Back on the Beat

 

And now for some good news.

My favorite beat as a journalist was hands down Howard County. I am so excited to announce that next week I'm joining the @BaltimoreBanner as a regional reporter. I'm back HoCo! - - Jess Nocera

You may recall that Jess Nocera wrote for the Baltimore Sun. She’s now back with the Baltimore Banner. 

Thank goodness the Banner is investing in some local coverage, even better that it’s with someone who has some prior knowledge and experience. So many newspaper positions these are geared for young folks right out of college. The jobs pay very little and the workload is unsustainable. The system relies on the inexperience of the workers to take the low salary and work the crazy hours. The young people beginning their careers in journalism have few “old hands” to learn from and rely on. 

If you have seen movies or television shows where the small town newsroom is collegial and multigenerational, it’s important to know that isn’t the reality today.

The kind of long term, institutional knowledge that is invaluable in local journalism barely exists anymore. Entry level journalists burn out as often as not. Those who don’t burn out are scrambling to get out of small markets and work their way up through the food chain. Many of our local journalists have done a fine job making the transition to bigger and better positions.

We were lucky to have them while we did. 

Welcome back, Jess Nocera. Here’s a taste of what she’s written in Howard County. I’m delighted that we have more in store.

No strangers to adversity, many historic Ellicott City restaurants offer carryout during coronavirus outbreak, Jess Nocera, March, 2020 for the Baltimore Sun