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HOLLAND
COLLEGE • March 2003
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INSIDE |
THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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committee sets program agenda Members reflect on their role and ever-changing newsrooms By Christine Cuthbertson Class of '03 Journalism advisory committee members have contributed many ideas, opinions and long-time knowledge of the field to journalism students at Holland College. On this 30th anniversary, three members take a look back and ponder what the next 30 years may hold for newcomers. Edith Robb, assistant managing editor at the Times & Transcript in Moncton, stepped down this year as chair and David Spragg, an editor at the Telegraph Journal, was asked by instructor Wayne Young to fill the void. "I'd be honoured, " he said when asked about what he said to Young. Robb was chair for 10 years. She said she stepped down for two reasons. "As much as I enjoyed my role, I truly feel that any organization is best served by the input of new ideas and focus. The second reason that the move came at this time is that my role here at the Times and Transcript has expanded and changed." Robb has been involved in the committee for 15 years and it's been good for both the people in the business and the students. "It's rewarding work, and we always find as board members that we receive as much as we give in the free exchange of information and ideas at these meetings." She also said it has been good in hiring students she has met in those meetings including many interns. Robb said she looks for a good attitude and creativity. "Students who relish the challenge of the chase for a story, who are brimming with good ideas, and anxious to get into what I still think is one of the most exciting professions in the world are the ones that capture my attention." Spragg agrees but says being able to get the correct facts is good too, including seeing what the new journalist is capable of. He said on-the-job-training is a great way to see where students are in terms of writing and reporting. He also said he reads The Surveyor when it comes out. "That's one of the reasons why I read the Surveyor. It's something I enjoy seeing come across my desk." Spragg, who has been on the committee for eight years, said the committee is important to the program because it involves students and people in the business sharing ideas. It also helps to have that extra input of ideas and help from outside. "I think it's a win/win situation." John Conrad, editor of Amherst Daily News, understands what has taken place in both the journalism field and the course at Holland College over the years. Conrad is a graduate of the program. He knows how important the committee is to the program because it informs student and instructors about changes taking place in the newsroom. "Basically, it keeps the program current. You get such a broad range of opinions." Conrad said the program was "tailor-made" for him, helping him find out what he wanted do with his life. He has been on the committee for at least 15 years and asked for special permission to stay on to be involved in the program. Conrad said he likes to see future employees who are bright and articulate. He also said half of what you do is public relations at a small community newspaper like Amherst Daily News so being aware of what you say and do is a must. Conrad has seen technology come into the newsroom in leaps and bounds over his 30 years in the business, but said it's really the only change which has happened in the business. All three agree technology has been the biggest influence in changing the newsroom. Spragg said it was only 25 years ago when typewriters were on the desks of every journalist. Now there are computers. "The bottom line for our industry is to remain relevant to people, to gather information that affects our lives and present it in a professional and unbiased manner," said Robb, adding the technology used to achieve this continues to change but the root of journalism will always remain the same. Journalism advisory committee David Spragg (committee chairman) Telegraph-Journal Saint John, N.B. Dave Glenen New Glasgow News New Glasgow, N.S. James C. Irving Kings County Record, Sussex, N.B. Sherri Aikenhead The Halifax Daily News Halifax, N.S. Scott Doherty Sackville Tribune-Post Sackville, N.B. Fred Jackson Cape Breton Post Sydney, N.S. Edith Robb Times&Transcript Moncton, N.B. John Conrad Amherst Daily News Amherst, N.S. Gary MacDougall The Guardian Charlottetown, P.E.I. Mike Turner Truro Daily News Truro, N.S. Vernon Oickle Bridgewater Bulletin Bridgewater, N.S. Susan Belliveau The Springfield Record Springhill, N.S. Fred Sgambati Kentville Advertiser Kentville, N.S. Darlene Shea The Journal-Pioneer Summerside, P.E.I. Joanne Cadogan The Miramichi Leader Miramichi, N.B. Phil Andrews The Telegraph-Journal Saint John, N.B. Greg Mulock The Northern Light Bathurst, N.S. Ron Ennis Optipress Grand Falls-Windsor Newfoundland |
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