Steve Buttry comes to Mason

Steve Buttry. Google him. Or better yet, just click here to see why he’s a big deal in the journalism world.

Buttry came to Mason on Feb. 26 to talk to journalism students about what he does and how to succeed in the business.

Obtained from blogs.dailymail.com

Learning how to learn is the most important thing you’ll learn, Buttry said.

Buttry is the Digital Transformation Editor for Digital First Media and Journal Register Co.

What does that mean?

Well, when a new form of technology comes along, companies can react in two ways.

1. Ignore the new technology.

or

2. Force their product into that new space. 

Buttry is a multi-platform specialist. Buttry learns and teaches others how to work new technology and makes writing and creating on that platform part of the process. He takes new technology and formulates what opportunities it could bring.

The internet was the first major technology to transform everything. 

Mobile is the second.

Smartphones and wireless devices are taking over and transforming how we reach new information and interact.

Technology is a tool to tell a story in different ways. –Steve Buttry

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Advice for Young Journalists/Professionals:

Buttry said blogs build reputations in journalism. That’s why you should have one. Write everyday.

What Buttry asks entry-level applicants:

• What is your worst mistake?
• What lesson did you learn from your worst mistake?

What he looks for:

• A strong social-media presence
• Video skills or someone trying to develop video skills
• The variety of what an applicant is trying or doing (ex. video editing, blogging, use of audio, learning Photoshop, etc)

For more on Steve Buttry, check out his blog here.

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