One of my favorite salutes has always been E&P’s 25 Under 35. This year, we’re changing it up a bit and renamed it “Tomorrow’s News Trailblazers.” It showcases our future — one that’s inspired, passionate and innovative — reinvigorated by fresh ideas and talent. This group of “Trailblazers” are redefining the industry and transforming news media.
We thank the supervisors and colleagues who thoughtfully nominated this year’s recipients. I am sure you'll find their perspectives inspiring and give you renewed hope for the future of news media. Cheers to E&P’s 2025 “Tomorrow’s News Trailblazers!”
(Alphabetical, by last name)
Matt Belinson, 25
Sports Editor, Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, Louisiana
Education: Bachelor of Science in journalism/mass communications, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Stories are everywhere. It's on us as journalists to go find them, share them with our audience, and encapsulate that journey, event, or milestone to the best of our abilities. People want to connect with each other, and the best way to do that is through the stories we share. Whether it's a feature, gamer or meeting recap, there’s always a story to tell and people worth talking to that gives our work life. Take time to know people and get into their world. If they bring up interesting people or memories, work on finding out more on that topic. Story ideas are endless. It’s on us to be bold enough to seek them and trust our gut when we hear or experience something worth sharing.
What is one game, athlete, or moment I've covered that had a profound impact on me and shaped my approach to sports journalism?
Without question, it was when I wrote a profile on the one-year anniversary of the passing of Jaylon Ferguson, a former Louisiana Tech football standout. I spoke with Doni Smith, his partner, on multiple occasions, along with Jaylon’s mom, former coaches and agent, to try to tell his story and share the legacy he left behind. I’ll never forget when Doni told me I was the first reporter to ever contact her about telling her story. That’s why I do this job. I want to tell stories and share the human experience through sports that all of us can relate to. I was moved. It lit a fire under me to always remember I have a responsibility in my coverage. Yes, reporting on scores and stats is important. But hearing her thank me for just showing up and letting her tell her story was humbling. It’s shaped every story I’ve written since and given me a new perspective on the role of a sports journalist.
Shannon Chaffers, 24
Gun Violence Reporter, New York Amsterdam News, New York, New York
Education: Bachelor of Arts in sociology with minors in journalism, German and African American studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Always be curious. Every time you reach a milestone in your career, like getting your first job or publishing a big story, is a moment to celebrate your achievements. But I think the best journalists are always looking to improve, and to do that you have to be curious. That can mean learning new skills, researching subjects outside of what you typically cover, or pursuing professional development opportunities to become more well-rounded and meet other journalists. By attending The Data Institute last summer, I learned about data gathering and visualization tools that I was able to use in my stories about the challenges gun violence survivors face returning to work.
What is your strategy for creating compelling content that engages your audience?
Journalists are storytellers, and I believe that audiences are looking for compelling stories when they read our work. I always seek to feature the stories of people who have personal experience the topics I’m covering. When it comes to gun violence, that often means speaking to survivors of gun violence, family members of survivors, or those working in their communities to combat gun violence. By weaving in their personal journeys with the facts and analysis that quantify the impacts of gun violence, I can both engage and educate my readers.
Caleb Daniel, 29
News Editor, Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, Louisiana
Education: Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Seek to derive intrinsic value from your work and avoid entangling your self-worth in external validation. Journalism, especially good journalism, is often a target for complaints and dissatisfaction. The same thing that pleases some will displease others. If your work upsets someone without valid cause, it probably challenged them, which means it's likely good work.
What emerging trends in journalism or media technology excite you the most?
I appreciate that the concept of “bothsidesism” is being challenged and increasingly less taken for granted among both journalists and the public. There are many times when all “sides” of an issue warrant examination, but in a world rife with misinformation, folks are coming around to the idea that sometimes that isn’t the case. This presents opportunities for experienced storytellers to exercise discernment.
Sabrina Garone, 28
Producer, WSHU Public Radio (NPR member station serving Long Island and southern Connecticut)
Education: Bachelor of Arts in media arts with emphasis in journalism; Master of Arts in broadcast journalism and media production, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Give local news a chance. As a college student, I remember feeling a lot of pressure to score an internship at a big network. But interning at my local paper, then local TV station, and later doing a fellowship program at WSHU, changed my mindset on that completely. I really enjoyed building relationships with the community, learning their needs and interests, and giving a voice to those we don’t always get to hear from in mainstream media. Working in local journalism provides an important community service, and that’s what has been most meaningful to me in my career.
Also, news fatigue is a real thing. Find stuff to do outside of work that doesn’t involve screens!
What project, story or initiative are you most proud of, and how has it made an impact?
Environmental conservation is something that’s always been really important to me, especially having grown up on Long Island where access to the beach is everything. That’s why WSHU’s Higher Ground podcast is one of the favorite projects I’ve been a part of. Our first season focused on conservation efforts on Long Island, making sure our beautiful beaches can be enjoyed for years to come. I think a lot of environmental reporting out there feels “doom and gloom.” But there’s so much good that’s going on right in our own backyards that tends to get overlooked. I think that we were able to showcase that with this podcast, give people a sense of hope, and give Long Island the love it deserves.
Kelsey Goeres, 33
Managing Editor, Alameda Post, Alameda, California
Education: Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in theater arts, California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
You must be vocal about what you want and what you’re capable of. It’s not enough to do strong work. If you want a promotion or to take on new responsibilities, let your manager know and ask them what steps they suggest you take to get there. Check in periodically about your progress. Then talk to people who are doing what you want to do and ask them for advice about how they do their job and what they did to land the role. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with bosses or colleagues who will bring up your name in rooms where you’re not present, but nobody is going to know exactly what you’re capable of better than you. Learn to be your own cheerleader.
Who has been a mentor or major influence in your career, and what is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
At a previous publication I worked for, my managing editor was Andrew Doxy. I learned so much by simply watching him lead. He was both deeply results-driven and people-first. He had a way of building people up and caring about their personal growth that stuck with me. People on his team felt invested in. It’s something that I have tried to emulate throughout my career.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was to read lots of excellent journalism. I signed up for subscriptions to The New York Times and The New Yorker when I was in college and read the articles within as if I would be tested on them. I picked out favorite writers and followed them, noting their writing and interview styles. The more I read, the more I noticed their brilliance rubbing off, in miniscule but sparkling increments, on my own writing. After years of reading and practice, it became clear that excellent writing was something one could learn. Why not me?
Jonquilyn Hill, 34
Podcast Host, Vox, Washington, D.C.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in journalism (concentration in broadcast) with a political science minor, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
When it comes to networking, people tend to put an emphasis on mentors. Getting wisdom from those with more established careers is vital, but getting to know your peers is just as important. Whether about building sources, a good word for a new job or just a space to vent, having people to talk to is paramount. Build your brain trust now. That’s how you survive the ups and downs of this industry.
What do you believe is the crucial thing news organizations can do to counter misinformation and increase trust in news media?
There’s a huge distrust of American institutions right now, including journalism. According to Gallup, more Americans are wary of news media than not. That’s our fault in part. Rather than adjusting to the changing media landscape, we’ve largely stayed the same, only to be shocked when platforms and people that spread misinformation and disinformation fill in the gaps.
Going forward, we need to focus less on getting audiences to come to us, and more on going to where our audiences are. The people we want to listen or watch or read our work are early adopters to technology and we need to adopt it alongside them rather than scramble to play catch-up.
And though the term feels verboten at the moment, diversity really is key. So many of us are from the same places, live in the same neighborhoods, and attended the same schools. As much as people love the idea of “neutrality” we all come to the newsroom with our own individual lived experiences that color the way we see the world. The goal should be to hire people with as wide a swath of backgrounds as possibly; that’s how you fill in your blind spots. You get the audience you want by hiring people who are in community with that audience.
Ivana Hrynkiw, 31
Investigative Reporter, AL.com, Birmingham, Alabama
Education: Bachelor of Arts in communications, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Be persistent and painstaking. That goes for anything in this job. I think some journalists are afraid of being annoying. They don’t want to call on sources too much, send follow-up emails when they don’t hear back, or leave two voicemails in a row. I am not like that. If someone doesn’t want to talk with me, I respect that decision. But unless someone tells me they aren’t going to comment or aren’t interested in talking, I am persistent. I keep up with my sources, even when there’s nothing going on, and I foster those relationships.
I am always interested in learning more about my beat. I call people in the field and ask what things mean, what’s typical versus what’s weird. I ask a lot of questions and really try to understand whatever I’m working on down to a granular level.
And when it comes to sitting down to write, I’d tell young journalists to be as thorough and meticulous as possible.
When there are a thousand pages in that lawsuit you’re covering, read them all. There will be something in there that another reporter didn’t find because they didn’t take the time. Look up more data than you need for that story, because it might lead you down another path. Try to find sources in all fields, even if you don’t quote them. You might never need them for additional reporting, but they might do something even better and become a friend.
Being diligent is never going to be a bad thing.
What is the most useful reporting skill you’ve learned on the job?
Let people talk.
At the beginning of my career, I thought I needed carefully worded questions for every interview, or I would fail at getting the story. I was terrified of not asking the “right” question. But I’ve learned that you often find a better story than you originally planned when you go into an interview and just let your subject talk. Let them tell you what they think is important.
Usually, I hear perspectives I hadn’t considered and wouldn’t have gotten if I had asked more specific questions. Give your subject time and space to explain their insight, which is probably why you went to them in the first place.
Chas Hundley, 30
Founder, Firestarter Media, Gales Creek, Oregon
Education: High school diploma, Forest Grove High School, Forest Grove, Oregon
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Find mentors and like-minded people to bounce ideas off, especially if you work alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your path as a news professional?
Very early in my career, I was managing a booth at a local community festival for my newspaper when I noticed a column of smoke rising from the nearby hills. Racing to the scene, I found a historic 1880s wooden church engulfed in flames. In an instant, I had to shift from promoting my newspaper to covering a breaking news story — the heartbreaking loss of a historic building and a beloved community gathering place. It was one of those days that pushed me to my limits, but even 20 hours into my workday, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. That moment cemented my commitment to journalism and to publishing the news, and I’ve been chasing stories and the means to put them in the hands of my readers since.
Alex Ip, 24
Publisher and Editor, The Xylom, Atlanta, Georgia
Education: Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia; Master of Science in science writing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Massachusetts
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
In the words of historian Timothy Snyder, “Do not obey in advance. Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do.”
You don’t have to be a stenographer for the wealthy and powerful. You don’t have to “sanewash” and “both sides” the story. You don’t have to hand over your sources or materials gathered to law enforcement or a weaponized court system. If you work for a school paper, you do not have to agree to censorship from campus administration. You don’t have to consent to your work being lifted by generative AI models. You don’t have to accept sub living wages, union busting, harassment, gaslighting or isolation.
You have agency. Use it.
When you don’t speak up for yourself, your community, your audience and the truth — someone else will. We know how that has gone.
What is the biggest challenge facing the news media industry today, and how do you think young professionals like yourself can help solve it?
An existential challenge is to get Gen-Z to understand the costs and benefits of providing quality, in-depth, nuanced information. We might be the first generation not to have grown up with the paper boy, but we are certainly not the first to reckon with an unverified fire hose of information that engages our worst animalistic instincts and paralyzes decision-making.
I don’t consider myself to be uniquely qualified to solve the challenge — but I treat my audience with the respect they deserve, put their needs first by reporting on the stakes and consequences, doing so while adhering to journalistic integrity and principles, and being transparent about our financials. It’s shocking how easy it was for us to grow our reputation when we did journalism 101. More newsrooms should consider doing that.
Alex Kielar, 26
Assistant Editor, Breckenridge American, Breckenridge, Texas
Education: Associate degree in sports management, Lackawanna College, Scranton, Pennsylvania
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
One super important lesson that I have learned early on is to not take negative comments to heart but utilize them to improve yourself and your craft. In the journalism industry, there will always be plenty of naysayers, and it's always important to stick to what you know and use facts to back up your stories.
What inspired you to pursue a career in news media, and what drives your passion for the industry?
I have always had a passion for writing, and as I got older, I realized how much of a difference I can make by making my voice heard and telling stories that mean something to people. Driving my passion is being able to write a variety of different stories, from sports to hard news to feature pieces. I like to get my feet wet in a variety of avenues and branch out to different areas.
Phil Lewis, 34
Deputy Editor, HuffPost, New York, New York
Education: Bachelor of Arts in sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
I've learned to pay very close attention to media industry news. I would say being adaptable is key to survival. The rules are constantly changing.
What would be your approach to creating a sustainable business model for a local media company?
I would aim to create a worker-owned publication free from the whims of whiny billionaires and petulant tech bros. Outlets like Aftermath, Defector and Hell Gate have built sustainable worker-owned newsrooms that could serve as models for the future of local media.
Isabella Loy, 23
Assistant Editor/Reporter, Stanwood Camano News, Stanwood, Washington
Education: Bachelor of Arts in news/editorial journalism, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
I’ve learned early in my career that, as a reporter, you should learn your community and always be open to new ideas.
I moved to a new town for my first full-time reporter job, and the best thing I did was talk to as many people as I could. Whether at events, meetings or just at the grocery store — I talked to people. This helped me understand the community and grasp what topics were important to locals. It also helped me connect with sources and build strong relationships early on.
I was able to take those early connections, build upon them and learn from them. If you gain the trust of your audience as well as your sources, you can write stories that have a lasting, positive impact.
What is one challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
As a young woman working in a field where I’m often surrounded by older, more experienced journalists, it was a challenge to find confidence within myself and know my worth.
With time, I was able to tackle more in-depth stories, get feedback from my editor and remind myself that the work I’m doing is valuable. When covering divisive topics, criticism is bound to happen, and sometimes it’s hard not to take that to heart. That’s when having a support system, both at work and at home, is most important.
Working with an editor who has my back and empowers me to make hard decisions has undoubtedly helped me overcome this challenge and feel confident in the work I’m doing.
Paige Minemyer, 33
Senior Writer, Fierce Healthcare, New York City and Washington D.C.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Be adaptable and open to something that may seem outside of your comfort zone. This industry is rapidly evolving, and my current role is not what I imagined I would be doing when I graduated from journalism school. I experienced my first layoff pretty early in my career. However, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and accepted my current job at Fierce even though I knew next to nothing about the healthcare industry. And then I put in the work to prove I was up to the task.
What innovations or changes do you believe are essential for the future sustainability of journalism?
I think there's still a lot of work to be done to define what journalism looks like in the digital age. While the power of the internet gives you the freedom to pursue just about any topic of interest, it's also critical that we have guardrails in place to ensure ethical, sound reporting is still the priority. So, I think legacy media organizations being slow to embrace digital, and doing so out of financial obligation, has allowed for a bit of a Wild West in terms of ethics in online reporting. Now that we're all online, journalists need to be finding the underserved corners that need good, high-quality information presented to them.
Elena Renken, 27
Manager of Journalism Projects & Multimedia, SciLine, Washington, D.C.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in science, technology and society with emphasis on neuroscience and nonfiction writing, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
I learned early in my career to design my work around questions, and that it’s worth putting time into developing the questions I ask of sources, coworkers and others. Good questions have focused and structured my projects, keeping larger goals and core topics at the center of my work.
I’ve learned ways to make questions more open or more specific and gathered favorite questions from others that I’ve found especially helpful. A lot of my own assumptions are reflected in my questions, and I’m always grateful for everyone who corrects those understandings. Coming up with good questions, in advance and in the moment, is a constantly evolving process. I notice the surprising questions others ask, which ones produce unintended consequences of all kinds, and how people’s positions shape their responses. Mentors have taught me to put a lot of thought into the ways I’m journalistically curious, and now I’m always making lists of questions.
What impact do you hope to leave on journalism and the media landscape?
I want the research behind reporting to go deeper. I hope more journalists will have the resources and knowledge to report thoroughly, with the best evidence there is, so members of the public gain a broader understanding of each other and the world around them. I care especially about health-related journalism, which reflects both hopeful solutions and painful realities. There’s a wealth of crucial information in the worlds of science and research, and I’d like more stories to put news into context using those insights — which can be done concisely and compellingly. I’m working at modeling this kind of reporting filled with care and research, and smoothing the way for more journalists to report more thoroughly, even under tight deadlines.
Bobby Allen Roach, 35
Editor, Chatham Star-Tribune, Chatham, Virginia
Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication studies and journalism, and Master of Business Administration with a marketing specialization, Averett University, Danville, Virginia
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
There is immense competition for your attention in journalism, and prioritization can be tricky. But it is an invaluable skill. Being able to discern which story leads to follow is also a necessary characteristic of a successful news writer. Integrity is more important than ever as the media landscape continues to grow and evolve. When grappling with disinformation, hold fast to the truth and keep showing up.
Where do you see the future of media heading?
I believe there will always be a place for print media, especially in creating a written record of events. The future of our society must be built on a foundation of objective truth, and community newspapers provide that. Community journalism is more important than ever in creating those records written by people who readers trust. That said, print media must engage with existing and emerging technologies to hold its position and to most effectively do its job of informing the public. This can only be accomplished through support and investment from the executive leadership of publishing houses.
Adan Shaikh, 28
News Reporter, Camrose Booster, Camrose, Alberta, Canada
Education: Business studies at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and sociology studies at University of Athabasca, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada. Currently working on getting a Canadian Press Style certification.
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Always triple check your sources and materials to ensure the quality of your work. Integrity is very important.
What do you see as the key to connection with your community?
Empathy. As a journalist, you must not be biased. Being able to observe and not absorb is important. The best reporting is done by being able to view things from different perspectives without judging it. Feeling valued and understood makes the community members WANT to connect with you.
Emyle Watkins, 26
Disability reporter, WBFO — part of Buffalo Toronto Public Media, Buffalo, New York
Education: Bachelor of Science in multimedia journalism and digital media arts, Canisius University, Buffalo, New York
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Above all else, you must believe in yourself and what you have to offer. There will be people who don’t believe in you or who try to tell you what you are capable of, especially if you are a part of an underrepresented community in journalism. I have learned, as a disabled journalist, people will always make assumptions about who you are and what you can do. Only you know what you’re capable of.
And on the flip side, there will be people who believe in you. You need to find the mentors and editors who give you constructive criticism and push you to be your best. Everyone else – their opinions don’t matter as much. Be confident in what you bring to the table.
If you could change one thing about the news industry, what would it be and why?
While the simple answer to this, as a disabled disability reporter, is that my community needs better coverage and better representation in this industry, it’s bigger than that. Our industry must do better by all underserved and minority journalists and our respective communities. Disabled journalists, journalists of color, indigenous journalists, queer, trans and femme journalists, and other underrepresented journalists. We all deserve better.
For too long, journalism has been written about us, without us. Our industry was shaped without a lot of us in mind. We need to build a future of journalism where our industry authentically represents the communities we cover. Then we have a shot at doing right by these communities. We all have a chance to be part of this change: by listening, caring, seeing our shared humanity and seeking kinship. I really feel this change has started, but all of us need to contribute.
Drew Wheeler, 34
Editor, McNairy County News, Selmer, Tennessee
Education: Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies focused on art, The University of Tennessee, Martin, Tennessee
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
It is pivotal to feel appreciated professionally, and the lesson to be learned is businesses will make it absolutely clear whether you are valued. In working for other companies in journalism or even in different industries, I have found myself working as hard, if not harder, than anyone else in the room. What was my prize for this effort — this amassing of time in my life I will never see again?
As many who have been honored as “Tomorrow’s News Trailblazers” [25 Under 35] have said before me: Finding a balance for mental health and a life beyond the screens of your work devices is critical. Ask yourself if your employer would ever say, “I want you to spend more time at home?” I have had exactly one employer say these words to me, and she is also the woman who kindly nominated me for this award. Thank you, Mel!
There is no reward for not taking the break. There is no bonus for not enjoying your spouse, children, family, hobbies, goals and life outside of work. Balance and appreciation are key to finding lasting happiness in any job — news especially.
With everything happening in the world today, what keeps you optimistic about working in our industry?
When asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always answered, “I wanted to be a writer, to help people, and to be a professional wrestler.”
I traded in my spandex for a red pen quite a while ago, but I certainly still write. I feel the door is open for me to help people tell their stories, stay informed on the events of their world, and shine a light on what may be unseen or unnoticed. We cannot be quixotic about the twists and turns our industry may take in the future. However, regardless of the medium, logistics or subjects, there is and will always be room for truth, storytelling and hope in our world.
We keep moving forward. With every day, there is a new story to tell, a new person to meet and a new perspective to empathize with. Print may have been on what some would call “life support” for years now, but news will never truly die. There will always be a place at the table for thoughtful, honest journalism.
Beyond anything else, though — The Lord provides stories when there are none, opportunities when they feel scant, and inspiration in trying times.
Megan Wofford, 27
Director, Products, BlueLena, Cary, North Carolina
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Sometimes there will be no roadmap, and that’s okay! Figuring out how to do something for the first time or experimenting with different methods is a great way to drive growth, both within the industry and within yourself.
This is where the value of a really strong, supportive team comes in. My team has been a critical part of my growth and has helped me build confidence to better make decisions on the paths we can take forward. I’ve been really fortunate to be surrounded by people with a variety of backgrounds in journalism. That has challenged me and helped me learn so much about the industry in a short period of time.
How are you leveraging technology, digital storytelling or new business models to push the industry forward?
It is very fulfilling to work toward the mission of making newsrooms more sustainable by helping them engage better with their audiences and increase their fundraising efforts. We are always looking for ways to help newsrooms engage with their audiences better and grow their reader revenue. This often involves reviewing new technology or strategizing around how to use existing technology.
One of the ways we do this is to look at the tactics that other industries are successfully using and translate them into tools that can support the journalism industry. Technology continues to evolve in our society, and there are always new things that need to be learned and implemented. Some things that work in making other industries successful can also help sustain the journalism industry.
For example, we’ve done a lot of work with newsrooms to better capture reader data and use that data to help inform fundraising decisions. This allows revenue teams to allocate their time and resources more effectively and better understand who their readers are and what matters to them, which can translate to better engagement with those readers.
Brian Zayatz, 29
Managing Editor, The Shoestring, Northampton, Massachusetts
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Black studies, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Be nice to yourself and to your collaborators. At a time when the gaps in our news ecosystems are so vast, it can be easy to tend towards workaholism or to feel as if we’re not doing enough to meet the needs of our community. Certainly, many people do this, but if I looked around when I was starting out and only saw the kinds of founders, editors and publishers who worked 80-hour weeks, I would never have wanted to do what I do.
The Shoestring was a side-hustle for a long time. Those of us who put time into it during the years it was running on $10,000 or less gave what we could, understanding that there were limits since we all had other jobs. When The Shoestring could finally pay something like a very small salary for a couple people, flexible time off was one of the only benefits we could afford to give ourselves, but it was and continues to be a lifesaver. Journalism is labor, and keeping it alive will be a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s pace ourselves, build the work culture we want to see in the world, and stay connected to our communities while we’re not wearing our journalist hats.
How do you see artificial intelligence (AI) affecting journalism now and in the future? What guardrails are needed?
It’s only a matter of time until workers at corporate-owned media outlets receive marching orders to incorporate large language models/generative AI to cut costs. Journalism “support organizations” are already getting grants to build AI tools for journalists. I feel strongly that media workers should resist these trends however possible, and those of us with control over our newsrooms should adopt something close to a zero-tolerance policy for generative AI use — not even for images.
Being loud and proud about a zero-generative AI policy is such an easy way to demonstrate the value of journalism to our communities. We are humans, we feel responsibility towards our communities and must be accountable to them. The same cannot be said of a glorified probability machine. Our audiences are only going to be subjected to more and more AI slop on social media, in their inboxes, and perhaps from once-trusted news sources someday, too. Why shouldn’t they tune us out if the images we use or the text we publish are indistinguishable from that slop?
Let’s be real; this is not a technology being offered to us because we asked for it. It’s being offered because it’s controlled by the same tech behemoths that are controlling greater and greater portions of our economy by the day — including our own news ecosystems. Let’s draw a line in the sand and not ChatGPT ourselves out of our jobs.
Alissa Zhu, 32
Reporter, The Baltimore Banner, Baltimore, Maryland
Education: Bachelor of Science in journalism, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and Master of Science in public health, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
What is a lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think future news trailblazers should know?
Seek out places that have lots of interesting stories and not enough journalists to cover them. In college, an advisor told me to move to New York City and apply for jobs at online news sites. I did the opposite — first working for my hometown paper, the Springfield News-Leader, then moving to Jackson, Mississippi for a job at the Clarion Ledger. I learned to write a lot and to do it fast. I broke stories of local and national importance. The people I met, the events I witnessed and the community I experienced enriched my understanding of the world and my role in it.
I recognize it has been a privilege to be able to go the local news route, which often offers little in the way of pay and stability. If you can, however, invest in communities that are facing complicated challenges, which others may overlook. If you follow the smoke, you’ll find fire.
How do you see the role of news media evolving in the next 10 years? What do you hope to be doing at that time?
I’m scared for the future of media, especially local news. I don’t know a single young reporter who hasn’t considered leaving the industry. At the same time, good journalism is more essential than ever. News organizations must shed business models that are unsustainable and exploitative. They need to experiment with creative storytelling, audience engagement and collaborations. Working at The Baltimore Banner, which is a nonprofit startup, has been eye-opening; it gives me hope for the future. I think what will save journalism is orienting our mission to answer the questions: How can we best serve our community? How can we make ourselves indispensable?
In 10 years, I hope to still be chasing down good stories and helping chart a path forward for the next generation of journalists.
Robin Blinder is E&P’s editor-in-chief. She has been with E&P for five years. She can be reached at robin@editorandpublisher.com.
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