Interview with a Journalist.

(Since this journalist has asked that this would not be published in print, I decided to leave out his name for this interview on the blog for his privacy.)

I contacted about 15 or so journalists for this interview. I tried to get ahold of photojournalists, since that is my emphasis and it would have been interesting to me to hear their responses, and journalists from multiple Los Angeles or Orange County based publications. Only two of them got back to me, and only one of those was actually willing to answer the questions that I gave them, however, he answered them quite hesitantly.

I did preface my interview with the fact that I was a Biola University senior journalism student. The reporter was obviously more unsure about how to answer his questions once he knew that I was a student at a Christian university. He understood that I just wanted to know this from a journalists perspective, and there was no agenda behind my interview. I tried to be as objective as possible, and didn’t interject to make him feel uncomfortable.

I ended up interviewing a staff writer from the Los Angeles Times. He has given me answers to only a few questions on the condition that they are not published in any paper. He is a political journalist who reports on anything from the coverage of the Mike Duvall controversy to the state water plan. He was not entirely comfortable with the interview so I was only able to have him answer a few questions.

Emily: Why do you think what you do matters?

Los Angeles Times: Despite the fact that many people have negative feelings about journalists, I do think what I do is important and makes a difference to the health of society.

Emily: And what do you mean by “what you do” exactly?

Los Angeles Times: My role is to tell the public about what is going on in their government, which helps people make informed decisions when they vote on election day and when they evaluate their leaders. I also serve the role of watchdog. State politicians have to think twice before engaging in misconduct because it has to be in the back of their mind: what will this look like on the front page of the Los Angeles Times. I think it deters misconduct.

Emily: Do you feel like you are called to be a journalist?

Los Angeles Times: I feel I am called to the extent that I have certain talents that help me do my job and that I have a passion for informing the public.

Emily: Do you feel like God, or a sense of something bigger, is real to others in your profession?

Los Angeles Times: Contrary to the public perception that journalists are all secular
liberals, newspaper reporters represent a broad spectrum of political
and religious beliefs. Many of my colleagues are religiously devout, and
it informs their work to the extent that their religion provides a sense
of responsibility to do the right thing. That extends to performing the
work of a journalist to expose wrongdoing and help citizens understand
their government and society.


I really liked this journalists answers. He never explicitly said his beliefs or his lack of beliefs. But he did seem to respect his colleagues that held true to their religious beliefs. It is very clear that this journalist has convictions. He seemed to be an honest man that cares about spreading truth to his readers. As a political journalist, he often writes about controversial government issues that some people would not want to be exposed. But he writes the truth of these issues.

Although he did not hint to his own beliefs, he had a sense of calling, that some may see as God, but he saw as passion. His passion is apparent, and his reason for doing what he does, telling the truths of the government to the people, is very honorable. This is a man with convictions and morals. He wants people informed, without forcing an agenda down their throats. He is a talented and respected journalist.

I am glad that this was an assignment. I often am afraid to call and ask questions, whether it is for an article, or even just to get something done. I want to get better at that, and talking to this journalist gave me context, journalists are people too. Often people doing exactly doing what I had to do. Calling and asking questions.