Next Generation Leaders celebrates the achievements of young alumni of the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. In this episode we talk to Sierra McClain '19, News Reporter at The Capital Press in Salem.  Her beat covers agriculture, including international trade, policy, business, economics, the environment, rural communities, food and wine, science, energy, labor, other issues in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. She also covers national and international issues related to agriculture. 

Find Sierra McClain Online:
Twitter
Linkedin
Website
Capital Press Author Page

Show Notes: 
0:01: Show introduction
0:29: Guest introduction
3:56: Educational history
5:49: Writing about agriculture
6:45: Behind-the-scenes takeaways - land acquisition series
16:00: “Its always ‘no’ if you don’t ask”
16:57: Why business and rural journalism matter
23:10: Why talking to people is critical as a journalist
28:51: Getting all sides on controversial topics
32:14: Staying connected to the region
33:54: Working with big data
35:54: Working on stories without prior knowledge of the topic
38:53: Choosing between breaking news and a reporting beat
42:30: Using press releases and tips
49:32: Information leaks
50:27: Snowden internship experience
52:57: Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship
54:49: Professional development opportunities

Download the transcript for this episode.

Interested in more podcast content from the SOJC? Check out the Hearst Demystifying Media Podcast, where Damian Radcliffe gets the industry scoop from media experts.