David Folkenflik '87, NPR Media Reporter, Visits Campus

January 22, 2007

Folkenflik discussing The Exonian with Libbie, the editor-in-chief

David Folkenflik '87, who covers media for National Public Radio, came to campus today to speak to students. Renowned for his work on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Day to Day, he brought to Exeter a mix of candor – his thoughts on today's driving media issues – and the ability to speak clearly on a variety of topics.

This is an "age of competing imperatives" he said during the all-school Assembly. Much of his talk focused on stories he has covered – notably the BALCO case – which underscore the conflicts he sees between the media and government.

He also spoke about the impact of journalism on his life. "Reporting gives you a passport for ridiculous intrusions," he said, which helped open him up "to a life of learning."

During the question-and-answer period at the end of the Assembly talk, students peppered Folkenflik with questions, everything from, "What was it like being on The O'Reilly Factor?" to "What do you think of the Valerie Plame case?" His responses were clear and often subtle. "All stories get overcovered or undercovered," he said in response to the Valerie Plame question, asserting that this story was overcovered. "It seemed to me to be a proxy for another question: were we lied to in order to get into the war?"

One question – "What's the most fascinating place you've visited?" – led to a surprising answer. "I get to go to glamorous places, like Long Island and Indianapolis," he said, to the delight of the students. His favorite places? The little cities, like Lawrence, KS, where he found a small newspaper – circulation approximately 20,000 – that hosted a very creative, free, online multimedia section, which stood out for its excellence. The students from Kansas shouted out their approval.

Over lunch with students, Folkenflik had a chance to discuss The Exonian with two of the newspaper's editors, Libbie and Lauren, both uppers. "The Exonian is much thicker than when I was here," said Folkenflik. "You do a really nice job." For Libbie, Folkenflik's visit was validating. "I liked that he said journalism could open doors," she said. "That has definitely been my experience, and the most fulfilling part of working on The Exonian. When Folkenflik said during his Assembly talk that journalism is a ticket to places you don't normally have access to, I wanted to yell out, 'Come write for The Exonian, everyone!' " 

Interested in learning more?
Read about David Folkenflik's background …
Learn more about the BALCO case ...
Check out Exeter's English department offerings …
Learn more about The Exonian from an article in The Exeter Bulletin, Winter 2004...