Halle Stockton is the Managing Editor at PublicSource.
What led you to start working in digital/media publishing?
A two-fold desire to be part of the publishing realm that was looking toward the future as well as one that allowed me to work in public-service journalism as opposed to the daily grind, quantity-over-quality journalism. I found exactly that opportunity at PublicSource in Pittsburgh.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The days often include editing, meeting with reporters and community members, and discussing what is being overlooked and under-reported in the Pittsburgh region. Every day is different and poses a new challenge. Throughout it all, we’re always talking about how best to serve and reach the public and how to make this nonprofit journalistic venture sustainable.
What’s your work setup look like? (your apps, productivity tools, etc.)
I live in Trello and Google Drive to stay organized and in touch with everyone.
What do you do to get inspired?
I love talking with the team at PublicSource about ideas. Usually, the end product or initiative is an amalgam of ideas. Otherwise, I get a lot of ideas when I’m just sitting somewhere quiet.
What’s your favorite piece of writing or quote?
Voltaire’s “Candide” has always stuck with me, mostly for his ending about cultivating one’s garden. The practicality of the statement resonates with me and how I view the role we play as local journalists.
What is the most interesting/innovative thing you have seen on another outlet other than your own?
This is a difficult question because I respect a lot of the little interesting or innovative things I see attempted by other outlets throughout the nation, big and small. If I had to name one, I would say that lately our team has been really impressed and inspired by the writing and design work coming out of California Sunday Magazine.
What’s the passionate problem you are tackling at the moment?
We are working diligently to figure out the means and methods to reach the audience in Pittsburgh and engage with them. In order to do that, our team of 10 people does its best to get out into the community and find out what the needs are and where we can meet them halfway. This is important to not only serve them but to also ensure our survival as a nonprofit.
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Do you have any advice for ambitious digital publishing and media professionals who are just starting out?
Don’t think you have the answers for it all. Cultivate a network and work with one another to achieve goals that will benefit the industry as a whole.
