Qwestion and Answer with Christopher Roush, Founder and Editor in Chief of Talking Biz News

Qwoted is committed to exploring the current state of the media by speaking to industry leaders and educating future generations of media professionals. What has social media and technological innovation brought to the table? What can we expect for the future of journalism?

Christopher Roush worked as a business journalist for thirteen years, writing for Bloomberg, Business Week, and several local publications. He began his journey into academia in 2002 and is now the dean of the Quinnipiac University School of Communications. He also is the founder and and editor in chief of Talking Biz News. To Chris, there are certainly rewarding aspects to his work, such as seeing his journalism students succeed and thrive. Hurdles are present too, however. Read on for more from Roush.

The [biggest challenge] is convincing students who are interested in journalism that it’s a rewarding career. Journalism isn’t changing; the delivery format just needs to change.

Q: The profession of journalism feels more attacked today than in a long time, but also highly necessary. Do you feel that’s true, and if so, why?

CR: Yes, it is definitely true. Journalism acts as a check and balance on society. Without it, society falters and fails.

Q: What are you hearing from your students or members about their ambitions and hopes for the profession?

CR: They are worried. Those that go into journalism are the ones who really believe in the purpose behind informing the public.

Q: What do you think about the role of technology in journalism? Is it helpful? harmful? Something in between?

CR: Technology has overall improved journalism, making it easier to find stories. There are some forms of technology that do harm journalism. Social media doesn’t seem to be helping.

Q: What do you see as some of journalism’s biggest potential pitfalls? And what gives you hope for the future of journalism?

CR: The owners of journalism, for the most part, are not investing in [the industry’s] future. Investment needs to be made in training, recruiting, infrastructure and more. Without that investment, journalism will continue to struggle. What gives me hope is that young people entering journalism today are so passionate, and want to change the world for the better.

Q: Where do you get YOUR news from? Which publications do you like to read?

CR: I read the New York Times and the Washington Post. I also have about a dozen Google News Alerts set up for specific topics of interest.

Q: What are some of the best practices from journalism’s past that you feel need to be utilized now?

CR: Double check everything before you publish. Be fair, accurate and responsible. Better to be right than to be first.

Q: What learnings have made a tremendous difference in your career?

CR: Be humble. Be patient. Be kind. Journalism is not about you or your “brand.” It’s about helping others.

What advice does Chris leave for aspiring writers and reporters?

 “If you love to write and find information and learn something new every day, then journalism is for you. I have never regretted it.”