Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Gerry Ricciutti from WKBN/WYTV..
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Name: Gerry Ricciutti
Position: Senior Reporter
Organization WKBN / WYTV
Bio: Gerry has been working in the Youngstown area more than forty years in television and radio before that. He graduated in 1982 from Penn State with a degree in political science. Gerry is married and has two adult daughters and reside in Canfield. As a member of the Parish Council at Saint Michael Church in Canfield and also serves as the “The Voice” of the Canfield Band program.
What made you want to go into this field?
Getting into broadcasting was actually an after thought. I has wanted to go to law school since high school, but my entrance exam (LSAT) was not good enough and I felt I needed a “plan B.” So I took the advice of some classmates at Penn State and decide to find a way to utilize my voice. And the rest, as they say, is history.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
Being honest and upfront with people. If the people I deal and interact with can’t trust me, then I’m in the wrong business.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Many many years ago, when I was with WYTV (before the stations joined together…) I was covering the demolition of one of the old blast furnaces of the Campbell Works of Youngstown Sheet & Tube. It was a freezing cold morning that day, and we stood and watched the crew banging away at this thing for hours to no avail. My photographer and I decided this was going nowhere fast and opted to jump back in the newscar to get warm. But only minutes later we hear a “snap” and the structure of the old furnace started to fall. Before we could get the equipment going to record it, the furnace had fallen and we completely missed it. Then came the hard part: telling our boss at the time what had just happened. I learned that day to always focus on the job at hand, regardless of the discomfort.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
Covering the murder of the late Gulam Moonda, who had been my urologist and one of my Dad’s best friends. Months later, I had to cover the trial of his killers. I felt conflicted because of my and my family’s closeness to the subject, but having to cover it all the same.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I think I would have tried to obtain an internship outside the Youngstown area. Back then, you stayed local, and I was taking some broadcasting classes at YSU. At the time, I thought I was somewhat limited in my choices. But as time went by, many of the young people coming into the business were landing internships with The Today Show, or one of the big networks.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
As I wrote earlier, people need to trust what I tell them in my reporting is honest and accurate. It’s the same when I’m in public.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
The ability to give back – and give to others who might not be able to help themselves. Plus I truly enjoy the fellowship that comes with volunteering with others.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
It’s not so much one song, but the soundtrack in my head usually involves jazz and Jimmy Buffett.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
Witnessing my daughters being born – and being chosen for the local Press Club Hall of Fame.
Who is your role model and Why?
Cal Ripkin, Jr – I admired him when he was playing for the Orioles (my team – I was born in Baltimore) – I always he was a great player and his consecutive game streak showed his drive and determination. Professionally, I admire a number of news anchors for their gift of being able to being able to think and speak ‘on the spot.’
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Any of the presidents. Just to chat with them about their time of service and the decisions they had to make. It would be the ultimate interview.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Jim Valvano: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”And Joe Paterno: “Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things.”
