Students explore journalism

Freshmen in Shannon Cooper’s journalism class at Marion High School heard about the realities of reporting during a visit Friday by Record reporter Judd Weil.

Students heard that journalism is rarely a nine-to-five job. A central theme was integrity. Students were told that reporters must set aside personal opinions when writing news stories and focus on presenting verified facts.

Students asked how journalists find stories, decide whom to interview, and verify information. Most reliable reporting still comes from talking with people and witnessing events firsthand, Weil said.