Friday, April 3, 2009

I make her cringe

Abby Goodnough, the Boston bureau chief of the New York Times chatted with me last week. See the article:
http://media.www.mainecampus.com/media/storage/paper322/news/2009/04/02/news/new-york.times.boston.bureau.chief.visits.university-3693756.shtml

On Monday I attended a luncheon where she spoke. I was producing a live stream for Mobile Maine News for it and reporting for The Maine Campus. I then walked her over to The Campus office so she could speak with my coworkers. We chatted on the way over, and I asked her more questions at the office. I told her I was writing about her.

By Tuesday we were well acquainted. It came to public affairs reporting class time. Nagle made it clear: ask, ask, ask, do not have a pause, do not waste time. We were to interrogate the woman.

My classmates had some questions at first, but they lost steam. So I started asking my questions. I asked about FOIA, ethics, "what do you look back on now that makes you cringe?" has she ever cried in front of a source, etc.

When class ended Abby and I staggered to get up. I put my coat on.

"Heather?"
"Yeah"
"You asked what makes me cringe. I take it back. You make me cringe."

I think it's a pretty high compliment from a fellow reporter. 

No comments:

Post a Comment