No signature, no publication

By: Hannah Pickett

There are many times that I open up a newspaper, read an article, and don't necessarily agree with the writer's tone or take on the issue at hand. I take it with a grain of salt and go on with my day. But, if I felt compelled enough to write a letter to the editor about my disgust with the article, I most certainly would not want to sign my name. It would be humiliating and in my opinion, unnecessary.

The truth of the matter is that in many newspapers, especially small town papers, letters to the editor will not be printed unless there is a signature on the letter. I know that at the Winterset Madisonian, if there is no signature or someone willing to take the heat for the letter to the editor, it will not be looked at, let alone published.

How important and necessary is it to have a signature on a letter to the editor? Why does it matter who wrote the letter?

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Jounalism job security?

By: Hannah Pickett

The journalistic world has been hit hard with the current economic crisis. Layoffs are the most obvious result of the crisis.

This week, the Des Moines Register laid off a number of employees. This was not the first time this has happened this year. The typical slogan in layoffs is "last hired, first fired." That's not proving to be the case anymore, in fact, the opposite is proving to be true.

Wednesday, Brian Duffy, an award winning editorial cartoonist, was one of dozens to receive the latest cut. Duffy's cartoons were the highlight on the front page for decades.

The truth of the matter is this. Fresh college graduates are chomping at the bit to land their first journalism job and will bite at just about anything, regardless of the starting salary. Journalists that have served their time in the business have worked their way up the pay scale. This makes it economical to lay off the tenured journalist and replace him with a college graduate who will do the same job for much less.

With this scheme mixed with the unsteady economy, where is the job security in this field?

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Education vs. talent

By: Hannah Pickett

In today's technologically advanced world where we can publish our works and creations with the click of a mouse, I wonder, why spend money on getting a journalism degree?

For instance, I am 20 years old and am the leading sports writer and sports editor at an accredited weekly newspaper. I have worked here since I was 15 years old. At 15, I had no experience whatsoever in the field of journalism. Right now, I simply have the experience gained on the job and the knowledge of some college courses leading my writing and editing, but still no fancy college diploma on the wall.

Sure, going to college is a great idea. I obviously think so otherwise I wouldn't be at Simpson. But, in the journalist world, the majority of jobs are determined based on skill, not education level.

If I were to apply for a position as an anchor or television reporter, the fact that I have a degree from Simpson College is not going to be as important as my demo tape, likewise in print journalism. If I wanted a job at the Des Moines Register, it would be my work, not my education, that would make or break the deal.

My aunt was one of the most popular writers for the Des Moines Register for about 15 years and has since written a book. Her level of education stopped after high school. No one ever questioned her qualifications for the position when they read her column.

So, my question is this: Having a college education is a wonderful asset to most jobs, and sure it gives a bump in the pay scale, but is it really necessary to become an established journalist?

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