Chances are, if you have ever been involved with WJPZ, you know Matt Friedman from the Class of 1994.   This Hall of Famer and proud Michigander is one of our most active alumni.  (In fact, he even helped make some connections for this podcast.)  Today he takes us from his journey to Syracuse, through television news, and to the helm of his agency, Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

Matt actually knew about WJPZ before he ever left Metro Detroit - thanks to alumni like Larry Barron, Scott Meach, and more.  While at his local community radio station in high school, WJPZ and Syracuse University, in some ways, became one and the same.

A lover of news, sports, and music, Friedman actually found his home in WJPZ's news department, helping run their breaking news coverage of what we now know as Operation Desert Storm (yes, he has a clip).   But before getting into station management, he was taught an invaluable lesson by Dave Gorab that he takes with him to this day.

Following his WJPZ career, Matt worked in TV, producing newscasts in Atlanta and Orlando, before returning home to Detroit. Eventually he moved out of television and into PR, then starting Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.   We talk about his career arc through many changes, and how Friedman's experiences and relationships from WJPZ have buoyed him every step of the way.

When asked for a funny story, Broadcaster Friedman shares a culture clash that's sure to crack you up.  It involves the Barrio Boyz, heard here: https://youtu.be/_qR1PL13T-U

Join Us in Syracuse on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/