All the World's a Story: Red and Black Editorial Adviser Discusses Journalism and Newspapers

By Sarah Eutsler, M&M TA

Contributors: Landon Willey, Maddie Kim, Abby Hunt, Marissa Karp, Zack Mahoney, Kaitlyn Shanks, Brittney Vidal


Ed Morales, editorial adviser to the University of Georgia's Red and Black student newspaper, took time Monday afternoon to preach his own journalistic philosophy to a group of aspiring journalists.

"There's a story in everything," Morales said to the high school students. The group is enrolled in the Media and Message course through the Duke TIP program, which hosts an academic camp on the UGA campus.

Morales discussed coming up with the ideas from articles in other publications or through basic, everyday life.

"Find a topic of interest, and ask a question. Then you have a story!" Morales said. "Anything can be a story."

But keeping the audience in mind is key. In order to have a successful newspaper, Morales said, the publication must cover topics that appeal to their audience.

The Red and Black specializes in news that is aimed toward UGA students, reporting on everything that happens on campus and around the campus. The 117 year old publication also has a web counterpart, where articles and video content are published for a wide audience.

"The website isn't just for the University of Georgia," said Morales. "At least one person from every single country in the world has visited the Red and Black website," said Morales.

Aside from high traffic, the website's video content received attention and took home an award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Morales, however, doesn't take credit for the work, calling himself an employee of the students. Most students on staff are journalism majors, but students from all backgrounds contribute.

"Newspapers help people learn to write, work with people, and discover news," said Morales. He believes working on the student newspaper staff can help prepare students for whatever career path they choose.

The talk wrapped up with a word of caution. Morales stressed the credibility of stories, warning students to not just assume facts.

"Make sure you get it right," said Morales. "We do make mistakes but we try to be as careful as we can.