Pages Through The Ages Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Renée Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse University Marisa Faye Joachim Candidate for Bachelor of Science and Renée Crown University Honors May 2018 Honors Capstone Project in: Television, Radio & Film Capstone Project Advisor: _______________________ Richard Dubin, Professor of Practice Capstone Project Reader: _______________________ Michael Schoonmaker, Chair, Television, Radio & Film Honors Director: _______________________ Stephen Kuusisto, Director Date: April 25, 2018 © Marisa Faye Joachim 2018 Abstract 30 Rock’s Kenneth the Page is a legendary character that embodies NBCUniversal’s Page Program. Kenneth possesses qualities with which many after him identify: a passion for the NBC brand and a deep-rooted love for entertainment. NBCUniversal is a peacock in entertainment, fanning out its feathers across various platforms in the industry and mastering each. In 1933, the NBC Page Program was established. In the 85 years since its inception, the Page Program has not only evolved but thrived through that evolution. For 85 years, the Page Program has transformed independent, intelligent individuals into gifted professionals ready to fly on their own. These media professionals learned over the course of twelve months. They succeeded. They failed. They were mentees, and evidently graduated to become mentors. Who are these media professionals? The idiosyncrasies of each Page are what make his or her Program unique. Just like a snowflake, no two experiences are alike. Pages Through the Ages delves into the lives of over fifty former and current NBCUniversal Pages. Telling each personalized story, this exposé presents all NBC has to offer, highlights both the importance and expectation that comes with the title of a Page, and illustrates the incredible twists and turns involved in a career in media. Executive Summary It was any ordinary October day in Syracuse, New York; the leaves were changing color; there was a certain autumn chill in the air. However, this particular Wednesday in 2016 was special, to me. My curiosity peaked as my professor spoke of a former student of his, Eric Gurian. This former student had graduated from Syracuse University, became an NBC Page, and then succeeded as the Executive Vice President of Little Stranger, Inc. Although graduation was a year and a half away, I was eager to learn more about this student, more about this program. While sitting with Professor Dubin during his office hours, he soon helped me realize that speaking with one former Page would not give me a holistic image of the NBC Page Program. One person can make a difference, but each person’s experience differs. He denied my request for Gurian’s contact information. I was not prepared to speak with this EVP, just yet. I felt discouraged, but a greater opportunity arose from that one office hour. Why not try and speak with as many former Pages as possible on my own to develop this holistic image for myself? Why not turn this into an independent study? My Newhouse and Honors Capstone? Welcome to: Pages Through the Ages NBCUniversal is a peacock in entertainment, fanning out its feathers across various platforms in the industry and mastering each. In 1933, the NBC Page Program was established. In the 85 years since its inception, the Page Program has evolved and thrived. For 85 years, the Page Program has transformed independent, intelligent individuals into gifted professionals ready to fly on their own. The Page Program is a rotational program for college graduates interested in pursuing careers in entertainment. For one year, Pages participate in three different assignments spanning across business, consumer, and content related work. These developmental experiences guide young-professionals and aid them in ultimately choosing a career path. By learning the operations, functions, and diverse platforms that comprise NBC, each Page graduates the Program filled with extensive knowledge about the network and media industry as a whole. Pages Through the Ages delves into the lives of over fifty former and current NBCUniversal Pages. Telling each personalized story, this exposé presents all NBC has to offer, highlights both the importance and expectation that comes with the title of a Page, and illustrates the incredible twists and turns involved in a career in media. After I conducted a series of interviews, Pages Through the Ages naturally created a Page Network. I connected with previous Pages through LinkedIn, word of mouth, and personal referrals. More than fifty Pages were incredibly willing to participate in one-on-one interviews, and many mentioned my project to additional Page friends. This project not only connected me with dozens of media professionals, but also re-connected co-workers with one and other. As a result, the web of interconnected Pages became even stronger. Furthermore, Pages Through the Ages reaches inside the history of the Program, as well as that of the 30 Rock building. The New York City landmark changed history in the New Deal era. Forever changing the midtown skyline, 30 Rockefeller Center is revolutionary in areas beyond just entertainment. The Plaza has significance. The building’s artwork has pertinence. If those marble floors could talk, their stories would be legendary. No such personalized documented data previously existed. Disregarding basic qualifications, no known resource previously aided someone trying to research this prestigious program. This project seeks to mend a gap in the market. Any aspiring media professional, like me, would have greatly benefitted from this project in years past. I am quite positive there are a myriad of “me’s” out there. As a major hub for culture, news, and entertainment, New York City is a place where dreams can come true. After listening to and engaging with over fifty unique experiences, I learned how the Page Program augmented these dreams. The Page Program altered some of these dreams. The NBCU Page Program itself is a dream. Pages Through the Ages changed my perception of the field of media. It gave me inspiration. This project acts as a previously overlooked, yet imperative storyteller. Telling story after story, it shares passion after passion. It was not just any ordinary October day in Syracuse, New York. Yes, the leaves were changing color, and there was a certain autumn chill in the air. However, this particular Thursday in 2017 was special, to me. My curiosity had been answered as my professor introduced me to a former student of his who was speaking at Syracuse University, Eric Gurian. This former student graduated from SU and went on to become an NBC Page, EVP of Little Stranger, Inc., and my mentor. Eric Gurian is the perfect ending to Pages Through the Ages. I was finally prepared to interview my muse. My journey came full-circle that afternoon. Professor Dubin had a plan, and it panned out perfectly. As we sat on that chilly October day, I told Eric Gurian all about my Capstone project. I told him he has been the inspiration for the two-year long endeavor, and he didn’t even know it. Eric Gurian, thank you. Richard Dubin, thank you. Table of Contents Preface 1 Acknowledgments 3 Capstone Project Chapter One: Seeking Assignment 4 Chapter Two: 30 Rockefeller Center 6 Chapter Three: We Can Do It! 8 Chapter Four: Before Regis Became Regis 9 Chapter Five: Friendship, Love, and NBC Spirit 10 Chapter Six: Like They Did it in The 90s 14 Chapter Seven: The Faux Kenneth 16 Chapter Eight: The Millennials 17 Chapter Nine: The Rest is Still Unwritten 29 Sources Cited and Consulted 32 Preface The principal point of Pages Through the Ages was to build professional relationships on my own, through my own merit. As aforementioned, I attended Professor Dubin’s office hours to learn more about the Page Program and to speak with his former student. I was convinced one cannot become a Page unless he or she “knows somebody.” After my professor quickly invalidated my statement, he encouraged me to reach out and speak to as many Pages as I possibly could. Then, I would know not one person, but many people. I would create my own network. This project developed quickly, and I decided to run with it. It would be dually beneficial, as these relationships could help begin and continue my career, while also fulfilling an arduous graduation requirement. Pages Through the Ages illustrated the apex of my college career. I not only grew as a student at Syracuse University, but I grew into a well-equipped candidate ready to interview for media jobs! I wanted to learn more, so I took the initiative to do so. My position through this project was to be both a reporter and a producer, while also a listener and a storyteller. Page 1 My intellectual standing grew as well as the project progressed. In the beginning, I was naive. I was unpolished. Two years later, I have expanded my professional communication skill. Page 2 Acknowledgements To the fifty-two Pages who took time out of their busy days to speak with me: You all opened up to me with stories from the glory days, and with anecdotes from the present, and with advice. I am forever grateful. Most importantly, to Richard Dubin: You pushed me to accomplish something I did not think was feasible. You offered advice that helped me not only academically, but as an aspiring media professional. I wish you luck on your next adventure. Page 3 Chapter One: Seeking Assignment What is it about the NBCUniversal Page Program that makes it so desirable? With a 1% acceptance rate, tens of thousands have applied for this reputable and esteemed Program (Johnson, 2011). Why? Through a rigorous interview process, the candidates must first record a video interview of themselves, conduct a panel interview, and then provide references and recommendations.