Seizing an unplanned opportunity

In life, uncertainty often leads us to unexpected callings. For one Western University alum, his path to journalism was shaped by pivotal conversations and academic exploration and years later, Matt Allen, now a CBC host, returned to London, ON., reconnecting with a city that has evolved since his time as a student. The proximity to family and the chance to contribute to London’s growth makes this chapter of his life particularly meaningful.

Early education and inspiration

Matt began his journey at Western with an undergraduate degree in political science, where he first encountered critical thinking and societal analysis. Later, he pursued a master’s in international relations at Western which deepened his curiosity and analytical skills. These qualities shaped his future in journalism.
 
"I came to journalism later in life," he reflects, but his media foundation had already been laid through his studies at Western and his routine of regularly listening to CBC.

After graduation, he spent time teaching English overseas, but ultimately returned to Western, feeling the pull of academia. A conversation with a professor at Western encouraged him to explore journalism, a field that combined his love of writing, storytelling, and understanding of society.

During his journey, Matt was highly influenced by two pieces of sports writing that inspired his vision of journalism. The first was Wright Thompson's Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building. The article’s vivid portrayal of the basketball legend captivated him with its simplicity and depth. The second was by Allison Glock, about UFC fighter Cat Zingano. “It blended sports reporting with a human-interest emotional journey in a way that resonated deeply,” says Matt. "The magic of the article was in how Glock painted such vivid pictures through words. I thought, if I could do that, it would be incredible."

Navigating the world of journalism

Inspired by these stories, Matt aimed to pursue feature writing, but his career path took an unexpected turn. Like many budding journalists, he hoped to work at CBC, but admits he submitted his application too late. So he turned his attention to internships and newspapers. His first internship, at Maclean’s, gave him invaluable exposure to professional writing and reporting. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but it was a crucial step,” he recalled. “It was a necessary learning curve in my career.”
 
From there, Matt worked at the North Bay Nugget, where he learned the ropes. The job came with challenges, including a modest salary, but also milestones that made it worthwhile. He still remembers the surreal feeling of seeing his first byline in print.  “I was at a gas station and there my name was! It gave me the motivation to keep going.”
 
Over time, he developed his interviewing skills and honed his craft, focusing on human connection. His approach was simple but very effective. “As a writer you need to dig into why a person’s story matters and get them to open up authentically, even if just for a moment,” shares Matt. “It’s those moments that resonate with the reader the most.”

Embracing the uncharted: Lessons in journalism and life

Today, with nearly a decade of experience, Matt reflects on the significant changes in journalism including the rise of social media and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry. “AI is reshaping how people get their information,” he noted. “We’re just beginning to adapt to it.”

For students hoping to follow in his footsteps, his advice is straightforward, “Make the most of your time at university. You don’t realize how precious it is until it’s gone,” he reflected. “Lean into your strengths, take every opportunity to learn, and be fully present.”

Matt’s journey from Western’s political science lecture hall to interviewing politicians on air is a testament to the power of his persistence, reminding others that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we don’t plan for.

“Journalism, at its core, is about making sense of the chaos, telling stories that matter, and holding on to the truth. If we can make people pause, think, or feel something real, then we’ve done our job.”

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