Admittedly, I did not plan on ever becoming editor in chief of The Daily Cougar.
Since arriving at this newspaper as a freshman in August 2005, I spent much of my time avoiding any editing positions. With school and a part-time job at the Houston Chronicle, I did not have the time to take on any more responsibility. I simply preferred to live out my college days as a sports writer, looking ahead to graduation within four years.
And then it happened. I accepted a vacant sports editor position in February 2007, and the hits kept coming.
I later served as copy editor and managing editor, while maintaining my role as a staff writer at The Daily Cougar and receiving a heavier workload at the Chronicle. I was promoted to The Daily Cougar’s editor in chief in October, and here I remain today.
The last several months have been a whirlwind, but the ride has been exciting. My previous four years greatly prepared me to take on such a challenging responsibility. Frankly, I’m glad that I waited until my senior year before I undertook such a venture.
Running a newspaper requires more than hiring editors and writers and letting them do all the work. Each day, I have to decide how much space each sections receive. I edit stories and direct coverage of major events. I sometimes write stories.
I meet with journalism professors and give workshops. I serve as a spokesman on the newspaper’s behalf. I write editorials. I have to approve the photos, editorial cartoons, comics and other things that run in the paper. I write headlines. I have to remain in the office until the paper is send to the printer.
I hire writers and editors. I sometimes fire them.
Ultimately, I receive the credit when things go right. In turn, I shoulder the blame when things go wrong.
But I’m cool with all parts of my job. It’s not the easiest gig in the world, but I prefer it that way. After all, no job is worth having if you don’t lose your temper at least once when things go wrong.
Anyway, I’m glad to have you on board for this blog, which I hope to use as a medium through which readers can look into my mind and see what I’m thinking. This means that readers will receive a first-hand account about the major decisions that The Daily Cougar makes since I’m the one who hands down those decisions.
Again, thanks for reading. Please be sure to check back for weekly updates.
Take care and God bless!!!
Ronnie Turner
