Behind the Scenes with Gary Tuchman

In today's post:

• Behind the Scenes with Gary Tuchman
• Battlefield Breakdown
• Mystery Journalist
• Casual Friday

Behind the Scenes with Gary Tuchman

Gary Tuchman has always impressed me with the way that he handles interviewing people who really don't want to talk to him. He's always professional, respectful and polite- no matter what. Several years ago, he talked with students from Kline High School in Houston, Texas. Sam Houston University’s website features an article written by Jennifer Gauntt about the visit. Below are a few excerpts:

"There's always something different to learn about," he said. "People go into journalism because it's something they're interested in. Twenty-one years after I've gotten out of college, I still find this as fun as when I first started.

"It's a great way to make a living because you always have people paying attention to what you do, whether you're a writer or working on the radio or are on TV," he continued. "People learn something from you, and you're always learning about different topics. You always have a sense of fulfillment and you may not realize it now, but as you get older, you need that sense of fulfillment."

Tuchman advised the students to major in something they are interested in while in college, not just something that is 'practical' or something their parents want them to do.

"That's how you do well in school, when you study what you're interested in, and that's how you do well in your post-school life, by working in what you're interested in," he said. "Don't do what's practical. Do what's in your heart. Follow your dreams. It may sound clichÈ, but I know too many people who I went to college with who kind of did what their parents wanted them to do and weren't happy doing it."

And to the future journalism majors in the group, Tuchman stressed the importance of always being polite.

"I think a lot of people stereotype journalists as being rude and being aggressive. And, yes, when you have to get a story, sometimes you have to be aggressive, but there's no reason ever to be rude," he said. "Even when I have to deal with the most unscrupulous, loathsome characters, I'm still polite because you don't get what you want when you're being rude. That's a really important thing to keep in mind."

He also told the students that just because you are covering a story doesn't mean you can't be compassionate.

"You are a journalist second and a human being first," he said.

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Battlefield Breakdown

One programming note: CNN will be rebroadcasting Special Investigations Unit: Battlefield Breakdown this weekend: Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 8 p.m., 11 p.m. & Sunday, July 8, 2007 at 2 a.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m. & Monday, July 9, 2007 at 2 a.m. (all times Eastern).

This is an excellent hour of programming if you get the opportunity to catch it. John King presents facts and soliders stories that you won't soon forget.

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Mystery Journalist

Can you name this CNN journalist?

Please feel free to let us know who you think this journalist is in the comments. The identity of the Mystery Journalist will be revealed in Sunday night's post.

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Casual Friday

TGIF! And in celebration of it being Friday, I'll leave you tonight with our Casual Friday video clip. With 24 hours of news, CNN is certain to have a few lighter moments on air from time to time. This is where I plan on spot lighting some of those moments. I expect that some of the clips will be funny or amusing exchanges between anchors. Others will be of an off beat or quirky story.

Tonight's video is from June 20, 2007's American Morning & it features... well.. men in silver spandex.