National Geographic's Boyd Matson Speaks at AU

I recently had the opportunity to hear Boyd Matson speak during the Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Conservation Filmmaker’s third annual fall film series at AU. Boyd Matson hosts the PBS show, “Wild Chronicles,” and previously hosted “National Geographic Explorer.” Maggie Stogner, an assistant professor in the School of Communication, introduced Matson as a passionate and fearless man, who has been known to take on any challenge. From bush camping in Africa to climbing through the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest, Matson has seen it all.

Matson suggested that preparation is key before embarking on any adventure. He also stressed that assessing the risk of a situation is very important. He often covers stories by participating directly in the action, and he advised students that when journalism equals passion, the work reveals it. In any profession this advice can be applied, and it is worth preparing and spending time to find work that you are passionate about.

The Center for Environmental Filmmaking at AU believes that environmental and wildlife films are essential educational and political tools in the struggle to protect the environment. They do this by training filmmakers to produce films that are highly entertaining, ethically sound, and powerful and effective at producing social change. Matson mentioned that most environmental issues are extremely difficult to cover on commercial television. His latest show is on PBS, and he checks in with scientists, adventurers, and conservationists working around the world on issues that affect us all. He is effective in raising awareness because he offers the audience enthralling experiences and entertaining stories. This ability to provide an entertaining element in the message is important in certain communications campaigns. I think the CEF is on the right track teaching students this component of creating awareness for environmental issues. I came away from Boyd Matson’s presentation more knowledgeable about environmental concerns in many parts of the world.