ABC World News Anchor Diane Sawyer at the Newseum in Washington D.C., April 19, 2011. Sawyer was taking part in the Reel Journalism series. (Jordan J. Frasier)

One of the great things about Washington D.C. is that it attracts some pretty big names.  Last night Diane Sawyer came to the nation’s capital to take part in the Newseum’s Reel Journalism series, which looks at important portrayals of journalism in film.

I could have cared less about the film; I just wanted to hear what Sawyer had to say.  So I told my professors I was taking the evening off and I headed downtown.

Skipping class was a great decision because Sawyer was both informative and inspiring.  She has reached the pinnacle of journalism and it was invaluable to hear from her, but since I did skip class, I thought I should prepare a short report of what she had to say.  So here is Sawyer’s advice:

– “We’re not going anywhere,” she said about journalists.  She didn’t deny that the industry is changing, but thinks the transformations will only act to concentrate information gathering and distribution.  She said it would get journalists back to answering the tough questions.

Diane Sawyer of ABC News at the Newseum's Reel Journalism series, April 19, 2011. (Jordan J. Frasier)

–There is no substitute for great original stories.  She said people notice outstanding original work and that is what will set the best news sources apart.

–It’s important not to concentrate on what happens in front of the camera, because content is king.  The information and reporting is what really matters.  The pretty broadcast stuff will can come later, but you’re dry-docked if the content stinks.

–Journalists need to bring the same passion to facts that commentators bring to arguments, and every journalist should know “what they are burning to tell people about.”  The number one prerequisite for journalism is that you have a curiosity and a drive to know more about something.  You can’t fake this, especially on TV, so hopefully you’ve already got that inside you.

–The First Amendment deserves our appreciation.  We shouldn’t take that right for granted and journalists need to stand up to protect it.

After last night, I officially have a new answer to the question: who is the one person living or dead who you’d like to have dinner with?  Hands down, I would choose Diane Sawyer.  There are so many things I’m dying to ask her about and she was so nice that I know a dinner would be lovely.  Maybe one day.  Until them I’ll savor the quick greeting and handshake we shared on the sidewalk of Pennsylvania Avenue and the wonderful advice she imparted during her remarks.

The Sawyer team filmed some behind the scenes video yesterday as they traveled from New York to D.C. and back and you can see that HERE.

Nick Clooney and Diane Sawyer on stage at the Newseum, April 19, 2011. (Jordan J. Frasier)

*Note: I realize I’m an NBC News intern, and this educational opportunity at the Newseum is no reflection of my love and devotion to the peacock.