Much of what we do here at The Recorder is in the moment: we research and learn and write in the moment. It is probably what happens at many student paper newsrooms all over the country, so I say without judgment that this newspaper staff thinks largely in the short-term, and appropriately so.
So maybe, the last thing my put my name on for The Recorder should be forward-thinking? I have no future issues of the newspaper to ponder, so let’s talk about the print newspaper and The Recorder’s website for next year. We’ve got current Managing Editor Michael Walsh to take over for next year and he will oversee, as all Editors-in-Chief do, the weekly print edition. It has fluctuated in page length, but I expect that it will even out as it usually does around 12 to 16 pages.
He will also oversee a mini Web revolution, because the newspaper is about to emphasize its role online – something many newspapers have already done and must do to continue. The Recorder will see a vastly improved Twitter account to bring students the latest headlines and 140-character bits of information, as well as more videos, blog content and simply better , frequent website updates. It is not only my hope that the newspaper will take on these new, web-forward ways, but an expectation because, really, these are the tasks that need to be accomplished in order for the paper to continue as it has been.
The paper will be in good hands, no doubt, and I’m aware that many Editors-in-Chief before me have said the same as they pass the baton, but I’m confident that next year’s staff will use their resources and experience to put out the best Recorder they can.
It has truly been a pleasure working with this year’s group of editors, and last year’s, and the two years’ before that. At least a few of them moving on into next semester will have the benefit of having experienced controversial firings and questionable newspaper content during my tenure, so they will be equipped with the knowledge that only this experience can give them. I realize that mine may not be the greatest legacy this newspaper has known, but I’ll say that my staff has probably seen or heard about a little bit of everything and they are qualified to make lasting improvements. They have sound journalistic judgment, and I expect them to use it.
Best,
Melissa Traynor, CCSU ‘10, Editor-in-Chief 2008-2010