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My Career In Communications

Lee Coyne

Long before joining Toastmasters in distant
Vienna, VA in 1986, I felt the need to convey my

thoughts. While I gave oral reports in class, my verbal
linkage was destined to be a writer. I would read the
papers daily, fascinated by assorted word choice.

My original goal was to be an international law
specialist and help resolve disputes. However, karma Rather than the usual request to be hired,
intervened after I chose top name law schools but mine would be an "information interview"
did poorly on the math test needed. Perhaps my to learn how a paper sprang to life. The

mind went off on some tangent. publisher would be my teacher and guide.
The first fish to bite was a Black weekly called
Plan B was to become a journalist as a platform in The Queens Voice. How would they react to
advocacy. I would explore the outer world and the having a Caucasian on staff? My next column

characters that inhabit it. I took that crucial step. will reveal that turn in the road. Stay tuned.

Being in NYC, I faced lots of competition. Mine was
newbie status. Seasoned vets were my rivals. A good

friend urged that I go beyond the classified pages.
His unique path: newspapers listed in the yellow Lee Coyne has worn many
pages. I would send both resume and a writing hats: reporter, editor, TV
sample. The editor would get a preview! host, and therapist. He

lives in Salem.

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