Point Park POV: Broadcasting and Multimedia Major Robert Fornataro '26 Student Profile

As a double major, what do you like about Point Park’s broadcasting and multimedia programs?

My favorite aspect is the number of clubs and opportunities offered to students in their first year. Many larger universities require their students to wait until their third or fourth year before they can get involved. Here, you can get involved on your first day, which really allows you the ability to train and practice skills you plan to use in the workplace.

Which faculty members and courses have had a significant impact on you?

One thing I like to stress to anyone entering college is that lower-level classes matter. They teach you the basics, and in COMM 215, Video Storytelling, you are tasked with creating six unique short-length films, giving you experience with VJ kits, audio management, video editing and so much more. Professor Robin Cecala, who is also the advisor of U-View, not only teaches the course but also advocates for her students, inviting us to local media competitions to showcase our work and enhance our networking and resumes.

What groups and organizations are you involved in on campus?

I made an effort to join as many groups and organizations, serving in a variety of roles, including: 

• Honors Program and Honors Student Organization: president, president-elect and honors mentor
• U-View: social media coordinator, producer and reporter
• The Globe: arts/entertainment and features editor
• WPPJ: radio host
• Pioneer Ambassador: coordinator of membership and training, Pioneer Ambassador Orientation program
• Residence Life: office assistant
• Student Government Association: president pro-tempore and a senator/senator-at-large
• Uno Club: treasurer
• Competitive Cheer & Dance Team
• Campus Activities Board
• Dance Club
• Point Park News Service

What real-world experiences have you had related to your major, and what impact has it had on you?

I’ve had four internships and a shadowing opportunity that have enhanced my skill set in social media and broadcast journalism, including:

P3R, marketing and communications intern

I was tasked with creating, interviewing and editing content for the 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Marathon runners for their social media.

STEMNetX, digital media and marketing associate

This internship introduced me to content calendars, remote work and sharing sensitive stories in a positive light.

Markee Media, content creation intern

I was tasked with filming partners' and clients' events and music videos throughout Pittsburgh and in our home location. I learned how to work on a team with multiple people handling specific media tasks, such as filming, audio or social content creation.

Pittsburgh Media Partnership, journalism/news intern

The Pittsburgh Media Partnership shares unreported stories with 34 media outlets in a 10-county region. This has helped me with my interviewing skills, finding and investigating stories, legal and political knowledge, and, overall, being a better journalist.

KDKA-TV, job shadow

Outside of my internships, I had the opportunity to shadow KDKA Meteorologist and Point Park alumna Mary Ours, who showed me how to build a forecast, what people want/should see in the morning, afternoon and evening newscasts, and how to ad-lib on camera. Her experience and support have made me realize that the weather is a very serious end goal for me, and that the opportunity is definitely there if I put in the work.

@pointparku Meet Robert Fornataro ’26, a double major in broadcast reporting and multimedia who jumped into campus media from day one. From student org leadership to real-world internships, he’s building his broadcast future early. His advice? Get involved ASAP! 🎥 Read his full story to see how he’s doing it at pointpark.edu! #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #DowntownPittsburgh #PointParkPOV ♬ original sound - Point Park University

What’s it like going to school in Downtown Pittsburgh?

It is very fast-paced and lively, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love Pittsburgh and the city life, and after growing up in the suburbs, I knew I wanted to go somewhere bigger. Point Park, even though its student population is small, offers so many opportunities that you sometimes don’t realize how small we are in comparison. Also, being able to wake up and see the buildings and skyline from my window is amazing, and I will miss it when I graduate.

What advice do you have for a prospective student considering Point Park’s School of Communication?

My advice is to reach out to any of the professors, advisors and the dean within the School of Communication. Dean Bernie Ankney loves speaking with prospective students, and he even introduced me to U-View during my campus tour when I was in high school. Without him, I wouldn’t have known about the number of clubs and organizations available to you when you first start out in college.

More About: broadcast reporting, U-View, Point Park News Service, Honors Student Organization, WPPJ, School of Communication, Campus Activities Board, Student Government Association, The Globe, multimedia, Point Park POV, Honors Program