How to make your newsroom edit tests an asset, not a burden

By sharing informational power such as how long the interview process takes and what to expect at each step, you’re revealing the importance of transparency to your organization.

Equity and valueKathy LuAugust 9, 2022journalism, edit test, hiring

5 ideas on making newsroom edit tests less exploitative (read: pay for the time!)

If newsrooms are truly working toward a more inclusive and fair workplace, then that must also apply to how job candidates are treated.

Equity and valueKathy LuFebruary 21, 2022journalism, edit test, interview, jobs

A prediction and wish for journalism internships

Why is the journalism internship pipeline one-directional? Why aren’t the larger newsrooms with more resources also helping supply talent to the smaller ones? We need to bring the internship system into 21st century realities, and find ways to support local newsrooms.

Decolonizing journalismKathy LuDecember 23, 2021diversity, internships, journalism, inclu, inclusion, equity

Why journalists should try tracking their hours

As a salaried worker, I didn’t have a sense of how much time it takes to edit a 1,500-word story, a one-hour podcast or to send 15 emails. If I did, I would’ve been able to budget my time better and not let my work hours bleed into my off hours.

Career adviceKathy LuDecember 1, 2021journalism, work, tools, burnout, time tracker

Decolonizing journalism: Internship applications

My thoughts on what went wrong with The Washington Post’s messaging and ideas for how any newsroom can restructure their internship programs to be more inclusive and empathetic.

Decolonizing journalismKathy LuSeptember 9, 2021journalism, decolonize, diversity, inclusion, internships, empathy

Dear journalists: You are more than your job title

Instead of defining ourselves by our jobs — reporter, editor, NFL player, CEO — we should define ourselves by what makes us good at our jobs.

Career adviceKathy LuJuly 26, 2021advice, identity, journalism, journalist