Multimedia Journalism: Editing Round

This go around, I'm an editor in our multimedia journalism class. This means I'll be reviewing and editing a group of my peers' work instead of writing a story for this round. I'm excited to be an editor because I like editing in general. The process of going through meticulously and seeing where things work and where they don't is a very methodical, therapeutic process for me.

I'm excited for the baseline action of editing and to read and review my peers' work. We have an incredible group of young journalists in our class, so I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with. Being in our pitch meeting was helpful because we started by working out some of the kinks within the stories. I think giving feedback right off the bat was really helpful for the journalists and for me to have an idea of where the story is meant to go.

Kinsey has a great idea of working on reaffirming Ithaca as a sanctuary city. It's a timely news piece, and I think it could benefit her to hear what this means and why the city doubled down on our policies. I worry about it being a big topic, but she seems to know she wants to focus on reproductive health rights.

Lucretius also has a big story about landlords and voting within the county. It has a timely piece, and it's genuinely interesting when you learn more about it. It more so presented as a class issue because there's talk about landlords being charged more for inspections if they're corporations with a lot of properties. People would be interested in hearing that, and I'm happy that's the route she wants to take because I think that's the best angle. I hope she'll be able to speak with a landlord.

Sebastian has a good idea of focusing on the athletic significance of the Liberty League meet—which Ithaca hasn't won in a while. I think it's a good idea to really show the historical relevance of what a win NOW would mean for the school, athletes, coaches, families, etc.

Sam has a really noble story pitch. I don't know much about her topic, but her passion and knowledge about it shone through in her pitch. I personally think the best stories ("biased" or not) are the ones journalists have a personal stake and interest in. Which Sam does. The medical legality of the story worries me a bit because, no doubt, she will approach it the right way, but medical professionals may be testy and nervous about speaking, understandably. I think the story should focus on raising awareness and like Chloe said, the "lack" of the story right now.

All in all, I'm thrilled to be an editor and read all these stories, which I know are going to be great. Everyone got their foot in the water with the first round of stories, so I have faith these will be even better! I want my reporters to keep in mind that they need to be persistent and professional and keep their cool if they're not hearing back from sources. There are always other options, and there are always ways to get contacts from contacts. The first interview is often a gateway.