UVa-Wise student to discuss experiences as a “Hardball” intern during Oct. 26 presentation

Meagan Hughes with "Hardball's" Chris Matthews

Meagan Hughes, a senior at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, will discuss her experiences as an intern on the MSNBC program “Hardball with Chris Matthews” during a presentation at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Joseph M. Scolnick, a professor of political science at UVa-Wise, will talk with Hughes about her front row seat for many of 2005’s major news stories. The Big Stone Gap native worked with the New York and Washington staffs of “Hardball,” researching segments on everything from the presidential inauguration and the Iraqi elections, to the deaths of Terry Schiavo, Johnny Carson, and Pope John Paul II.

During her work day, which typically extended to 12 or 14 hours or more, Hughes learned every aspect of the “Hardball” production, from video editing to script writing. She methodically researched news stories and also assisted with pre-interviews of “Hardball” guests like Robert Redford.

“It was a great experience,” Hughes said of her six-week adventure living and working in Secaucus, N.J., just outside New York City. “I liked seeing the overall picture of the news and what it’s meant to be.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Chapel of All Faiths. For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.