I was so excited to read about a group of teens way out east on Long Island ("The End") who started their own newspaper. The Ditch Weekly is aimed at the crowd in Montauk, a funky, yet weirdly upscale community, where I would live in a New York minute. 📰
Without the help of their parents, and really any adult, this group of 15 year olds spent last summer building a brand, before heading off to High School. 👯
The Ditch Weekly even made some money (something some of their parents were apparently surprised about too). So I ask you, why on earth can't deep pocket publishers bring back these weeklies, or even dailies? If you've got a group of kids this engaged in the print industry, there are most certainly many more in other high schools (and colleges) across the country who are just as engaged and rarin' to go. 👨🏽🏫
One of the greatest parts of being a journalist, no matter the age, is the education. During an interview, and most definitely during the research, you are learning about your subject. Whether that is a person, place or thing, there is much learning to be had. And the public learns too. 📝
Last week we talked about the same subject through the lens of TikTok. Why not utilize all means of media to show the importance of real news, local happenings and the good ol' "water-cooler" topics, especially through the eyes of those who will one day lead this country? To see what is important for youngsters gives us a peak into our own futures. Hint: a lot of its about local news. 🗞️
Last weekend, I was going through some old bins of personal belongings and found some of my own print clippings. I worked for the "Tolucan" in Toluca Lake, CA and the Malibu Times. What a blast from the past that was. Next week I'm going through another bin that is sure to contain my old cassette demos and reel to reels. 📼 📽️
Now I'm just aging myself. 🧐
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