Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 100 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Photos courtesy of Scott Molloy
Che has featured many members of the local media including
radio personality Scott “Fitz” Fitzgerald, radio personality Chris Konya, creators of The Rochestariat, Stefanie and Jason Schwingle, journalist Hélène Biandudi Hofer, journalist Jennifer Johnson, journalist Nikki Rudd journalist Norma Holland, journalist Alexis Arnold, journalist Ginny Ryan, meteorologist Scott Hetsko , producer Sajad Hoffman-Hussain and Editor-in-Chief Juanita Washington
Today Che adds Matt Molloy to the list.
Matt Molloy; an Authentic Journalist in action.
Tell us a little about yourself, where you are from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
With Jennifer Johnson
I grew up in Manchester, Connecticut and went to Manchester High School. I was definitely the “AV nerd” when I was younger, but embraced it. I started with reading the morning announcements on closed circuit TV in middle school – and then joined my high school’s TV station.
What inspired you to be a journalist? Early experiences worth sharing?
I was incredibly lucky to get an early start in TV news. My high school offered a TV program and we produced a weekly newscast. That’s when I got my first taste of TV and knew it was for me. Through that program I also reported for the local FOX station’s student news program. I went on to Boston University where I studied Broadcast Journalism under Professor Jim Thistle. He was was a legend in Boston – one of those old school news guys – who was News Director at every station in the city at one point in his career. Learning my craft under Professor Thistle is one of the highlights of my career.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
With Norma Holland
Breaking into the industry after college wasn’t easy. I sent out more than 100 resume tapes. Yes, tapes. VHS if you remember those. I finally landed an interview 6 months after graduating at the ABC affiliate in Watertown, NY. I thought I went well, but didn’t hear anything. During this time I learned persistence is key and not to get down on myself. It can be defeating looking for that first job, but I didn’t give up. I kept following up and sending out more tapes to other stations. Eventually, I got a call back from the News Director in Watertown and the job was mine. I picked up my life and moved 6 hours away from my family to start my career. Scary? Yup. Worth it? Definitely.
What do you believe sets you apart from other journalists?
As journalists we are all storytellers, but we each find unique ways to tell those stories. People appreciate authenticity and if that comes through in your reporting I think it makes you a better journalist. It sounds cliché, but I think being yourself sets you apart.
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I’m a fitness addict. I’m a CrossFit trainer and cycle instructor at my gym. When I’m not at 
work or working out, you’ll find me hanging out with my Boston Terrier Swarley.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
With Scott Hetsko
I’m always looking for stories to tell, but on a daily basis you can catch me on Live @ 13WHAM. It’s our all-digital show I host with Scott Hetsko on Facebook and 13WHAM.com. It’s one of my favorite parts of my job because it’s a mix of a talk show, news and weather. We have a blast and can interact with viewers live on Facebook.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I hope I’m in a similar place that I am now, telling stories and really enjoying what I do.
What advice can you give to aspiring journalists?
Be persistent, challenge yourself and recognize you’re always growing as a journalist. Whether you’re just starting off – or 10 years into your career.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
You can watch me on Facebook on Live @ 13WHAM and follow me on Twitter @mattmolloy
ON OTHER JOURNALISTS
