By Joshua Sharp

Distinguished author and broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw visited the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism on Thursday, speaking to a group of more than 200 USC students and guests. He spent the entire time fielding questions from the audience on topics ranging from his funniest moments as a journalist to citizen journalism in East Africa.

Asked about the state of the news media, Brokaw described the news process as a "two-way street" involving both the media and their audience.

"If you're aggressive as a viewer … you can have a very rich diet of information and news," Brokaw said. "Is there too much Anna Nicole Smith on cable news? Yes. … (But) viewers also have a responsibility."

"You, too, have a piece in this bargain," Brokaw told the students. "And you have to be aware of that."

Describing the revolution of the Internet, Brokaw said, "In our universe, there's been another Big Bang. It's fairly chaotic at the moment in this new universe. At the same time, it's wildly exciting."

He also encouraged students to consider broadcast journalism roles where they aren't in front of a camera, saying that for every on-camera job there were a hundred more "great jobs" behind the scenes.

In response to a student question, Brokaw said Sept. 11, 2001 was "the single hardest day I ever had" as a journalist, adding, "We're still dealing with the consequences of it now."

He also said a journalist's greatest responsibility is to "marshal facts as truthfully as you can… and in an appropriate context."

Brokaw told the audience curiosity and passion were two essential elements for journalistic success. To all students with journalist aspirations, Brokaw said they needed to learn one thing: "Write well."

Joshua Sharp (pictured) is a sophomore majoring in communication. He is a member of the Annenberg Ambassadors student organization.