Dr. Samir Husni

Dr. Samir Husni, aka “Mr. Magazine”™, is the director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi, School of Journalism. He is also a professor and Hederman Lecturer at the School of Journalism.
Dr. Husni is also the author of the annual Samir Husni’s Guide to New Magazines, which is now in its 25th year.
 
 
 
How did you get started in journalism?
 
When I was 8 years old, I fell in love with the smell of ink on paper.
Also, the Superman magazine first peeked my interest. I always loved and knew I would create magazines and ezines.
 
Where did you go to school for journalism?
 
I got my undergraduate degree in journalism at a college in Lebanon.
I got my ph.D. at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and I got my Master’s degree at the University of North Texas.
 
After studying journalism for many years, what are your biggest tips for aspiring journalists?
 
My tips for aspiring journalists are first, if you really want to be a good writer, you have to read a lot because to become a good journalist you have to first become a good reader.
 Second, to be a journalist, you have to have a high sense of curiosity and a sense of journalism has to be in you.
 
Third, in this digital age as a journalist, you have to develop your visual skills. You also need to know how to capture viewers during this age of information and age of isolated connectivity because everyone thinks they are so connected, yet a person can spend a weekend feeling connected but not see anyone.
So, to be a journalist, you have to capture the reader’s attention, keep the reader’s attention, and then, be able to bring your readers back for more.
 
Also, other tips for aspiring journalists are that you have to learn the tricks of the trade: that’s what journalism school is for and reading is for.
 
But, I do believe that you are either born a journalist or not. Going to school for journalism is simply to hone your skills, but ultimately journalism has to be in you. But, most importantly, I believe that you should do journalism for the fun of it and because you enjoy it!
 
What is your favorite magazine now?
 
As a child, my favorite magazine was Superman, now I consider all magazines equal. Magazines that I believe are a must read today though are: New York Magazine, Bloomberg Business Week, and Time Magazine, which all contain innovative ways of presenting information and news, and exceeding the reader’s expectations.
 
 Do you believe there is a danger though in the new digital age, with magazine going online now?
 
Yes, I believe that in the digital age, people think that they can Google everything, then choose the top link with the information, but people tend to not research or look further or more in depth.
 
I believe that there is more news, but people are less informed because this nation has become a nation of appetizers, and no one seems to have the time to enjoy “the full meal” or an entire magazine.
 
What do you believe is the secret of journalism?
 
I believe the secret of journalist is when an article or magazine piece that I am reading answers the question “What’s in it for me”?
 
 
What is the purpose of the Magazine Innovation Center here at Ole Miss?
 
The Magazine Innovation Center at Ole Miss was founded in July 2009
 
The goal of the Magazine Innovation Center is to help amplify the future of print. 
 
You also started the Media Innovation Club recently, what is this club about?
 
The Media Innovation Club is about gathering together students and faculty interested in journalism. The club meets once a week on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Farley room 121 and this club is open to anyone with any major.
 
This club meets each week for an open discussion of ideas, and emphasizes that the students or the youth, are the innovators.
 
What is the ACT 2 event that Ole Miss is putting on this year?:
 
The purpose of the ACT 2 event held at Ole Miss is to implify, clarify, and testify, the field of journalism. This event has 22 movers and shakers in the journalism industry, including C.E.O.s, and Editors-In-Chief’s of magazine companies.  This event takes place on October 26^th-October 28^th at the Overby Auditorum with lectures lasting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free to students and is a great way for students to learn tips and advice from the professionals in the field.