Editor & Publisher

Travis Lott, 31

Reporter, County Journal

Education: Southern Illinois University Carbondale, emphasis in Journalism and Philosophy

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

In this industry, your work will take you to new places you would never have dreamed of ending up in. Embrace the act of leaving your comfort zone and relish in the fact that you’ve chosen a career path that allows you to connect with so many diverse people and different walks of life. Most of your readers will only ever know these people and places through your stories, so immerse yourself in them and paint the richest picture possible.

What is the key to connecting with your community?

Show up. If you aim to tell stories that matter to a community, you need to put in the effort to tell those stories from their point of view. Go to the city council and school board meetings. Attend court hearings. Get to know the local police and firefighters. Show up and talk to people at the town picnic. People will communicate with and provide news tips to someone they know cares about their neighborhood.

Stories that matter may not always be comfortable, but the people in that community will respect you if they know you showed up and took the time to get it right.

E&P’S 25 UNDER 35

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2023-02-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://editorandpublisher.pressreader.com/article/281986086695707

Editor and Publisher