It can be challenging being a journalist these days. You can have a story written, filed and ready to go and suddenly realize someone else has just published a similar piece so you are back to square one, racking your brain for a new absorbing topic to cover. How will my words and perceptions be received by readers, what will grab their attention and interest them? Have I captured the topic in a uniquely different way? It’s hard not to second and third guess yourself when working so hard to deliver new, fresh stories to readers each week.
But we continue to do our best to keep the public informed while we paint the pictures with our words or tell the stories with our photos.
There are the charming, inspiring, and informative gems that only come your way once, and that one moment is the chance to get that good shot that only you see or write about in a sparkling character story. Or perhaps the powerful and impactful photo telling more than words can say in one image. If you hesitate the light may change, the person or people move, and the golden opportunity is gone.
As journalists we climb up, dig our way under, or pole vault over to get to the other side where the story is, the meat of it, the heart and soul laid bare. We persevere, become even more creatively determined. It’s our dedicated commitment as communicators to represent things in an objective voice as a person screams their truth for us to bring forward, in hopes that another won’t go through their pain, grief, or tragedy. In sharing the human experience, exploring the facts, seeking answers, or focusing on successful achievements, our greatest wish is to make a difference, facilitate dialogue, and seek the truth.
In a world where it seems we struggle to discern just what “fake news” and misinformation is, with news now so digitally directed, the importance of staying focused on what is the most meaningful to our local readers is paramount to us as communicators.
We live in the rural communities we work in. Some of us have returned to our home towns, which gives us an even greater appreciation and connection to the legacy of local history, and the value of the cherished quality of life shared there everyday.
Not every story, photo, editorial or feature will hit home, touch the heart, or effect change. What really keeps us motivated is hearing from readers that something we have written has brought a smile, or had them reaching for a tissue to wipe away a tear. Possibly it’s inspired a person to think about volunteering in their community to make a difference, or even to grab a pen or sit down with their laptop to write a letter to the editor about a serious issue we’ve reported on.
Storytelling, as old as time itself, connects us continually as humans. As a journalist I strive for accuracy, fairness, accountability, attention to detail, and objectivity. I ask myself to be courageous and never lose sight of compassion along this winding road of life.
If you have a story to share I’d love to hear from you. You are the fabric, the heart and soul of your community news, and we’ve got you covered.
Sincerely, thank you for supporting community news in your neck of the woods.
You can reach me at hettie.buck@starjournal.net or editor@clearwatertimes.com.