JOUR 311 Assignment 2

JOUR311 Karadjov

Cienna Acevedo

LONGABARDI REPORTS

As a boy, Eric Longabardi grew up on watching television. Now an adult, he works on television. As an investigative broadcast journalist, Eric sees it as an opportunity to “meet people and see the world”. “It’s fun to tell the truth and be a do-gooder,” says Eric. Following a seven-year investigation where U.S. military men were used as test subjects for biochemical products, Eric brought truth and exposure on the horrible procedures undergone in Project SHAD.

Uncovering Project SHAD was his favorite story experience so far, expressed Longabardi. From gathering evidence and various resources for the story, it was all a delicate process that took years to develop. Produced reports from him were disclosed nationwide on CBS Evening News. Eric Longabardi helped bring justice to the unsuspecting soldiers who were tested without notified consent.

Before becoming a producer of his own company at TeleMedia News Productions, Eric shares his humble beginnings that paved the way to his career. As a graduate at San Diego State, Eric began at $8 an hour logging tapes for a travel show in San Francisco. With a passion for photojournalism in his teenage years, it transitioned into investigative journalism. Later on, he gained further experience as a broadcast producer for ABC News and CBS News.

Eric’s background in his “Television and Film” degree served him in becoming a better storyteller. From his studies, he learned the concept of use for images and video footage to aid in telling a story visually. Though Longabardi produced many news programs, he preferred to be involved with the story process. Walter Cronkite as well as other broadcast journalists served as role models towards Eric’s journalist aspiration.

At forty-eight years old, Eric clearly grasps the technology evolution with media and journalism. “Regardless of what form it is, it’s going to come through a screen,” says Longabardi.

Longabardi leaves his bit of inspirational words for ambitious journalists out there. “Don’t take no, for an answer,” says Longabardi. “Learn to do what you want to do. It’s all about getting the opportunity.” Budding individuals seeking a break into the broadcast industry can refer to Longabardi’s story as a beacon of inspiration and yet a prime example of—passion and hard work.

A native of Southern California for most his life in Costa Mesa, Eric lives a quiet life in Costa Mesa. Originally born in the Chicago area, he grew up with his two brothers there briefly.