Shannon Mason & Marissa Payne
Two students win opportunity to interview Washington Post editor
Two college journalists will interview Marty Baron as part of his keynote address at the Fall National College Media Convention in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 1.
Shannon Mason, a junior at The King’s College, and Marissa Payne, a senior at the University of Iowa, were selected to interview Baron after applying to a nationwide contest.
Mason serves as editor-in-chief of The Empire State Tribune and has done several internships in New York City, including last summer at the New York Daily News.
“Marty Baron inspired me,” Mason said in her contest essay. “I know he inspires lots, but he is the reason I still believe in the power of journalism today.
“I moved to New York to go to a school where I could study journalism because Baron’s work taught me the importance of the uncomfortable questions.”
Payne is now serving as editor-in-chief of The Daily Iowan, has had several internships and has won numerous journalism scholarships. Payne also said she is inspired by Baron’s work.
“When we’re told to run away, Mr. Baron runs faster toward the truth and will defend journalism to anyone, even President Trump,” Payne said in her contest essay.
“It will be important that attendees — who form the next generation of great journalists — hear from him so we leave the convention inspired to follow in Mr. Baron’s footsteps.”