Newsmaker
Monday, June 2, 1997
Name: Craig DeSilva
Age: 28
Education: University of Hawaii-Manoa
Occupation: News director, Hawaii Public Radio
Hobbies: Music, piano, tennis
Journalists don't go into public radio to get rich. For Craig DeSilva, Hawaii Public Radio's new news director, "it's a labor of love." Responsible reporter
DeSilva officially took over the radio station's newsroom yesterday after working as a reporter for the station since 1991. DeSilva was chosen from applicants from all over the country. He replaces Scott Kim, who wanted to pursue other career interests.
DeSilva's first job after graduating from the University of Hawaii was in public radio. He said he has not thought of working in any other medium.
"I wanted to do more in-depth stories and interviews," DeSilva said.
Public radio, because it's not as restricted as commercial radio, allows a reporter to tell a story that is more informative and in-depth, DeSilva said. He said although working in public radio is not a high-paying job, the journalistic freedom to tell the story compensates.
DeSilva said he plans to take the local programming one step further. DeSilva said he wants to add local talk shows and continue the popular coverage of Asia and Pacific news.
Hawaii media, in the middle of the Pacific, have an opportunity to cover the area better than media from anywhere else, but it's seldom done, DeSilva said. Resources like the strong international business community and the East-West Center at UH help Hawaii Public Radio capitalize on this journalism niche.
DeSilva also said reporters have a responsibility to the public to report on issues that do not surface easily, such as news from Asian countries and events people can't witness themselves.
"It's an honor and responsibility not to be taken lightly," he said. DeSilva said journalists have an enormous job to make sure the public is informed.
DeSilva's reports have been broadcast nationally on news networks and shows including National Public Radio, "National Native News," "The World" and "Living on Earth." He has covered issues from Hawaiian sovereignty to same-sex marriage to arts and culture.
He was recognized twice by the Hawaii Medical Association for coverage of breast cancer and tuberculosis.
Candace Meierdiercks, Star-Bulletin
