Kolton Rutherford, 25

Senior Reporter, Log Cabin Democrat Education: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a journalism emphasis and a minor in sports management, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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

First and foremost, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Be open to covering stories and topics you don’t have much experience in if you’re asked to. Arm yourself with the knowledge gained through other experiences and explore new territory you haven’t covered before. You might find the topic to be one you want to continue to pursue in the future.

Second, find a mentor. Ask questions, take on additional responsibility (when you’re ready) and take the time to learn as much as possible from them. As a young journalist, I’ve found that the learning process never ends. I’m always listening to mentors and researching new ways to hone my craft. I want to put myself in a position where I can one day provide the same level of mentorship my editor offers me.

What is the most interesting story you’ve covered?

There are so many that it’s hard to pick just one. However, my editor and I teamed up for a series on food insecurity in April of 2021 that involved a ton of research and a tour of the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock. The series we put together was informative and incredibly interesting and provided a multi-layered look at the ongoing problem of food insecurity in Arkansas, especially regarding how the coronavirus pandemic (which had started just over a year earlier) exacerbated the problem. For our efforts, that series won us an award from the Arkansas Press Association. It’s one of my favorite stories I’ve worked on.