Oxnard--Life keeps rolling along for the city mouse out in the country as I keep trying to train journalism basics to people who have the desire but don’t understand structure.
IT amazes me to teach who, what, where, when, and why, then get nothing in return. I guess it’s a moral victory when reporters show up and realize this is not a glamorous position; we’re worker bees dedicated to informing the public.
It requires some thick skin as well. I went to a community event last Saturday, and a giant group of people started complaining to me because they didn’t like the publisher’s editorial about the schools.
I love these moments and remind everyone that we live in the United States of America, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
While they were sitting there looking at me in shock because I believe in free speech, I invited them to write a letter to the editor and make the paper a truly public forum.
I teach my rookies to remember that it’s not our job to influence the public but to present both sides fairly and equitably so the readers can decide where they fall on the issues.
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