He grew up in McKeesport, and while he worked in Pittsburgh most his life, Harold Hayes’ career took him on many journeys near and far. The KDKA-TV reporter who retired in 2016 spoke Thursday with students in one of Julie Himmelstein’s media classes at Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School.
Link: Harold Hayes KDKA-TV Career Retrospective
Hayes spoke to the class that is part of a new partnership among Sto-Rox School District, Point Park University’s Center for Media Innovation, and the Gazette 2.0. Junior high students will learn media skills including interviewing, storytelling and photography. The goal is to increase media literacy and help students interact and build stronger bonds with their school and community.
Hayes went to the University of Pittsburgh and studied Communications before starting his career in radio in Illinois. He jumped to television in Peoria in the late 1970’s before getting the call that would bring home - to stay - for the next 36 years.
During the class, Hayes reflected on a career that took him to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, the Vatican for the passing of Pope John Paul II, and many places across the world - and western Pennsylvania. He also brainstormed with students about the questions they plan to ask their interview subjects.
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Watch this space for more stories on our new partnership with Point Park and the Gazette 2.0, as our students learn the ins and outs of the media industry.