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Galvanized to Tell Important Stories
Marlin Chronicle student editors attend National College Media Convention
University News | November 20, 2019
By Laynee H. Timlin
Political science major Connor Merk '23 listened attentively as Executive Editor of The Washington Post Marty Baron shared his insights and advice for young journalists: "Say ‘yes’ if asked to do something and demonstrate energy, creativity, and a curiosity of the world."
Merk was one of six student editors from VWU’s Marlin Chronicle who had the opportunity to meet Baron and hear his words of wisdom when they traveled to the National College Media Convention in Washington, D.C., this fall with Professor of Communication and Marlin Chronicle Adviser Lisa Lyon Payne. The Marlin Chronicle is the student-run, award-winning student newspaper at Virginia Wesleyan.
This year, the students could choose from more than 275 conference sessions on a wide variety of topics, ranging from legal and ethical considerations of student journalism to more practical subjects like podcasting, photography or design. In addition to Baron, they heard from accomplished professionals like NPR Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg and White House Correspondent for CNN Abby Phillip.
Payne has arranged for a group of student editors to attend the conference (hosted annually by the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press) every year since she started advising the student newspaper in 2011. Students have traveled to cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas, New Orleans and Austin for the professional development experience which is often life-changing for the student editors who spend considerable time, talent and energy in the Chronicle newsroom on campus.
“Our newsroom is a wonderful microcosm of a liberal arts learning environment," noted Payne. "In addition to communication majors, the editors represent majors such as math, art, computer science, psychology and political science.”
Payne said that the student editors also had opportunities to participate in mock interviews with media professionals, choose from off-site media tours, receive individualized newspaper critiques and feedback from a media adviser at another university, receive resume feedback, interact with representatives from the top journalism graduate schools or interview for prestigious national internships.
Merk, who aspires to have a career in business or public service, reflects that he learned many things from the conference, from how a presidential photographer works, to tips for improving interviews, and advice from news reporters who are currently working in the field of journalism. His blog about the experience provides several insights into his experience.
Merk also met White House reporter Kathryn Watson (CBS News) at the convention.
“Kathryn Watson provided a lot of advice for aspiring journalists which included who you know is everything, mesh professional and personal lives, and reach out to journalists that we respect,” noted Merk. “Also, to play the long game, treat everyone well, and stay in touch. Additionally, she said to amass followers now, so that when we have content to share, we have people to spread it.”
He asked Watson the question, “Who in the White House is your favorite to interview?” She responded with “Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow, because he is always willing to answer many questions.”
Merk also wrote about visiting the Newseum, an interactive museum with a mission to increase public understanding of the importance of a free press and the First Amendment. It was a rare opportunity, as the Newseum will be closing on December 31, 2019.
“It is a wonderful museum filled with many interesting artifacts and important, relevant information for visitors,” explained Merk. “My favorite exhibits were the 9/11 Gallery, which included artifacts from the World Trade Center and Pentagon, News Corporation News History, which included newspapers from the most famous events of American History and World History, and Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement, which provides the history of the gay rights movement and how that movement harnessed the power of public protest and demonstration to change laws.”
“Every year, I’m struck by how the students return from this conference energized and inspired to serve their communities,” said Payne. “The conference is really about so much more than just training future journalists. The students are galvanized to tell important stories using a wide variety of communication tools, which will benefit them regardless of their professional paths.”
This year was the first time a World Series parade was part of the adventure.
“I think we will all remember celebrating the Nats together,” said Payne.