David Boardman, executive editor and senior vice president of the Seattle Times, spoke on important methods in investigative reporting as well as the evolution and future of journalism, during a Must See Monday Speaker Series event.
In his speech entitled, “Investigations that win Pulitzers,” Boardman reviewed groundbreaking Seattle Times news stories and what makes investigative coverage so crucial to watchdog media.
“It’s challenging, but I absolutely love it,” Boardman said. “We do our job to make a difference in the lives of our community and the nation.”
A video recalling the breaking news event regarding four policemen who were gunned down in Lakewood, Wash. on November 29, 2009, showed the challenges each Seattle Times reporter faced to remain up-to-date on the story.
Boardman said the editors, reporters and photographers involved in the story faced dangerous situations, but in doing so, acquired information before any other publication.
“I think it shows the traditions of journalism: being accurate, sensitive and ethical,” Boardman said. “Without that, the story wouldn’t have been told the way it was.”
Brittny Goodsell, a journalism graduate student, said she admired the dedication of the reporters involved in the story.
“The reporters in the story knew the difference between being a good, persistent reporter and not an ‘in-your-face’ reporter,” Goodsell said. “It’s about building trust with your sources, and the reporters involved in the story found that perfect balance.”
The Seattle Times used its website, Facebook page, Twitter account and iPhone application, to get out the information as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Boardman said the mission of the Seattle Times is to produce news using many different platforms of technology.
“We want to be the 24/7 companion for our readers,” Boardman said. “I love the sense that we belong to the community and the community belongs to us. We are our region’s watchdog.”
Ando Muneno, a journalism senior, commended the Seattle Times for their modern approaches to reporting news.
“I liked how part of his speech was on economic forces driving new media,” Muneno said. “The world has changed and with limited funds for new publications, it’s important to focus on reporting quality stories.”
Boardman said that for any story to become a success, reporters must ask themselves, “What good will this do?”
“We are about serving the public, not making money,” Boardman said. “Although all stories are different, each one makes a difference.”
Contact the reporter at rachel.l.cohen@asu.edu
