When I began considering my career goals several years ago, my research found that the future was bleak for aspiring young journalists looking to break into the industry.
Now, however, as I take up my most recent post at the Sylvan Lake News and the Eckville Echo, I couldn’t disagree more with what some so-called experts have said about the state of the industry.
Journalism, although not as financially prosperous as it once was, seems to be more exciting today than ever. Community newspapers remain an integral part of any town, village or small city, while social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook have helped change the way we gather information, and allow us instant access to breaking news. Journalism is changing; not dying.
This sentiment was reinforced for me when I attended the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association’s annual symposium in Edmonton on Feb. 1 and 2.
The event, which I attended for the second time, attracted journalists young and old from around the province, and offered a number of extremely insightful education sessions.
We learned how to make use of smartphones as tools for nearly every aspect of journalism, and were taught that more and more newspapers around the world are being designed in a way that imitates social media websites.
I found it incredibly valuable being able to meet and chat with other young journalists, and to listen to anecdotes told by the experienced and respected session speakers.
Over the course of those two days, I learned that journalists are not suffering because of industry changes. Instead, they are embracing these changes, and using them to enhance the means by which news is delivered.
With that said, here’s a little bit about me:
I graduated from the University of Calgary in 2011, and spent several months immediately after working as a freelance writer.
I have worked as a fulltime reporter for newspapers in Ponoka and Lacombe, and, being based in Red Deer, am very familiar with the central Alberta area.
Arts and entertainment-related stories are my favourite to cover, although working in community news has given me an appreciation of the many different aspects of community life.
I look forward to providing you with timely and accurate news, and will do my best to ensure you have all the information you need.