I’ve been writing for the campus paper University Chronicle ever since I arrived at St. Cloud State University and got settled down.
So far it has been a great experience for me, but that doesn’t mean that it has been smooth sailing all the way.
Recently, the University Chronicle has had some interesting developments. The Chronicle generated quite a lot of controversy when they accidentally ran an ad on the holocaust (or rather an ad that denies the holocaust) and even more when sports editor Tyler Ohmann wrote an opinions piece on how he believes Erin Andrews wanted to be filmed naked.
I agree with some people that say that to be successful in the news media world, one has to be controversial at times. However, I would say that it’s also vital that while being controversial one would have to be wary and careful as to avoid appearing ignorant and rude.
Keep in mind I’m not referring to what has been happening at the Chronicle lately.
I got concerned however with what’s been happening at the Chronicle the past few months and I sought some advice from an editor I know from the St. Cloud Times. I was concerned that my future might be affected as the reputation of the Chronicle would reflect on me as well, even if I did not necessarily partake in what went on.
Her advice to me was:
The most valuable changes comes from within. Being on the outside of something only allows you to criticize. Being on the inside lets you be an agent of change. You can help set, change or improve the standards of the Chronicle if you work there. Future employers who know you worked to change things for the better will see that as an asset.
It made me realize then that perhaps I’ve not been as involved as I should be, perhaps I’ve not been as vocal as I should have been. I realized then that I’ve probably been far too cautious the whole time I’ve been there.
I forgot the whole concept that print journalism is built on. I forgot the idea behind it, that it’s a people business .
It’s a people business; it may be a business but it depends on the hardworking people that runs around town finding stories that matter.
While I was selfishly worried about how the recent events would/could affect me, I forgot that I should have been more concerned about how I can find out what the Chronicle was really about.
I’m glad that the commenting system the Chronicle implemented is being used, though I have to admit I am at times disturbed by the personal insults that appear. But at the very least it has made me become more aware of what it takes to be a better journalist, and how the Chronicle can be improved.
I’ll probably be writing for the Chronicle until I graduate and leave to return to Malaysia; because the University Chronicle IS a great place to begin, no matter what anyone else might have to say about it.
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