BDP staff speaks at NETA journalism conference
The Bulldog Press staff was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the National Educational Telecommunications Association that was held on January 23 at the City Creek Marriott.
Staff members Yara Ahmed, Joseph Izampuye, Mark Monette, Sean Parent, and Eleanor Young were joined by former BDP editor Mary Oliver, who now attends New York University. The audience consisted of station directors of public media outlets across the country.
“I definitely noticed that everyone who I talked to firmly believed that journalism truly matters in a democracy,” senior editor Sean Parent said.
“I learned the importance of understanding journalism in all fields and the necessity of journalistic literacy for effective leaders,” Mark Monette said.
Based on the BDP’s coverage of the midterm elections, the staff was asked things like what it was like to view the midterms as a young journalist, what was learned by interviewing politicians, and how big of a problem fake news is for our generation.
“Our panel was very exciting because a bunch of station managers and directors watched it,” Eleanor Young said. “It was strange having so many important adults want to listen to what we had to say. When we split off to talk to different groups of them, it was slightly terrifying. They were all very respectful and curious so it ended up being super fun.”
In addition to being on the panel, the staff was also able to attend workshops presented by media leaders, whose words left a lasting impression.
“Journalism is important for our country because it functions as a voice for the people,” Amaia Horyna said. “Without journalism it is not very likely that demoracy would not exist as we know it. Journalism helps keep the government in check and allows for the people to voice their concerns and opinions about the directions in which our country is headed.
“Commercial-free media is very important because it ensures a certain level of objectivity in the press,” Amaia continued. “Readers can rest assured knowing that these news organizations are not being bought.”
At the conference the staff interviewed working journalists about their work and their thoughts on their profession. “From the people who I interviewed,” Yara said. “I learned that of you are truly passionate about journalism pursue it even if you think it will be hard. I also learned that you should always be willing to climb the ladder even if you know you can do more.”
Amaia also interviewed author Sarah Smarsh about her new book, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth.
“Ms. Smarsh was extremely articulate and proposed many solutions to current issues in the journalism world that I had not previously considered” Amaia said. “Her story is also very inspiring, and it was amazing to meet and speak with one of the greats of journalism.”
