USA TODAY NETWORK: The future of journalism
People tell me all the time that I should find a new career path because journalism is dead. Well, I’m here to tell you: that’s not the case.
This summer I had the opportunity to intern at The Commercial Appeal, Memphis’ daily source of news and information — and a branch of the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee.
I work in a newsroom that comprises 40 people. While this may seem a bit small, it has given me the ability to really get to know my fellow journalists. These are the people who have taught me and encouraged me throughout my nine weeks here.
My colleagues ask me about my favorite parts of journalism while at lunch and are genuinely interested in my thoughts on various topics. They are curious about my career goals and objectives, and have offered their help in attaining those along the way. Being surrounded by professional journalists every day has pushed me to become the best journalist I could be.
This internship has helped broaden my horizons when it comes to covering news in Memphis. I have written about city committee meetings, child support policies, naturalization ceremonies and daily police briefings. I have interviewed city council members, state representatives, lawyers, passionate Memphians and grieving parents. I have written stories that have made me glad to be a journalist and some that made me question my future. I’ve explored social justice through chamber music and safety precautions through gun violence picnics and pedestrian safety panels. I wrote an obituary for a Holocaust survivor and a story of growth and healing through a community art garden. Many of these stories have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and while I still get nervous interviewing important, intimidating people, I know I can accomplish it because my internship prepared me for it.
There are very few things that make you feel as good as when someone tells you “great job.” Receiving that feedback from members of the community and the story sources themselves gives me peace of mind knowing that people care about our coverage. I read comments on our stories, and while not everything is hearts and rainbows, many people share our stories and comment positive thoughts.
When I hear people say journalism is dead, I think of the hard-working reporters at The Commercial Appeal and how passionate they are about what they write. I think of their dedication to the readers and how they strive to deliver only the facts in their efforts to serve up honest, unbiased news. Then I think of myself in their position 5… 10… 15 years from now, still informing the public because journalism will never die.
There will always be a hunger for news, for the knowledge of what is going on in our world. The USA TODAY NETWORK works hard to keep people informed by delivering honest news, no matter how good or bad it is. Interning for the NETWORK has been one of the best experiences I could have asked for during my college career. It’s a great place to get your feet wet in the journalism business, and it’s somewhere I can see a future for myself and for hard-hitting, entertaining, passionate stories.
USA TODAY NETWORK makes me hopeful for the future of journalism, and it should make you feel hopeful too.
