Editor’s Notebook -- James Meier
I wasn’t the most outgoing person in high school. In fact, after
school every day, the very few things I’d do were bettering the school
newspaper, hanging out with friends and writing essays for classes. And,
outside of those activities, I didn’t think about much more.
That’s what makes me so envious of what Kellie Brownell accomplished
this week. Many of you haven’t heard of Kellie, but if she wants that to
be the case, you will.
You see, Kellie’s the editor of the Newport Harbor High School
newspaper, the Beacon. The impressive junior went out of her way to
create and host a panel composed of professional journalists -- John
Beaupre of KPFK radio; Larry Pryor of the USC Annenberg School for
Communication Online program; Michelle Gile of KCAL 9; Teryl Zarnow of
the Orange County Register; and me.
On Tuesday, about 50 parents and students -- many of them on the
Beacon’s staff -- attended the event where we journalists discussed
“Journalism’s role in creating social change” and answered audience
questions.
Not only does it impress me that Kellie arranged such a panel, which
is no small feat, but that she also attracted as many audience members as
she did. To me, listening to a handful of journalists sounds like a great
time, but to a bunch of teens, I could imagine there are much more
attractive activities out there -- watching the Winter Olympics to name
one.
By now, Kellie’s probably blushing a bit, so I’ll stop talking about
her in just a second. Before that, I must point out that she’s also one
of the Daily Pilot’s Student Outlook columnists, so watch for her monthly
columns on Tuesdays in the Community Forum section.
All right, for those who couldn’t catch the discussion panel Tuesday
but are curious about the topic, let me fill you in.
When it comes to journalism’s role in creating social change, I can
only speak for print journalism and, specifically, newspapers. The
two-part answer, for the most part, is simple.
First, when it comes to the articles you read on the front page and in
the newspaper, the only goal is to present a balanced take on a certain
issue, whether it be at a City Council or school board meeting, in a
courtroom, at an event or wherever. We aren’t out to shape opinion on
these issues in our articles.
Second, though, we are out to create change through our editorials and
columns because those are the appropriate mediums in doing so. So, if you
read one of our editorials or columns, pay heed and act appropriately.
Just kidding.
Just like any of you reading this, we have our opinions, but we know
where and when those are appropriate. And vice versa. It’s simply our
job, and we hope you appreciate it.
And I hope all of you appreciate people who go out of their way to
make things happen. Kellie Brownell’s actions certainly warrant it, and,
now, we can only expect great things to come from her. I tried to stop
talking about her, but she’s definitely a teen who has great promise in
her present and future.
* James Meier is the assistant city editor and Community Forum editor.
He can be reached at (949) 764-4324 or by e-mail at o7
james.meier@latimes.comf7 .
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.