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

Better Solutions Than Spending $2 Billion on a Gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon

A challenge to the $2 billion taxpayer funded Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola is in the works. What else could that much money be used for?
Gondola Works was the successful PR and marketing campaign that dazzled UDOT and UTA board members and gained the support of enough Wasatch Front Regional Council members to approve the overall $26 billion plan.

The overriding questions are, Why should we be putting so much energy into a $26 billion plan that only focuses on transporting mostly elite skiers up to our mountains? How does this massive investment help average Utahns?
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For nearly a decade, Thursdays at Millcreek, Midvale, and Draper Senior Centers meant one thing: a legendary salmon entree. But now, that cherished dish has mysteriously disappeared from the menu, leaving many wondering why. What could have led to the sudden removal of such a beloved meal? Seniors who once eagerly anticipated the meal are left with questions—and disappointment. As rumors spread and new dishes appear, the fate of the Thursday salmon remains uncertain, hinting at deeper challenges lurking behind the scenes.

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