20 years in the business --

 

Journalism Professor Bob Wigginton spoke to our class on the issues facing the current newspaper industry.

 

Wigginton continued our discussion on minorities in the newspaper industry by telling us his mission as an editor with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

 

Wigginton agreed that minorities must be present in the media, however he says that the best person must take the job regardless of race.

 

Wigginton told the story of his mission of introducing diversity in to the newsroom at the Democrat Gazette. Although he dislikes the word “diversity” he believes it to be necessary.

 

Wigginton arrived at the Gazette and he recalls that only one African American worked in the newsroom, and this in a state with 50% African American population. Wigginton made it his mission to bring in an African American journalist into his newsroom, and the community.

 

Wigginton discussed how, in this decision to promote diversity, it was important to hire someone with the skills not just the proper “color.” He believes that if you do not make an attempt at diversity, you will miss out on a great experience. You will also say the black community that you are not interested in them or their views.

 

Wigginton believes that often times whites believe whites are the best for a job, while often times minorities are truly the best for the job, however some people do not want to give them the chance because of the race difference.

 

He stressed that it is important that you not deny that sometimes it is possible to find minorities best for the job. Gannett Company Inc. has made it a point to promote diversity in its newspapers and on its news stations.

 

Wigginton believes Gannett is the “great satan” of the news industry. It is destroying journalism with the USA Today newspaper he explains. With too much splash and not enough information the paper is degrading the industry that is already in decline.

 

The industry is down with 1600 journalism jobs lost with in the last year, and 18 of these journalists being forced into retirement at the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Small town papers like the New Jersey Star Ledger must let go of many people or face a shut down.

 

The small town newspaper was important to the American news landscape, but with this shut down things will change. The newspaper is supposed to be a connection to the local community, however more and more small papers must rely on the Associate Press to fill the papers. This means fewer local stories, and fewer local journalists hired.

 

Wigginton wrapped up his question and answer session with a brief discussion of how difficult the newspaper profession is. He warns of his dealing with daily deadlines, rude people, and those who simply do not want to talk to the media. He however shared that his greatest reason for continuing was to make a difference in the world. He decided to leave the industry, but still wants to make a difference.

 

Wigginton is the newest professor in the Journalism school at Lindenwood. This new position allows him to continue to make a difference in the world by molding the new journalists of the world. He believes it is important that the next generation to carry on the torch of true journalism.

 

Journalism is the fourth estate of the government, and with out this watchdog role that journalism plays the world would be full of uninformed fools.