Back in January, I wrote an opinion piece about “got- cha journalism,” and I feel like I need to revisit not only the term — but also the basic fundamentals about what journalism means to me in the year 2023.

I was taught that the basic principals for a “reporter” is to identify the who, what, where, when and the “why” behind every story and report it to the public.

For me, knowing the “why” is the most important question a journalist can answer, but not everyone agrees with me on that.

I’m not opposed to the “late-breaking” vortex of doom we’re dealing with now, but personally, I can’t stand it.

I always ask myself the purpose of the story when I’m writing something down.

In my opinion, I feel a good story should be developed and operate as a two-way street. It should be an even exchange and put forth some sort of call to action.

There’s also the idea behind discovering, including or having your own “writer’s voice” as well. When you find it as a journalist, should it disappear?

When operating as a journalist and reporting to the public, do you share your writing voice? Or, do you be- come a vessel simply producing the words that reflect a moment in time?

I think a person writing professionally should ask themselves questions like that, such as, am I mainly catering to the ego of a person by writing this story?

Why am I writing this story? What good does it do?

Writing for the Gazette, I have often felt as though I’m only a means to an end. You can become invisible within this profession, folks.

For example, while taking photos, I’ve had a person literally place her sweatshirt over my head and shoulder as if I were a coat rack.

She’s super sweet, and she probably didn’t notice it, but I became a coat rack to her and she became a person with her photo being taken for me.

Through the camera lens, she was viewed as “important” and I was simply there to hold her sweater and take her photo. It was such an interesting exchange.

I’ve even felt weaponized by numerous individuals with some heavy axes to grind while writing for this newspaper.

Some individuals have personally reached out to me hell bent on torching a school district, and I kind of take issue with that.

Too many people around here work too hard around here, and I’m not going to serve or strengthen anyone’s agenda.

(Side note to a budding writer, recognizing an agenda is important.)

To conclude, and honestly speaking, sometimes this “job” feels like you’re only a means to an end. Other times, it’s very rewarding.

You get to meet so many wonderful people, and you get to capture the “precious moments” that society is getting way too busy to see.

There is so much beauty that comes with documenting and writing for a living too, and I often feel like I’m a living breathing time keeper.

Being a “living breathing time keeper” is a pretty big responsibility, when/if you think about it.

Going forward today, and forever looking ahead, I want to tell you that I’ve been asked if I have a favorite story.

“Do you have a favorite story, Ms. Tyrrell?”

My answer is: I like the story that’s brought about the most unity. My favorite story would be the one that’s been the most thought provoking and unifying.

I’m a huge fan of any story that’s caused a ripple effect I know nothing about.

Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

I view this planet as a giant boat and it’s time to either get in the boat and row, or swim around out there with those who are lost at sea.

Note: This editorial was originally published in “The Mariposa Gazette” on 06-08-2023.