Interview with David Alter

Navigating a turbulent career in media with a positive outcome

In this episode of The Education Road, we chat with David Alter, a sports journalist, Maple Leafs reporter, and Toronto site manager for The Hockey News, who describes his academic and career path as ongoing and never-ending.

David reflects on his initial plans to pursue a career in statistics and actuarial science at Western University, driven by a strong aptitude for math and a desire for financial stability coming from an immigrant family. However, his trajectory shifted dramatically when he fell in love with Western's campus radio station, eventually switching his major to economics to focus his energy on broadcasting and finding his true passion.

Throughout the conversation, David details his transition from an energetic campus volunteer into a versatile media professional with experience across radio, television, print, and digital platforms. He shares stories from his early days at The Fan 590, covering Olympic Games in Vancouver and London, and navigating the harsh realities of the media industry.

David highlights how combining his mathematical background with an early adoption of technology allowed him to build a unique edge, whether it's breaking down complex NHL collective bargaining agreements, understanding travel economics to run his own business, or engaging audiences through modern digital formats like Twitter and TikTok.

Now operating in an entrepreneurial structure that gives him the freedom to cover the game on his own terms, David emphasizes the irreplaceable value of boots-on-the-ground, human-to-human reporting in a world increasingly filled with AI aggregation. He offers valuable advice for the next generation of journalists, encouraging them to find their personal edge, set continuous six-month goals, and maintain a resilient, positive mindset through industry turbulence.