At its core, the gathering reflected a simple but critical idea: investing in emerging journalists is essential to the future of a free and independent press.

The program opened with remarks from MS NOW’s Washington Bureau Chief Sudeep Reddy, who kicked off the afternoon saying, “It’s exciting to host you here. We are a news organization with competitive, hard-charging journalists who are eager to uncover every aspect of the story, to hold power to account, to illuminate what’s going on. We invite all of you to be curious, to ask questions, to take advantage of the access that you’re going to have to these folks in the room here, and to have a lot of fun.”

From there, MS NOW primetime host Jen Psaki led a wide-ranging panel discussion featuring MS NOW reporters Eugene Daniels, Vaughn Hillyard, Jackie Alemany, Akayla Gardner, and Mychael Schnell. Together, they offered an inside look at covering politics and power, from navigating a 24/7 news cycle to maintaining accuracy and fairness in an increasingly complex information environment.

The conversation touched on the challenges of building trust with audiences, the importance of rigorous reporting, and the realities of covering institutions where access and accountability often exist in tension.

Students engaged directly during the Q&A, asking thoughtful questions about breaking into the industry, developing sources, and staying grounded in truth amid competing narratives.

Schnell, MS NOW Congressional Reporter, said: “Try to cultivate new sources. Go for coffee with sources. Try to meet new people. A lot of journalism is not just when you get a call one morning with a tip and you can land the scoop by the afternoon.”

Gardner, MS NOW White House Reporter, said: “I would say when starting out, it’s okay to just be a good reporter. I think it’s okay to just have sharp writing skills, have good news judgment, turn copy quickly. And I think good reporters turn into great reporters.”

Hillyard, MS NOW Senior White House Reporter, said: “Be kind to yourself and be patient. And things will come. As long as you are being prudent, you’re thoughtful, and you are talking to folks, stories then come.”

Alemany, MS NOW co-anchor of “The Weekend” and Washington Reporter, on drive said: “I think, showing in that interview that you are hungry for the story. You are hungry for the job. You will do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of the story. There are always different ways to get to a story. It is just a matter of how relentless you're willing to be.”

Following the discussion, students and MS NOW journalists dined together in small groups engaging in more informal, candid conversations. Seated together, they exchanged stories, advice, and perspectives, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the lived experience of working reporters.

It was in these smaller settings that conversations became more personal: discussions about navigating early career uncertainty, finding your voice as a journalist, and holding onto a sense of purpose in a demanding field.

Setting the tone for these discussions, the students received two pieces of invaluable advice.

Daniels, MS NOW co-anchor of “The Weekend” and Senior Washington Reporter, on being valued said: “I want to work at places that will take all of me. I need to find places to work at that match my work ethic, the work that I do, and who I am, because it is an outfit you can’t get rid of.”

Rebecca Kutler, MS NOW President on opportunities: “Take whatever opportunity presents itself and create your own opportunity. Take experiences that seem like grunt work and seem like ‘what the heck could I ever learn from this?’ and say, ‘I could learn a lot if I go into this with a learning mentality’.”

The students brought a remarkable depth of perspectives to the room that were shaped by their backgrounds, experiences, and the issues they are already covering.

Many spoke about journalism as a form of public service, emphasizing the importance of ensuring communities have access to accurate, reliable information. Others reflected on how their own experiences have driven their commitment to the field.

For some, the motivation is deeply personal.

Sahas Wijewardene, Class of 2026 at American University, said: “I grew up in Sri Lanka where I saw independent journalists make their own news and report to the public because the news was so censored. I really got inspired to go into foreign correspondence, to be somebody that can educate the public and have that privilege to tell the news and what's going on in the world.”

Robert Hill, Class of 2026 at Howard University, said: “I always knew I wanted to spread the positive message on TV, but I didn't realize that journalism was my calling until I got to Howard University and I started taking classes that invoked my ability to ask the tough questions, to ask the right questions, especially when it came to people in my community.”

Reena Gupta, Class of 2026 at George Washington University, said: “I'm looking to do political journalism in the future, and so I'm really interested in talking with voters, talking with constituents and seeing the issues that impact them and how they want politicians to help them. I think a major part of journalism and a major role that journalists play is in maintaining democracy. Journalists are imperative to democracy. They go hand in hand. I want my work to be helpful. I want to help create an informed constituency and allow the constituency to hold their elected officials accountable.”

Throughout the afternoon, one theme remained constant: a shared commitment to truth, accountability, and storytelling that serves the public.

Events like the Future Correspondents’ Brunch are not just about access, they are about connection. They create opportunities for emerging journalists to ask questions, build relationships, and see themselves reflected in the profession they are preparing to enter.

They also serve as a reminder that the future of journalism depends on supporting and elevating new voices, those who are ready to take on the responsibility of informing the public and holding power to account.

Paulina Inglima, Class of 2027 at Georgetown University, said: “You have to have the confidence and the boldness to go up to random people. You have to be okay with being confident enough in what you're doing to just go for it. And that's true in reporting. When people see you doing that, they respect that. And a lot of the amazing people who spoke today were really touching on that.”

The future of journalism is being shaped right now, in classrooms, in communities, and in conversations like these.

MS NOW is proud to play a role in helping foster that future.