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Journalist Korona ‘03 shares “truthslaying” secrets
Former NBC News senior vice president Betsy Korona ’03 returned to campus March 24 to reveal truths gleaned from her two decades at the center of national news-making.
During a lunchtime talk in the Grimsley Board Room, Korona met with students from several Charles Center scholars programs, discussing the critical role William & Mary played in her ascent to the height of the broadcast journalism world.
“The liberal arts foundation that you get at William & Mary, it gives you such a solid foundation for journalism,” Korona said. “You learn how to think, analyze, write, and communicate—these are the fundamentals you learn across W&M, no matter what you major in.”
Students asked Korona about the changing nature of broadcast journalism, how best to gain experience in the field, and the prospects for work/life balance in a role tethered to the 24/7 newscycle.
For Korona, a dedication to truth and storytelling sustained her passion for her work, in spite of its demands and challenges.
“To dedicate your life to trying to make sense of the world and to ask questions on behalf of people who may not have a chance to ask those questions, there’s nothing like it,” Korona said.
Later that afternoon, Korona returned to the Grimsley Board Room for a public talk hosted by the Charles Center, “Truthslaying: Who do we trust? What is the truth?” She explored the differentiation of fact from fiction in the media.
Korona said that the media environment has drastically evolved since her career in journalism first began and continues to change rapidly.
“Today, there are a seemingly infinite number of outlets and people who claim to know and tell the truth. How does even the most discerning reader or viewer know who to trust?” she said. “Between AI and competing agendas alone, it’s understandably hard to know. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen how deeply journalists care about reporting information as accurately as possible.”
Again, Korona pointed to the education she received at William & Mary, which led her career all the way to the top of New York City’s Rockefeller Center, headquarters to NBC News.
During her time at W&M, she designed her own major in literary and cultural studies with a focus on media and society, partnered with Ross Johnston ’02 to revitalize the on-campus TV station WMTV, and interned in Washington D.C.
“Journalists need to know about a range of topics – something William & Mary first taught me,” Korona said. “You never stop learning and I love that.”
After 20 years working in the journalism field, Korona remarked that it is still difficult for her to pick her favorite part.
“There’s nothing quite like being on the frontlines of history. In the field or control room, you feel the weight of responsibility, but it also sharpens your senses and focuses your mind,” she said. “I truly enjoy talking to people and gaining additional perspective on the world through their eyes.”
Korona noted the indispensability of truth and truthtellers, especially in today’s society.
“Journalism is a democratizer. It provides all people with access to information they may not otherwise have in order to make decisions about their lives, the country and the world,” Korona said. “Journalism gives individuals power. It’s up to each of us how we use that power.”
Korona’s advice to budding journalists?
“We need journalists now more than ever. This is a profession at a crossroads. The most experienced folks in the business don’t necessarily know where it’s headed. But we will continue to need eyewitnesses to history, journalists who care about people and truth,” Korona said.
“You can write the future of journalism. It will be up to you.”