Megan Garvey, head of digital media for the Los Angeles Times, spoke with Cal State San Bernardino students about how digital media has significantly altered traditional journalism practices, challenging journalists to refine their reporter repertoire and pursue storytelling through a more technological lens.
“If you think that your story is important—your beat is important—what can do you to get readers to it, and how can you keep them there?” Garvey asked her audience, which included writers and editors from Coyote Chronicle, the university’s newspaper, and communication studies students which was held April 6 at the Pfau Library.
Garvey explained that traditional and contemporary digital forms of journalism practice are complementary, and should be utilized together for enhanced reporting. She acknowledged that accommodating new demands of digital journalism can be daunting, but that reporter instincts must be altered in order to produce captivating stories. “I think that what you have to do is, kind of create a muscle memory of what the elements are that will make your story better,” explained Garvey. That “will allow you many options on how to tell your story.”
Garvey was introduced the dean of the CSUSB College of Arts and Letters Terry Ballman who gave a explanation on the current relationship and ongoing collaboration between the Los Angeles Times and the Coyote Chronicle.
During the master class, Garvey discussed how digital media has significantly altered traditional journalism practices, challenging journalists to refine their reporter repertoire and pursue storytelling through a more technological lens.
Students engaged Garvey in the discussion of ethics and competitiveness in the media industry.
“The master class was a huge success,” said Mariam Betlemidze, an assistant professor of communication studies and the faculty advisor for Coyote Chronicle. “Our journalism students are regularly immersed in theory and praxis, but it’s always important to maintain strong connections with the leading professionals in the field as they provide an insight into most current trends and opportunities.”
After the event, a group of students approached Megan Garvey asking her opinion on their group media projects and future networking opportunities.
Currently, six of Coyote Chronicle editors are in the mentoring program with three leading professionals from Los Angeles Times. The results of the mentoring sessions are already visible in the revised layout of the Chronicle, social media engagement and new topics ideas.
Garvey’s visit is part of the Times’ ongoing investment in youth journalism initiatives in San Bernardino that include a seed grant to launch a Community News Section of the Chronicle and support El Cajon High School’s involvement in High School Insider.
Full video recording of the lecture can be viewed online at “Megan Garvey LA Times.' For more information about the ongoing collaboration between the Coyote Chronicle and the L.A. Times, contact Mariam Betlemidze at mariam.betlemidze@csusb.edu.
You can read the Coyote Chronicle newspaper on campus from designated newsstands, view the digital print version on on the website issuu, and online at coyotechronicle.net