Speaker series: Melanie Sill and Simone Jasper
Thanks to the COVID silver-lining that is the popularization of Zoom, and my journalism professor, Glenn Scott, my class has been lucky to speak with several notable journalists. Most recently: Melanie Sill, the interim executive director at NC Local News Workshop at Elon University's School of Communications, and Simone Jasper, a reporter who covers breaking news for The News & Observer.
Melanie Sill
Demand for local news has never been higher, Sill told my JOU 310 class on Oct. 2.
Local news, she said, is “the present and the future” because it allows more voices to be heard. When journalism takes on a more centralized focus, that locale’s people and places are given more attention and their stories can be shared.
In an ever-changing news industry, local journalism becomes increasingly important as well, Sill said. As news organizations consolidate and digital mediums become the go-to, smaller-scale, locally funded news organizations remain crucial.
Local news then, is important because people need to know what’s going on in their communities, especially in their governments. Local news organizations exist to bring people independence, Sill said, because the news will provide people with information that the government will not. Afterall, the watchdog function of the media is just as necessary at the local level as it is nationally.
“People don’t know what they don’t know,” Sill said, and local news helps people stay informed.
Even while the journalism industry, especially smaller organizations, struggle for funding after the crash of the advertising-revenue model, Sill said that demand for news remains higher than ever.
“Local news exists because people want to know what’s happening,” she explained.
Despite her message about the importance of local news, Sill did not become invested in it until later in life. Interest in local news is often sparked when people feel connected to their communities, she said.
Sill was successful in opening my eyes to the possibilities of local news. I think that as a journalism student, I have always been starry-eyed about the possibility of one day working for a big-name news publication––the New York Times and Washington Posts of the world. Sill’s presentation though, exposed the importance of local news coverage, and made me excited about the prospect of serving my communities by getting involved in local news.
Simone Jasper
Maintaining balance is crucial for journalists, Jasper revealed to my class of aspiring journalists on Oct. 30.
Jasper is a breaking news reporter for the Carolinas for McClatchy and is based at The News & Observer in Raleigh. McClatchy is an organization that promotes local journalism, in line with SIll’s message just weeks earlier.
In her role covering breaking news though, Jasper emphasized that it is important to take time for yourself. Especially in a year like 2020 when the news cycle has been non-stop, it is important to balance covering news and taking time to prioritize your own mental health by making time for relaxation and hobbies.
“I think in any news-related job, there is potential for burnout,” Jasper said.
She recommended scheduling things other than journalism into your daily routine. Especially in a pandemic when Jasper’s work is from home rather than in the newsroom, she makes time for her hobbies like watching televised sports.
Even though she recognizes the importance of stepping away from work, Jasper said that she misses being in the newsroom every day. There are trade-offs to working from home, she said, such as avoiding commuting and the lack of helpful newsroom banter.
This conversation with Jasper gave me insight into what it takes to be a breaking news reporter. An Elon alum herself, Jasper explained her previous experiences that got her to where she is now. She has worked hard but still recognizes the importance of fostering mental health. As I begin my career, that is a balance I hope to strike as well.
