| — Have a Significant
Impact
Some times in our careers, we think that becoming a moving force in
our industry means working on that big-city newspaper or winning the Pulitzer
Prize.
But I learned quickly that big is not necessarily better. There is nothing
wrong with becoming that big fish in a small pond — better than being a
bottom fish in a newsroom of hundreds.
At larger newspapers, opportunities are not as prevalent for writing
for other sections. And because of the sheer size of the reporting staff,
getting a story into print can become an almost daily scramble.
After leaving a New Jersey metro six years ago, I was able to enhance
my skills during stops at smaller newspapers in Mississippi and Georgia.
I was afforded an opportunity to tackle new beats, delve into enterprise
and try my hand at photography. I also was able to hone my skills and even
become a columnist on the editorial page at The Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss.
(circulation 48,000).
Because of the nature of the metro animal, these journalistic avenues
probably would not have been open to me. At smaller outlets, however, I
learned what newspapering and community journalism are all about — addressing
a human and social need.
Being a reporter at a smaller newspaper has allowed me to live in the
Mississippi Gulf Coast community and get to know the people, their wants
and desires.
I found putting my finger on the community pulse a little difficult
when I reported for a larger newspaper.
Working at a smaller newspaper, a reporter can build those necessary
human relationships. I never viewed a small newspaper as a stepping stone,
but a means to make a significant impact on my community.
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