My goals for next year’s paper: hire a coffee boy, write more click-bait headlines, piss off the Premier’s fangirls some more and figure out if “Aquinian” is actually a word (Microsoft Word says no).
I kid, but honestly I’m excited for next year. For those who don’t know me, I was the features editor this year (don’t forget to read my section after this). I’ve worked closely under Ms. Riley and have tried to steal the secret behind being a kickass E.I.C. from her. Hopefully I’ve succeeded.
I work hard to get the stories you want to read. I’m known for having a bit of a comedic side, but I’m also serious when it comes to creating quality content. I love sitting down with people and getting their stories and finding out what’s new. I want to keep you informed; I care about the Aquinian and will not leave it hanging. It’s my first priority.
I’ve woken up early for interviews and have spent late nights transcribing notes. I know how many hours go into producing a well-made newspaper. It’s something I’m passionate about. I’ve mostly written features this year to fill my section, but I’ve been well-trained by the journalism department here at St. Thomas. I feel I have the experience to help each section flourish to its fullest.
I’ve published some thought-provoking pieces in features this year and I plan on translating those types of stories to the entire paper. I want to challenge people’s thinking. Is the journalism becoming too dangerous? Are New Brunswick politicians faceless? When does satire go too far? What are the lasting effects of cat-calling? These are the stories I want to bring to your attention. I’m not afraid of back-lash. I’ve gotten my share of hate mail, and I relish it. The way I see it, pissing people off is part of the job. If I don’t get some hate mail I’m trying too hard to make everyone happy and not asking the right questions.
I’ve hired a staff that will do a good job. They’re hard workers, every one of them, and will create content worth reading. They’re all new editors but I know they’ll be able to handle the job that has be set out in front of them. They are all competent people and will do a smash-up job.
I’m still talking to my staff but I’m planning on trying some new things: a new design, some new ideas for backpage, I’m amalgamating the layout and photo editor positions into one “design” position that will be shared by two people, maybe adding in an “ideas” page for more philosophical pieces that ask the big questions. But in many ways I’ll be sticking to the status quo: getting good hard news out to the public. I think that’s what a good newspaper comes down to at its core: the news. It’s in the name and it serves an important public service.
In my eyes, The Aquinian is like the core of the star that is St. Thomas. We, hopefully, keep things in order, but work hard to push what is underneath to the surface for all to see and be illuminated by.
Next year will be exciting for all of us. I’ll keep this star burning and make sure The Aquinian keeps producing the quality of work it has been all year.
I’m expecting great things, so don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date on all newest St. Thomas news.
Joseph Tunney
Editor-in-Chief, 2015-2016
