AUJRNL 4970
Birmingham Business Journal Column
By Parker Geiger
I couldn’t have been any luckier to have been assigned to visit the Birmingham Business Journal for the Community Journalism Road Trip. From the time I first spoke with editor Ty West on the phone to the time of my first visit and meeting with staffer Brent Goodwin, I enjoyed my time learning about business journalism.
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Making my first trip to Birmingham alone, I was eager and anxious. Goodwin was one of the first people I first met. I was not only shown around the office, but I was shown around the city as well.
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The Birmingham Business Journal does a fantastic job of covering the movers and shakers of the city. This niche publication serves the business community by covering trends and sponsoring events.
On a grander scale of things, I learned that in community journalism it’s imperative for the writer to go out and make connections with members of the community. The broader the network, the more chances you have of finding and telling important stories.
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For other aspiring journalists that are trying to understand where to build the foundation of their careers, I would say to stick with what you’re passionate about if you can. The staff at the BBJ seems to have that passion for both business and the city of Birmingham.
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Whether you are passionate of keeping up with business or getting the story of a fellow down the street, stick to the basics of community journalism.