Distinguished Gentleman of the Month: Michael Lyle, Jr.

Name: Michael T. Lyle, Jr.

Education: Howard University (BA, 2003) and Quinnipiac University (MS, 2008)

Social Media: 

@LyleMultimedia on Twitter/IG; 

Michael Lyle, Jr. on LinkedIn/Facebook 

1. 
   What does "Distinguished Gentleman" mean to you?

Q: To me, a “Distinguished Gentleman” means being successful, achieving great things in life and showing dignity in a manner.

      2. What is your brand and how did you get started?

Q: Currently, I serve as a News Anchor/Host for a pair of radio stations in New England --- New England Public Radio in Springfield, Massachusetts and WTIC-AM 1080 in Hartford, Connecticut. Combined, I’ve served a little over 20 years in the journalism industry. My first break came in 2003 when I landed a job as a Production Assistant at ESPN Radio from the network’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. I spent six years there and during my time, I ventured out from doing behind-the-scenes work to covering local news and sports on-air in the Constitution State. A good chunk of that time, 12 years to be exact, was spent at AM 1220 WQUN in Hamden, Connecticut. It was there where I learned more about the radio industry, along with winning four AP Awards for some solid sports reporting and covering some notable events, including former President Barack Obama’s first Inauguration in 2009.

This is a passion I’ve had since my junior year of high school and although my roles may have changed over the years, my eagerness and enthusiasm for the work I’m doing the industry has not wavered.

My work has allowed me to help young black professionals who have aspirations of working in the media through my involvement with the National Association of Black Journalists. I’m also serving as a college professor this year, so that is another way I’m giving back to the industry itself.

                 

                  3. What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it?

Q: My dream goal is to cover the Super Bowl as a Sideline Reporter or helping to broadcast the game on a local or national radio outlet. Of all the events I’ve covered in my career, this one would be the ultimate accomplishment.

4. Name a moment that you feel helped shape you into the young man that you are today.

Q: There were several, but I think the moment that shaped me into the person I am today was overcoming my early struggles in the media industry. I’ve dealt with setbacks and tough times, but was able to grow stronger through perseverance and not giving up on my passion.

5. Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to & why?

Q: I look up to both of my parents who are still going strong today. They helped raise me and worked tirelessly to assure that I could live a great, healthy lifestyle, along with molding me to become a man of integrity.

6. When it comes to being a man, what do you feel should be the three core values that a gentleman should uphold?

Q: The three core values are love, loyalty and truth. They correlate with who you really are as a gentleman and as a person.

               

7.        What is a quote that you live by and how do you live up to it?

“Never let yesterday’s disappointments overshadow tomorrow’s dreams.”  We are constantly challenged in life and it has a way of either making or breaking you.  Despite my setbacks, this quote serves as a reminder of why I need to continue onward and not let anything or obstacles derail me from staying on the right path.

  8. Piece of advice that you would give to young men of color who do not believe in themselves or lack role models?

Q: Work hard, be aggressive and grind it out. There is never a substitute for hard work when you want to be successful. You have to have a will to work for whatever it is you want in life. More often than not, you have to work twice as hard to achieve that specific level. As you succeed, your confidence level goes up and you gain a broader perspective on life itself. Also, while role models are good to have, the key is to maintain a great support system -- one where folks will celebrate your achievements, set the record straight whenever you make mistakes and will stand with you when you experience setbacks. You may find a system or a circle to be small, but, to me, it’s about quality over quantity. Authenticity matters greatly when you have big plans for your future endeavors.