Journalist from the Saco Bay News Visits Journalism Classroom
Her Advice and Knowledge
Biddeford, ME – An Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England was visited by veteran journalist Liz Gotthelf on Friday, March 29th to discuss her experiences in the field.
Gotthelf founded Saco Bay News in March 2020 after her previous outlet, the Journal Tribune (Biddeford), became inoperative in 2019. With a Dual B.A. In English and Women’s Studies, a M.S. in Women’s Studies, a Post Graduate Certification in Publishing and Communications, and nearing 20 years of journalism experience, Gotthelf has a heavy background in all things writing.
“I really didn’t know that much about online journalism,” Gotthelf explains to the class of 20-something-year-olds.
“[I had] to rethink – retrain my brain,” She asserts.
Gotthelf took training courses and classes to acquaint herself with the methods of online journalism compared to print newspapers. She attests that creating your journal is a multifaceted process combining writing, technical, business, financial, networking, and work-life balance skills.
She then asked the class what they think the most important aspects of journalism are; students Kayleigh Duncan, Sophomore Communications Major (She/Her), and Kristen Leite, Freshman Animal Behavior Major (She/Her) answered.
“Accuracy,” Duncan stated
“Perspectives,” Leite announced.
Both answers were rewarded with a Saco Bay News pen from Gotthelf, an incentive for audience participation.
During the Q&A portion of class with Gotthelf, Duncan inquired about Gotthelf’s advice to aspiring journalists. The response came quickly.
“Develop a thick skin,” Gotthelf claims.
She explains that journalists meet backlash from communities for reporting on controversial topics, so prospective students must understand that they relay factual information to these communities, no matter the response.
More advice crops up as Gotthelf delves into her experiences with tidbits such as not burning bridges, feigning interest in everything, not fear asking questions and follow-up questions, building rapport with people you interview, and more.
The session wraps up when the professor of the class inquires about Gotthelf’s multimedia and multiple platform use. It appears Gotthelf seemingly only utilizes reels on Instagram and Facebook to gain viewers to her website, as she values her outlet’s website above all due to the algorithmic assessments.
