On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Steve Hayes (AIPES 94), senior writer at The Weekly Standard, Fox News contributor, and TFAS alumnus hosted a Telephone Town Hall. During the one-hour phone call, Hayes shared his insight on journalism, economic education and current events. He also fielded questions from TFAS alumni, supporters and friends.

More than 300 participants listened in on the call, and 17 people had the chance to ask Hayes live questions. Question topics ranged from coverage of U.S. politics, to future media models and foreign policy. TFAS President Roger Ream (ICPES 76) moderated the conversation.

Hayes commented that modern journalists receive little training in economics, but TFAS students are noticeably more prepared than average journalism school graduates.

“The Fund for American Studies gives students a grounding in economics through academic courses,” said Hayes. “The courses have proved invaluable to journalists who have graduated from the program over the years and gone on to work in competitive journalism environments.”

Hayes is a former participant of the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship Program. The program nurtures young journalists to promote a free society and advance as writers, editors and columnists. The program was absorbed by TFAS in 2013. Hayes also served as a former director of the Institute on Political Journalism (IPJ).