In Indianapolis, the path to a lasting journalism career is anything but easy. Veteran WFYI host and correspondent Samantha Horton, who began her reporting journey in Evansville in 2015, says the key to surviving the first ten years is a mix of personal curiosity, solid mentorship and reliable support systems both inside and outside the newsroom.
From college athlete to seasoned reporter
Horton, a former college athlete, recalls the early days of juggling roommates, a second job and irregular hours to make ends meet. “I lived with roommates and, at times, worked a second job to have enough to cover necessary costs and try to save,” she said. The demanding schedule and modest pay are common challenges for entry‑level journalists across Indiana.
Why many leave before the ten‑year mark
A 2024 report from the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media surveyed 600 current and former journalists. It found that those working 51‑60 hours per week had a 24% departure rate, compared with a 15% retention rate for those with lighter workloads. The study highlights the heavy workload as a major factor driving early exits.
Local educators echo these findings. Associate professor Suzannah Evans Comfort of Indiana University’s Media School notes, “People enter journalism and they leave within five to ten years because of the lack of fair compensation, lack of leadership opportunities, the volatility of the industry.” She adds that newsrooms often hire cheap entry‑level talent but rarely retain mid‑career reporters.
Mentorship and community support
Horton attributes her longevity to the guidance she received from editors who pushed her to refine her reporting and storytelling. “What has helped me survive the 10‑year mark is the support systems I have made in the industry as well as those outside, in my personal life,” she said. Her advice to newcomers is to stay curious, welcome constructive feedback and build trust with both peers and audiences.
News director CJ Hoyt, who oversees FOX59 and CBS4, acknowledges the stressful environment but frames it as a reality of many professions. “It’s a stressful environment. Frankly, it’s not for everyone,” he said. “There are people who find out this business is not what they expected, and that happens in most every industry.”
Education adapting to a changing landscape
Indiana University’s Media School continues to enroll about 225 students each year, emphasizing core journalistic principles before introducing new technology. Evans Comfort stresses, “We ensure that students have the basic elements of journalism first before they engage with technology of any kind. Technology changes, but the fundamentals of journalism do not.”
Assistant professor Taeyoung Lee warns students against over‑reliance on social media and AI shortcuts, describing these platforms as journalism’s “frienemy.” He teaches a course on using social media effectively for news promotion, newsgathering and audience engagement while highlighting risks such as misinformation and loss of control over distribution.
Professor of practice Elaine Monaghan adds that ethical, transparent use of AI is essential to serving the public interest. “The question is whether future journalists will understand those tools well enough to use them ethically, transparently, and in service of the public interest,” she said.
Looking ahead
Despite shrinking newsrooms and budget pressures, the Media School remains committed to preparing the next generation. Career services specialist Jill Bland notes that the school is actively helping students market themselves for internships and jobs, emphasizing skills in social media, content creation and digital storytelling.
For aspiring reporters in Indianapolis, the message is clear: perseverance, mentorship and a strong ethical foundation are vital to navigating an industry in flux and reaching that coveted ten‑year milestone.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
