ProJo brings the Lensers to work

Walking into the Providence Journal was as intimidating as it was exciting. The building which houses the Journal (which they would tell you is "America's oldest daily newspaper in continuous publication,") is found on 75 Fountain St. and from the outside may not be the most obvious publication office. Upon entering, the history and legacy that has developed in Rhode Island through this newspaper is evident, to say the least.

Sitting in the Production Meeting for the Head Editors (movers and shakers of Providence Journal itself) was an experience of it's own. Watching them "Budget" -- assemble and appoint lead/cover articles (or features) as well as secondary articles. 

Karen Bordeleau, Deputy Executive Editor, answered all the questions from the Unfiltered Lens Staff that we could come up with and gave us a very unique tour of the various departments within the ProJo itself. We got to meet with expert political columnist, Ed Fitzpatrick, and he and Karen shared some words of wisdom to us as well hints of advice on future endeavors.

The entire morning was spent learning how the workplace in an actual, newspaper (where people get paid) goes about its business and by the time we said our good byes and repeated thank yous, and stepped back out onto Fountain Street across from the Coffee King, the energy and vigor had returned. The Unfiltered Lens staff now has a rejuvenation and a better appreciation for the work that they do and the work that the Providence Journal does on a scale that is colossal in comparison to the small-potatoes that is a student newspaper.

We once again want to extend our appreciation and gratitude towards Ms. Bordeleau, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Rosenberg, and all the others for their wonderful advice and allowing us to stare and gawk at what we surely hope to aspire to someday. We promise you the readers that our eyes and minds are opened just that much wider now and you will see (and continue to see) great progress in our paper as a result of this much-needed tour.

For more information about how get to be part of our writing staff or even involved in the paper in other ways, contact either of our offices or drop any of the editors an e-mail at any time. We won't pass it up!