Olivia Perreault Phone Interview Interviewed on: Monday, February 3, 2014 Name: Joe Amarante Staff Writer for:

The New Haven Register- New Haven, CT Job: -Writes for the features section -Sometimes writes general assignments -Lately, has been writing artsy pieces about stage/live music Educational Background: -University of New Haven, CT -2 Year Journalism Bachelor program -Majored in Journalism, Sociology minor Job History: -Started out as a copy editor at Journal Carrier which is the sister paper of NHR. -Television reporting for 25 years -New Haven Register- covers towns and a little editing -Opportunities like TV, radio, and other things popping up How has your job changed? -My job is going to be interactivity from now on. -Trying to get people engaged online -I dont like Twitter, he comments. People dont ask intelligent questions on there. What have you learned in your career? -News people are interesting, always know whats going on everywhere -Sure, stockbrokers know a lot, in a certain area. Journalists cover so much. -Never know what you are going to cover -Generally, not paid enough -Now, perception of a journalist has changed, instead of one deadline you get it when you get it -Different kind of pressure, no boundaries -Field turned upside down with social media -Overall, learned to be forceful Definition of a Journalist? -Tries to find news as far as they can -People who lead a discussion -Go gather data and news -Recently new data writing. Go online, find data, and write a story. Would you consider a Journalist a writer?

-Of course -Need to know how to write and communicate -Cant just do bullet points What do you like best about being a Journalist ? -I meet the most intelligent people -Writing and news is important to them -Media is changing things, but for good What do you like least about being a Journalist? -The business is changing so fast -Change in environment -Young people generally do well -Tough for older folks like me to hang on. -New rules keep coming up Most significant issue facing journalists today ? -Every day, rules are changing -Social media is taking over -Older journalists must keep up with younger Do you think print Journalism is dead? -Dying, yes -Journalism in general is not dead though, simply changing -Media can be for the better for the next generation Any advice for myself/other Journalism majors ? -Be versatile -Get more advanced with technological things -Learn new ways of Journalism -Use talents for texting/social media Do you think itll be possible to get a job? -There are jobs, for young people especially -Industry is sorting themselves out -Must move your way up to the top -Yes, but dont be afraid to explore the field. Many different directions

I absolutely loved conducting this interview. I know Joe Amarante because during my junior year of high school, I job shadowed him for a day at The New Haven Register. Two years ago, things were going kind-of down hill for the paper. I havent been in touch with him since then, so when I called him and asked how he was doing, he said how the paper was in the same condition as before. I know its hard for him to make this transfer from print to online, and he was happy to talk about it. Instead of talking to a professional, it felt like we were talking journalist-to-journalist. I asked questions, he answered, and I commented in-between. I definitely agree with everything he had to say. I often get offended when my friends say Journalism is dead because its not. Sure, print Journalism is becoming something of the past, but Journalism is still very prevalent in the world. Joe simply reiterated my thoughts on the issue. Just like he said, I believe that there most certainly are jobs out there-especially for young people like myself. Its all about putting yourself out there, and working your way to the top of the paper. I also believe that social media is changing journalism for the better. Our generation of journalists will have an advantage though, since we are tech-savvy. Joes answers really helped me calm my nerves about my future because he assured me that if I keep on writing, Ill reach my goal of being a successful Journalist someday. Interviewing him helped me gain some new knowledge, and learn the perspective from someone who has been in the field for years. Now, I can have him as a contact, and hopefully a future friend who I can talk to about internships and a future career!