Lookout staff attends journalism conference in Grand Rapids
Members of The Lookout staff attended the Michigan Press Association's annual conference in Grand Rapids Jan. 27-28. (Photo by Larry Hook)
Members of The Lookout staff attended the Michigan Press Association’s (MPA) annual conference in Grand Rapids Jan. 27 and 28.
During the conference, staffers took part in a variety of sessions and demonstrations regarding many topics related to mass media and journalism as a whole.
“I think the biggest thing we learned was the importance of social media,” Lookout Adviser Larry Hook said. “After this conference I think the staff is more aware of what they have to do to attract more readers. They had a chance to experience what professional journalists experience.”
“It was a phenomenal experience,” Editor in Chief Dominick Mastrangelo said. “The networking and learning opportunities are endless at these functions. I am so glad we were able to be a part of it.”
Mastrangelo and his staff arrived at the conference, held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, the morning of Jan. 27. They immediately attended a session titled, “The Shape of Things to Come.”
This session discussed how to effectively deal with the inevitably changing newspaper and journalism industry relative to booming social media outlets.
Lookout Associate Editor Nathan Wilson, another one of the conference attendees, has recently taken over webmaster and multi-media duties for the newspaper
“We’re definitely trying to reach as many people as we can. Social media allows us to do that,” Wilson said. “Physical newsprint may be dying, but journalism is not going anywhere. We are trying to keep up with the times.”
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to all who attended the MPA luncheon Jan. 27. He had some inspirational words for its various members.
“We can make changes with the partnership we have built,” Snyder said of the media. “I would like to partner with the press corps. You people are a vital part of our great state.”
During his speech, Snyder gave a few headlines he would like to see in newspapers across the state of Michigan.
“Together we have the power to show everyone around the world that Michigan is a great place to be,” Snyder said.
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