Newhouse alum Jon Frankel returns home to talk storytelling

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Jon Frankel ’86 has spent much of his career chasing stories far beyond the box score. The former HBO Sports correspondent returned to Syracuse to talk with students about storytelling, journalism and how the craft has evolved in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Frankel talks with students while highlighting previous work on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. © Matthew Davison


The conversation, hosted by the Newhouse Sports Media Center and moderated by Matt Park ’97, took place in the Ed Levine Room at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.


Frankel spent nearly two decades traveling the country for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, producing long-form segments that explored the human side of sports. While reflecting on how the industry has changed, he emphasized that the core of journalism has remained the same.


“It’s just listening — that’s all this is,” Frankel said. “If you’re curious, you can tell great stories. That’s why journalism has become so democratic.”


Frankel encouraged students to remain open to unexpected angles, describing his reporting process as “peeling back the onion,” layering research and context around a central human story.


Frankel walked students through the development of one of his Real Sports segments on high school football coach Kevin Kelley, who challenged conventional thinking by refusing to punt and instead relying on onside kick attempts. The piece examined psychology, statistics and decision-making in sports.

Frankel and guests watch old HBO Real Sports feature on Kevin Kelley. © Isabelle Kelly


“As soon as I care about one person, then I can start peeling back the onion,” Frankel said. “Then I can start telling you more about the facts.”


Throughout the discussion, Frankel stressed that strong journalism depends on compelling storytelling, arguing that facts resonate most when anchored in human-centered narratives.


“If you don’t care, it’s like watching a show where you don’t like the characters,” Frankel said. “You don’t want to spend that much time with them.”

Guests applaud Frankel (left) beside moderator Matt Park (middle) and Newhouse Sport Media Center director Olivia Stomski (right). © Matthew Davison


Frankel encouraged students to take initiative and pursue stories independently, noting that advances in technology have lowered traditional barriers to entry in the field.


“You don’t need a crew of five or seven anymore,” Frankel said. “If you have a story idea, go do it.”