Time We Discuss: Day in the Life of a Reporter

Watch/Listen to this Episode Day in the Life of a Reporter

News Reporter; Host of Time We Discuss has his hands on his head and is looking stressed. In the corner is a picture of guest Steffanie Costigan. The background shows a city on fire.

In this episode of Time We Discuss, the host interviews Steffanie Costigan, a reporter and author, about her experiences in journalism and publishing. The conversation delves into the evolving nature of reporting, the challenges journalists face, and the process of establishing a publishing house.

The discussion begins with Steffanie explaining the unpredictable nature of being a reporter. She emphasizes that journalism is not a static profession—each story is different, and reporters often encounter unexpected challenges, including ethical dilemmas and organizational biases. She notes that while traditional journalism valued experience over formal education, modern reporting now blends journalism with marketing, requiring reporters to build their own brands and leverage social media platforms.

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around journalistic ethics. Steffanie explains how the role of journalism has shifted, with many media outlets leaning politically to either the left or right, which contrasts with the traditional expectation of neutrality. She expresses concern over how journalism is transitioning into a communications-driven field, where public relations professionals play an increasingly influential role in shaping news narratives. The relationship between reporters and PR professionals is also discussed, highlighting how organizations often attempt to control media narratives to protect their public image.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of education and career paths in journalism. Steffanie asserts that experience and community involvement are often more valuable than formal degrees. She encourages aspiring reporters to engage with their communities, build relationships, and gain firsthand knowledge of local events. She also touches on the challenges journalists face in maintaining relationships with sources while ensuring unbiased reporting.

Social media's impact on journalism is another key topic. Steffanie describes how Canadian news outlets have had to adapt due to restrictions on sharing news on major platforms like Facebook and Instagram. As a result, many outlets have turned to TikTok, creating short, engaging content that drives traffic back to their websites.

Later in the episode, the focus shifts to Steffanie's career as an author. She shares that she has published three books, with her first book taking over 20 years to complete. The discussion also explores her decision to co-found a publishing house, Reading Dream Press. She explains that establishing a publishing house allows for greater control over the quality of books, including editing, formatting, and marketing. Steffanie highlights the evolving publishing landscape, noting that independent authors are on the rise, yet many underestimate the costs involved in self-publishing.

She further explains that even large publishing houses now utilize platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark to distribute books, as these services have become essential for reaching a wider audience. Steffanie discusses the business aspects of running a publishing house, including branding, marketing, and the importance of having a dedicated team to assist with publicity and distribution.

As the interview concludes, Steffanie reflects on the purpose behind her writing. She expresses a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on readers, emphasizing themes of identity, history, and self-awareness. She believes that understanding history is crucial to personal growth and societal progress, as it helps individuals recognize their roots and avoid repeating past mistakes.

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