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 Nathan Stevens '16, the Communications Specialist at the Briscoe Center for American History in Austin, Texas, and Editor in Chief of the Woodhouse. In his role at the Briscoe Center, he combines his affinity for journalistic writing and editing with his knowledge of audio storytelling and podcast production that he gained in his time at the SOJC. During his time as an undergrad, he got his start with music journalism at KWVA 88.1 FM, the student radio station of the University of Oregon.

Find Nathan Stevens online:
Nathan's LinkedIn

The Woodhouse

Show notes:

0:46 Intro/career post-graduation

2:56 Communications Director position at the Briscoe Center

3:50 What tools from your time at the UO have you used throughout your professional career?

4:45 Thoughts on the current journalism landscape

7:13 How do you navigate some of the issues within the journalism world?

8:58 Navigating increasingly specific reporting

10:25 Role of Generative Al in the journalism world

12:52 An exploitative workplace and maintaining mental health

17:28 Collaboration and "objectivity" in journalism

19:43 How do you find a role that works for you?

23:03 How do we improve the condition of journalism?

24:18 What work do you do now that sparks joy for you?

26:15 Thank yous/outro

Download the transcript for this episode

The music used in this episode is "Intro" by Nangdo, retrieved under a Creative Commons license from Free Music Archive.

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.

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 Kira Hoffelmeyer '16, the Assistant News Director at KSL News Radio in Salt Lake City, and a Digital Consultant for Emerald Media Group. Kira tells us about her experiences at the SOJC, her Snowden Internship at KLCC, and what it's like managing a live radio news team.

Find Kira Hoffelmeyer online:

KSL News Radio Author Page

Kira's LinkedIn

Kira's X

Show Notes:
0:34 Intro & career path post-grad

2:17 Snowden Internship experience

4:01 What methods does KSL use for engaging a variety of audiences?

8:22 How do you approach selecting news stories for coverage, considering your variety of audiences?

15:09 How does KSL give back to its community of listeners?

18:55 As an SOJC alum, what advice do you have for current students?

21:02 Wrap-up and thank yous

Download the transcript for this episode

The music used in this episode is "Intro" by Nangdo, retrieved under a Creative Commons license from Free Music Archive.

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.

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 Melanie Henshaw (Mvskoke) '22, Indigenous Affairs reporter at Street Roots, an alt weekly street paper in Portland, Oregon.  In that role she reports on tribal sovereignty, ecological destruction, climate change, social justice, and other topics. Before joining Street Roots, she was a fellow for NewsBreak, and prior to that was the desk editor and a multimedia producer for the Daily Emerald. 

Find Melanie Henshaw Online:
Street Roots Author Page
Muck Rack Author Page
Daily Emerald Author Page

Show Notes: 
0:01: Show introduction
0:37: Guest introduction
01:14: What is Street Roots?
03:30: Melanie's educational background
04:51: Why Melanie chose the indigenous affairs beat
05:54: How journalism has failed indigenous communities
08:31: Using social media as a journalist 
10:07: Protecting your peace and privacy online
13:42: Can and should non-indigenous reporters report on indigenous affairs?
17:39: Takeaways from working at a college paper
19:38: Transitioning from multimedia storytelling to writing
22:03: Avoiding getting pigeonholed as a journalist based on background or ethnicity
25:36: Why Melanie chose to move to Portland
27:07: Job search advice
29:23: Knowing your worth and negotiating for better pay and benefits
33:54: What employers are looking for in prospective hires
35:41: More job search advice
38:22: Show wrap-up

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.