Maroon & White - Saint Mary's University

santamarian portrait
And Now…
An Interview with
Paul Hollingsworth
By Paul W. Fitzgerald (BA ‘97 & MA ‘06)
The table has been turned for Paul
Hollingsworth. But he doesn’t seem to
mind at all. In fact, if anything, he is quite
amused by the whole situation. It’s only
temporary, after all.
At the CTV News (Atlantic) headquarters in
Halifax, NS, the popular journalist is not
prepping to interview someone. This time,
it is Hollingsworth who is on the other side
of the microphone.
“Go ahead, shoot those questions at me,” he
laughs while seated behind the anchor desk.
The studio lights above magnify his dark
blue suit, white dress shirt, and a sharp
yellow tie. While he appears as confident as
ever, the 36 year-old admits that he is more
humble than most would expect.
“I normally like putting others in the spotlight,
so it’s a bit weird being the one getting the
attention right now,” he says. “I am really a shy
and quiet guy.”
But according to others, the graduate of
Saint Mary’s University deserves some of
the limelight too. He’s earned it.
“I remember when Paul came to work in our
newsroom as a volunteer — yes a volunteer,”
says Steve Murphy, anchor for CTV News.
“He worked without pay because he wanted
to prove himself as an employee and as a
journalist. He impressed everyone with his
knowledge, good nature, work ethic and
determination. It doesn’t surprise me in the
least that he’s now TSN’s [The Sports Network]
‘go-to-guy’ for assignments that require long
hours and encyclopedic knowledge.”
According to Jay Witherbee, news director
for CTV, Hollingsworth has more than paid
his dues in the industry. “In the early days, Paul
would spend hours upon hours practicing his
craft – recording and reviewing videotape that
viewers would never see. It didn't happen
overnight for him – he's worked hard to get to
where he is, and there are many great years
ahead of him. Paul has provided a road map
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