When I was hired as a news reporter at the Trinitonian in September of my first year, I had no idea what I was getting into. I knew nothing about journalism; I came to Trinity as an English major who loved to write creatively. I wanted to get my work out there. The Trinitonian simply seemed like a way for me to get my writing published.
Four years into it — having been in four different positions — I now know that my work has nothing to do with me. I realized somewhere along the line that, though my reporting was my work, I was telling your stories.
It’s one of the basics of reporting: Stay objective — don’t editorialize. As a journalist, reporters are meant to give the facts, relay what people tell you. The only thing that should suggest the reporter had anything to do with the article is their byline.
I’m sure you, as readers, are familiar with this concept. The news is meant to give you “the facts.” Though, I also know that a Gallup poll reported that only 31% of Americans trust the media. That partisanship, that editorializing — it smothers the facts. It’s what, understandably, makes readers lose trust in media.
It was hard for me to come to terms with not putting my thoughts or opinions in a piece. It was even harder dealing with honest mistakes having huge consequences. But I’ve practiced, and I’ve come to terms with staying objective.
I’ve figured out how to add style. I’ve learned how to stay objective, and in the process, I’ve interviewed a ton of people — students, professors, administrators — from our community. I got the chance to interview the winners of the Stumberg Competition and learn about their projects. I met with the students in Juan Sepúlveda’s Latinx Leadership course to report on their lotería night and quinceañera for LeeRoy. I spoke to leaders in the CAT Alliance for a piece remembering Bucee.
Every article I’ve written for the Trinitonian has stuck with me, and the reason I’ve stayed — through the long meetings and 6 a.m. production nights and scary conversations — is because I have loved getting to share your stories.
This is your paper. Everyone at the Trinitonian is here to share your stories. That is what we’re here to do.
I know that I cannot immediately stop those feelings of distrust, and me saying that “this is your paper” does not exempt us from taking accountability. An article is still a reporter’s writing. If we misconstrue a fact or frame a story unfairly, the Trinitonian has to take responsibility for that.
I am telling you that we know how important your experiences are. Send us story ideas. Submit a response on our Google Form and tell us about a new professor or your club’s event. Talk to any one of our 37 staff members about a new Trinicat or your friend’s hot goss. If you disagree with a column, write in. You can submit letters to the editor or guest columns to our opinion editor, Riya Vankamamidi, and we’ll put it in the nearest issue.
The Trinitonian is a platform for your voices. We want to hear them.