Category Archives: General

Vic Ryckaert joined the Indianapolis Newspaper Guild to show support as the union fights for journalists. Photo by Michelle Pemberton.

In today’s member profile, meet Vic Ryckaert, a breaking news reporter. He’s worked at The Star since 1997.

1) Why are you in the union?

I appreciate the work the Guild does to fight for and protect my rights as an employee here at IndyStar. It’s only right to support that work.

2) What could newsroom management do to be more friendly to journalists?

This is a tough job. I think it would help a great deal if newsrooms would become more friendly to parents with young children. One benefit of morning breaking news is I have a dependable schedule. My colleagues are not so fortunate. They could also increase the mileage reimbursement.

3) What should they stop doing?

Stop the weekend shift rotations. Again, this is something that doesn’t impact me now, but it does matter to many in the newsroom.

4) Name one journalist who inspires you to do your job every day.

David Carr

5) What is one piece of career advice you’d give to a young journalist just starting out?

What we do is important. What we do matters. We do this not for the pay, but for the thrill of breaking then owning a story. There’s really nothing better.

Emily Hopkins joined the Indianapolis Newspaper Guild to have a seat at the table as journalists adjust to the changing industry. Photo by Michelle Pemberton.

The Indianapolis Newspaper Guild is running brief profiles of its members. In today’s post: Meet Emily Hopkins, a database reporter covering the environment for The Star.

1) Why are you in the union?

The news business has changed so much in the last couple of decades, and being part of the union makes me feel like I will have a seat at the table rather than just waiting for something to happen.

2) What could newsroom management do to be more friendly to journalists?

Speaking of newsrooms in general, workers should have more of a voice in a company’s direction. We are the closest link that newsrooms have to the communities we cover, and we can contribute valuable ideas for how to capture audience attention and readership.

3) What should they stop doing?

Cutting staff!

4) Name one journalist who inspires you to do your job every day.

Honestly, I am so inspired by so many of my colleagues at the Star. From the team who uncovered the USA Gymnastics scandal to the statehouse reporters to our public safety team to — well I could name just about everyone.

5) What is one piece of career advice you’d give to a young journalist just starting out?

Be nice and be helpful. It costs nothing and people will remember you for your kindness and that time you helped them solve a problem.

Daniel Bradley was elected vice president of the Indianapolis News Guild.

On January 26, Indianapolis Newspaper Guild members unanimously voted in favor of electing Daniel Bradley as vice president.

He joins Fatima Hussein (president), Stephen Holder (vice president) and Ryan Martin (secretary-treasurer) in serving as officers on behalf of membership. His election fills the vice presidency position made vacant by the departure of Emily Kuzniar to another state.

Daniel started working full-time for The Star in 2006 after a couple years of part-time work in the sports department. Daniel, a graduate of Butler University, worked nights on the sports copy desk until switching to his current position when The Star moved to Circle Centre.

He said he was motivated to become an officer after seeing so many new unions organizing around the country.

“This felt like the right time to step up to being an officer. I had been a Guild steward for a few years, and I always appreciated the work officers did for us in the newsroom through some challenging times,” Daniel said.

Daniel, a lifetime resident of Central Indiana, can be found outside of work at Pacers, Indians and Butler basketball games, or exploring museums and new restaurants.

Thank you, Daniel, for working on behalf of your friends and colleagues.