conflict in Rwanda and the emotional toll reporting can take on reporters, something few stop to think about while consuming media. For Fountain, the scene was personal, as he spoke to a mother who had tragically lost her child and at the same time Fountain’s wife was expecting back in the United States. 

Fountain also spoke about his interactions with athletes over the years, highlighting a touching moment between his mother and renowned boxer Muhammad Ali. While in an airport with his mother, who was suffering from ALS at the time, he ran into Ali. Fountain asked Ali if he would give his mother some words of encouragement, as he has one of her favorite athletes. Ali then made his way through the crowd of fans surrounding him to speak with Fountain’s mother, a moment that still makes him emotional to this day. 

The more serious moments were intertwined with funny stories of his time in production, including the time when his assistant flew him to the wrong Bloomington. He was supposed to fly to Bloomington, Indiana, meaning he had to rent a car and drive several hours to make it to a game on time. 

Fountain also offered advice to women hoping to go into sports when asked by a female student how women should handle adversity in the field. He emphasized that women do belong in sports, and that diversity is important in the field of journalism. Anyone can do anything they set their minds to in the field, even in the face of adversity, according to Fountain. 

On the topic of diversity, Fountain spoke of what he considers to be the importance of diversity. He stated that while racial and gender diversity is obviously important, diversity of ideas is, too. Working with others is a must, even when disagreements arise. 

The event was attended by dozens of Newhouse students, and was one of several that have and will take place throughout the course of the year. For more information on the Sports Media Center, follow us on Twitter @NewhouseSports.