It’s been a good week at the Battle Ground Buzz and it’s not even Friday.
Monday I had a great meeting with the Mike Ciraulo, the Mayor of Battle Ground. I didn’t expect Ciraulo to be very friendly (I had this preconceived idea of what a “politician” would be like). But turns out Mike is a down-to-earth guy who’s also very insightful.
We had a great conversation lasting about an hour. We talked about Battle Ground, finding your calling in life and democracy. I’m going to write an article about everything we talked about soon but right now I want to share the “challenge” the Mayor made me at the end of our meeting.
Rights and Responsibilities of the Media
At the end of our meeting we started talking about how print media is being replaced by digital media. Then Ciraulo said something I will not soon forget:
“Nothing against the print media but it’s dying…[Here is where] I see this heading. The Internet is fantastic media for national and world news. The hole is the local [news] — and how that ends up working out, I don’t know. The Columbian isn’t going to survive. The Reflector will. There’s still that deep seated interest in local news…[like] Did my kid’s soccer team win? If you can capture that [the little things], you’ll do well.
The one thing that’s missing, and I don’t know if this is a road you’re going to go down, but what we’re losing from the media, and what I think is the biggest value of the media, is they are the check and balance of our political system… [It’s the] fact checking, the investigative journalism. It may seem odd coming from me, you know like ‘I want you to investigate me’ but you got to keep government honest. Someone has to step up with that investigative journalism…
You have rights and responsibilities with this [The Buzz]. You have a right to go earn money but with that comes the responsibility you as a journalist have, of also doing the hard work. What is the role of journalism? It’s also to expose truth.
I’ll challenge you personally with that. Don’t just follow money and the easy way. You’re going to have to dedicate some time to that role, to carry that burden.”
But I’m a Writer Not a Journalist
I find it ironic the Mayor called me a journalist and challenged me as one. I say that because I’ve refused to call myself a journalist until now.
I’m perfectly fine calling myself a writer, blogger and copywriter but I’ve never liked the title “journalist”.
Perhaps it’s because I imagine a journalist’s career to be filled with an endless sea boring facts. Simply relaying information to the masses. Whereas a writer I think of as more of an artist. I love to create with words and felt journalism would threaten that creative aspect of writing. But I’m rethinking all this now.
I told my wife about this and she said, “It’s funny that you’re not into journalism. You read and write non-fiction and you love talking about issues and finding out what the truth is. Seems like journalism is something you’d really enjoy.”
I know all you married people are thinking, you should listen to your wife Josh. And I think you’re right. So my wife thinks I’d like journalism and the Mayor challenges me as a journalist. So guess what kind of writing I’m going to be embarking on next?
What Does this Mean for the Buzz?
So does this mean the Buzz will become another online newspaper? A digital version of The Reflector? Not necessarily. I still want to inform and empower my readers. I don’t think it has to be one or the other. Somewhere between the worlds of creativity and facts is where I’m going to be venturing.
Thanks for reading and if you like this article please do me a favor and share it using the social media buttons below. And don’t forget to sign up for my FREE newsletter that I write every week by clicking here.
About Joshua Monen
Josh is the founder and editor of the Battle Ground Buzz. He started writing online in 2007 and hasn't looked back. He left his "safe and secure" job in corporate America in May of 2011 to pursue writing full-time. Feel free to email him at josh@battlegroundbuzz.com.
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I echo the statements that the Mayor gave you Joshua. I think Battle Ground could use an online media presence to digg deeper or report on story’s that may get missed by our print media. I look forward to reading many more articles on your online blog. You hear that noise? It’s the Buzz of Battle Ground!
Hey Adrian, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m excited about where I see the Buzz going. It’s going to be good! Thank you for your support!
That’s right Josh, listen to your wife! and mike the mayor!
Thank you Mom. I suppose I should listen to my mother also.
Hey Josh, there is some good stuff on your site. I’m in Texas right now for work, though I would check out the buzz back home, without regret you have kept me busy and entertained with your articles. Keep up the great work.
-Ben Monen
Hey Ben, glad the Buzz is being read down in the country of Texas.
Hope you’re having a good time down there. I still need to interview you so I can write that article about the skate park sometime. Let me know when you’re back in town.
As my former Insurance Agent, I got to know and trust you. During our conversations I realized you were up for challenges and would not settle. I feel you are strong and have a passion, continue to use what the Higher Power has given you. With that and a supportive wife you have all that is required to succeed and you will! You will not only succeed but will become the honest jouralist we canl all appreciate. I will send this blog to my friends and relatives so they too can appreciate your work. Good Luck!
Nancy
Nancy, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad we still get to stay in touch. Who would’ve thought, one day you’re emailing me about cost of insurance and now we get to talk about journalism. Forrest Gump was right about life, “you never know what you’re gonna get.” Thanks for telling your friends about the Buzz!
Josh, I’ve only known you since you joined Toastmasters and I must say it has been a pleasure to interact with you and listen to your speeches. You are a breath of fresh air here in Battle Ground and I am very impressed with “the buzz.” Keep writing–whether as a journalist or author. Mike Ciraulo is so right and so is your wife.
Gerry
Hi Gerry, thank you for that. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too. I’ve learned so much from you at Toastmasters. Thank you for the encouragement and see you tomorrow!
You are certainly on the right path & I am confident you will bring us all with you! I am looking forward to watching the journey unfold & I am a willing participant as well. See you soon my friend…
Brian
Hi Brian, thank you for your support. It’s been good getting to know you over the last several months. See you soon.