When I decided I wanted to enter into a career in the media, I realized that meant I wouldn’t have a ‘regular’ job.
Especially if I wanted to be a reporter like I am now, I knew I wouldn’t work a typical 9 to 5 day.
I’m still in the office most days, making calls and setting up interviews when I can. But, before the coronavirus, I’d also be covering events during the evenings and on weekends. When I left an event, I'd be back at my computer writing the stories or editing photos to have completed by deadline.
That means when COVID-19 hit and most businesses were shutting their doors and laying off employees, I knew my job was more important than ever.
People turn to the media as a reliable source of information during these times, and I work very hard to make sure my stories are accurate.
Confirming facts is the most important aspect of a story; if I don’t have a reliable source that’s willing to go on the record, I’m not printing the information. As one of my teachers said in college, ‘Confirm everything. If your mother says she loves you, check it out.’
It’s been increasingly frustrating during this pandemic to go online and see people bash my profession.
I’ve seen post after post from friends, family, and total strangers claiming the media is blowing things out of proportion and we’re somehow to blame for the mass spread of this virus because we’re sharing false information.
I do take this as a personal insult. I’m writing stories about the coronavirus and likely will be for quite sometime.
Reporters with legitimate news outlets work hard to ensure their information is correct, only to have some keyboard warrior try to tear down a story.
Remember, though, not all media outlets are the same. That's why in times like these it's important to turn to the organizations that you know to be credible. If you see a story shared on social media that doesn't seem to be adding up, check out where it's coming from and turn to your trusted media sources to see what they're saying before making a conclusion.
We’re here for you, and our job is to keep you informed.
