To help you get to know our newsroom staff a bit better, a series of question-and-answer posts with each journalist will run on Mondays. This morning, meet assistant managing editor of the metro department, Susan Martin. At any given moment, Susan might be tweeting from the @ydrcom account, updating something on the web, or brainstorming coverage for events around York County.
Name: Susan Martin
Lives in: North Codorus Township
Hometown: Baltimore
Position at the YDR: Assistant Managing Editor — Metro
Years with the YDR: 22
Graduated from: Rider University
With a degree in: Journalism and political science
Twitter: @SMartin_
Email: smartin@ydr.com
1. What made you want to become a journalist? I’m a news junkie, and I wanted to play a part of capturing the information to share with others. I started as a photographer and still feel the need to shoot photos of so much of what I see.
2. How do you see journalism changing? The focus is immediate dissemination of the news. I love that we can tell people – on multiple platforms – what’s happening now, and they, in turn, can tell/show us, too. The need for fair and accurate reporting will never go away, nor will the importance of journalists as the community watchdogs.
3. What do you like most about your job? The talented, funny and creative professionals that I work with, incredibly devoted to our mission. The least? Problems with technology and cranky people.
4. It’s 9:30 a.m. on a day off. What are you doing? Going to the gym.
5. What’s been your favorite project or story recently? Why? Any of the big weather-makers, such as last year’s flooding, tornadoes or the two huge snowstorms in 2010. We instantly play a major role in keeping the public on top of the news, problems and where to go for help – in addition to telling stories of tragedy and triumph during these hard times.
6. The drink that’s on your desk right now is: Water
7. Your favorite Twitter feed you follow: When I’m not at work, @ydrcom – the best place for news!
8. What’s your favorite movie? That’s a tough one to pick. Really like “The Godfather.” Book? A good murder mystery or legal thriller.
9. What’s your favorite place in York County? There are several, but I enjoy roaming around Lake Williams when the water is low, and the shoreline is exposed. It’s also a good place to see the fall leaves reflected on the water.
10. What’s one piece of newsroom jargon that had to be explained to you? “POTLINE error,” which is when every file on a news page is corrupted in our computer system. Sounds bad, doesn’t it?
Last week, we ran a Q&A with visuals editor Brad Jennings. To read all of the staff Q&A interviews we’ve done so far, click on the “Staff Q&As” under “About us” at the top of the homepage.
