Why would anyone want to be a local journalist?

August 27, 2020

One of the most difficult, competitive and ever shrinking professions is local journalism. With the rise of social media, blogs, fake news and YouTube— competing for viewer/reader interest is incredibly difficult. But there are a few courageous souls out there who still love local stories and news and want to share the greatness of their local community in print and online.

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Claire McArthur is a local journalist in Salt Lake City who has worked for several newspapers, magazines and who says she has known since before she entered college that her dream was to be a local journalist and to write for magazines and newspapers. For McArthur, all of the ancillary positions such as Public Relations, content marketer or blogger just don’t compare to going out and finding great stories to share; as well as being paid to satisfy her natural curiosity and questions about the world around her.

Claire McArthur local journalist Utah Stories Show — Claire McArthur

McArthur was on the Hidden Utah Podcast (AKA The Utah Stories Show) with Richard Markosian talking about her career path and how and why she believes she made the right move sticking to her passion for local journalism. She discusses the path she has taken and how she ended up in Utah.

Starting out working in a remote outpost in Alaska, then moving to a far more populated city in Lake Tahoe, Claire has traveled with her skillset always finding clever ways to approach editors to get assignments. Her skill is in not only finding stories but also articulating the color, quirks and details as well as finding the angle, treatment and hook to maintain reader interest.

If you are interested in how creative professionals maintain their career integrity and don’t settle for inferior jobs or professions this is a great podcast to check out.

Also, read some of Claire’s stories that she has written for Utah Stories found below.

Whitewater Rafting in Cataract Canyon
Best Pit Stops en route to Moab
Sculpture Memorializes a Man and His Mission in Sugar House
New Faces in Salt Lake Places
Graphic Designers Rebrands Salt Lake City’s Neighborhoods

FOR MORE UTAH STORIES PODCASTS GO HERE.

Podcast, Utah Stories

local jouranlist, Utah journalism, Utah Stories

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Utah Stories

Crafting a Plumbing Legacy: Four Decades of Mastery in the Heart of Sugar House

Tucked away in the heart of Sugar House is a plumbing business with a legacy that spans over four decades. What began as a one-man operation has transformed into a trusted local institution, known for its unparalleled craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to the community. But with the founders eyeing retirement, the torch is ready to be passed. Who will be next to carry on the tradition of turning pipes and repairs into an art form? The future of plumbing in Salt Lake City is about to enter an exciting new chapter.

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Podcast

Left Behind in Utah’s ‘Golden Age’: The Fight for Affordable Housing and Freedom

“If you’re not making $150,000 a year, you’re not feeling this golden age. Most people are just trying to keep up.” While Utah’s leaders celebrate a booming economy, many residents are left struggling with rising housing costs and economic inequality. Discover the untold story of how Utah’s ‘golden age’ is leaving its middle class behind and the fight for affordable housing and true freedom. Read more about the growing movement challenging the status quo.

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Podcast

Turning Lives Around and Challenging the U.S. Prison System’s Failures in Utah

Jordan Holdaway was a career criminal, facing his fifth long-term prison sentence, when he was given a shocking chance to escape a decade behind bars. Enter The Other Side Academy—a Utah-based program that has not only kept him out of prison but transformed his life. What began as an opportunity to avoid more jail time became a life-changing journey. Now, after four years in the program, Jordan has turned his back on his criminal past and is helping others do the same, proving that even the most hardened criminals can change.
Utah Stories

The “Monster” of Bear Lake

Have you ever heard of Utah’s hidden lake monsters? Beyond the tourist buzz of Bear Lake, whispers of a mysterious creature have persisted for generations. Dive into the untold stories, rare sightings, and eerie folklore surrounding Utah’s most elusive aquatic legend. Are the rumors real, or just a product of overactive imaginations?

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