Each participant was asked to write a word or phrase about what they were taking away from the Newsroom Summit. Some of their comments follow.
* Every person in the community has a voice: in order to improve the quality of journalism in the future, every voice must be heard – the diversity of ideas will create the paper of tomorrow
* Throw the dart
* Encouraged by the teens here today – their intelligence and thoughtfulness
* Readers <——-> Content
* I have a lot to look forward to
* Advice from experienced people in the world of journalism. Thank you! (Christine, Senior Pius XI High School)
* Fusion, inclusion
* Think outside the box. Relevance. Reader service. Have a passion for what we do
* Let’s be interesting every day. One of the best things anyone can say about a newspaper is that it is interesting
* Involvement
* Tell better stories in a way that will capture the attention of young readers & feature their young voices throughout the paper. (Terry)
* Powerful stories behind our stories
* Re-think international news coverage and local connections
* Think in new ways. More is possible than you think when you think
* Ordinary people are so important
* New voices in the paper and in the newsroom – as a routine – especially Gen Y
* Be open. To ideas, people, opportunities, places and perspectives
* Re-igniting with the passion and courage to do journalism that matters
* Keeping the free press free
* Write for the reader
* Make an effort to let readers know how we make decisions. Remember that every reader is a unique person whose perception of the world might be vastly different from your own
* Let our passion about journalism emerge in our stories
* It is our obligation to build momentum
* Sustain the passion….through communication–Don’t assume
* Commitment
* Steam clean the engine
* Relevancy and writing
* The task of resolving contradictory desires
* I’m reminded: The potential for transforming news and newsrooms is unbounded. I am left wondering is the will to transform news & newsrooms equal to the opportunity. (Cole)
* Break from reality brings new appreciation for reality. (Bob)
* Remember the ordinary people
* Get into our readers’ lives
* Journalism is not static
* Give everyone a voice
* Opportunity for redemption as an industry and profession
* Find new ways to bring the world home
* Ensure buy-in
* I’m responsible for changing and improving my newsroom culture
* Go home and motivate, inspire and follow through
* In-paper promotions in sports, comics section
* Reject conformity, buck ritual
* Readers need to see the human side of journalism and journalists
* Opportunity to connect with readers has never been better
* Understand the base of knowledge. Write across the generations.
* Responsibility
* I am the future of journalism! But is vital that I learn and respect the past and work on my skills in the present.