On this episode we’re joined by Ben Chase. Ben is a two-time guest. We talked to him in 2021 when he was a reporter for the Huron Daily Plainsman in Huron, South Dakota (population ~14,000, one-third of which is Hispanic or Asian). Now he’s the paper’s managing editor, a role he’s held for roughly a year … and it’s been quite a year as he’ll share.
The paper was shut down (briefly), sold, and brought back, but with some changes, including fewer print editions and a directive to be more local.
Ben talked about running a small-town newspaper, the types of things the paper covers, how he writes his weekly op-ed piece, and how his stress relief is … more journalism (of a different type).
Ben’s salute: South Dakota Searchlight
Example of Ben’s Op-Eds – “It’s Not The Same.”
https://www.plainsman.com/stories/its-not-the-same,163806
Background on the sale of the newspaper
You can find all our episode guides for teachers and professors here,
Please support your local public radio station: adoptastation.org
Thank you for listening. You can e-mail me at journalismsalute@gmail.com
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark’s website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Bluesky at @marksimon.bsky.social
Subscribe to our newsletter– journalismsalute.beehiiv.com
