Off the Record

Political reporter and Michigan Broadcast Hall of Fame inductee Tim Skubick is coming to Ferris Oct. 19 for a discussion on state-wide politics.

Skubick will be “Telling it like it is,” with a lively discussion with Ferris students on the upcoming 2010 election.

The longest serving member of the state capitol press corps, Skubick has covered political issues in Michigan since 1969. He also anchors the weekly public TV series “Off the Record,” which has an audience of more than 100,000 viewers each week.

When Skubick started at WWJ in 1970, he was the stations first full-time state capitol correspondent during the launch of its “all news” format. He anchors the annual State of the State addresses and was awarded the Silver Circle commendation by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Educated at Michigan State University, Skubick has earned both a B.A. and M.A. in Broadcast Journalism. He has currently done more political broadcasts in both print and broadcast than any other journalist in the state.

Political science professor Richard Griffin said he is excited to hear Skubick’s political views on Michigan legislation.

“He is the leader in terms of the flow of information through Michigan,” said Griffin. “It’s good to have a leader in Michigan government and politics give his insight.”

Griffin said he views politics as an important issue to everyone. He said educating students on politics is the foundation of American democracy.

“Everyone should be involved in politics,” said Griffin. “As an institution of higher education, we should enforce it.”

Griffin said many of his political science students will be attending Skubick’s “Telling it like it is” discussion. Griffin said getting students involved in politics is an important part in building leadership skills.

“All community leaders are involved in politics in some way,” said Griffin.

The event is free to the public and is sponsored by the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, the Pioneer, the Torch and Ferris State University’s Political Engagement Project.

Skubick’s political discussion will be in BUS 111 at 7 p.m. For more information contact Vickie Streeter at ext. 2403 or streetev@nullferris.edu. n