 "Photo: Nathaniel LaRue")
Scott Kraft, a 1977 K-State journalism graduate and current senior editor for the Los Angeles Times, approached the wooden lectern wearing a soft blue button-down shirt and navy pants to deliver the 10th Annual Huck Boyd Lecture in Community Media in Forum Hall “Storytelling in the Modern Newsroom.”
Gloria Freeland, director of the Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media, introduced Kraft to the Forum Hall stage before a crowd of various ages and levels of journalistic experience. She said the purpose of the Huck Boyd Lecture Series was to “honor Huck and showcase the importance of community media.”
He began his address by asking how many members of the audience were carrying a device that allowed them to send and receive texts. Nearly every hand raised. Kraft’s own cell phone was housed in a black leather case on his right hip.
This question led to what Kraft called, “a new way of storytelling.”
“We are in this business of telling stories, true stories,” he said. “More than ever before we are telling stories, spinning yarns that we hope will catch your attention as readers.”
Kraft said as the world continues to technologically develop, the line between web and print journalism is growing very fuzzy.
“The writers’ world has changed sharply and for the better,” he said. “You can Google me even as I am here talking to you ... this change has been painful and yet profound.”
The L.A. Times Web site was projected behind Kraft as he explained the benefits of using the Internet to create news information that is continuously updated and accessible. He explained that the Web could be used to clear rumors and help readers and writers stay on top of the latest stories.
Stephanie Carr, junior in electronic journalism and public relations, said she attended the lecture at the request of several of her professors and found she learned much about her future in journalism.
“It was interesting to hear about how newspapers like the L.A. Times are adapting to the advances in technology,” she said. “It was also cool to see where a degree from KSU can take me.”
Kraft ended his lecture with a positive note for students entering the world of journalism.
“We’re still feeling our way; we haven’t figured it all out,” Kraft said. “Whatever the future, people in the business of telling stories aren’t going to be out of business any time soon.
“For those of you considering a career in the field of journalism, we need you. We need you to keep innovating and keep changing. We need to keep expanding the definition of how we deliver journalism and for all of those readers out there, we will keep you posted.”
With Kraft’s closing words, the hall applauded. Freeland stepped forward to have the approximately 20 members of the Boyd family in attendance rise for the event dedicated to their late relative. Questions followed the address.
Later in the day Kraft walked into room 107 of Kedzie Hall carrying a cup of strong smelling Caribou Coffee. He stood before a group of advanced editing and design students to share advice gained from years of editing experience as he visited the students hours after finishing the lecture.
