Ryan Martin, secretary-treasurer of the Indianapolis Newspaper Guild, started working for The Indianapolis Star in July 2015. He covers public safety issues.
1) Why are you in the union?
If journalism has taught us anything, it’s that those wielding unchecked power need someone to keep a watchful eye.
2) What could newsroom management do to be more friendly to journalists?
We’re enduring an unending era of change in our profession. Management could be friendlier to workers by showing leadership in this area — such as engaging in the change themselves — and by routinely sending journalists to workshops, conferences and other training. That investment is invaluable.
3) What should they stop doing?
Mistaking change (a job title change, for example, or an editor change) for innovation.
4) Name one journalist who inspires you to do your job every day.
David Simon.
5) What is one piece of career advice you’d give to a young journalist just starting out?
Read the damn paper.
Indianapolis NewsGuild 