What does it take to stand out in the media landscape as we head into 2016? Ideas in Motion Media recently hosted a media roundtable with Northwest Indiana media members Jerry Davich and Michael Puente to talk about that topic, along with favorite stories, the changing media atmosphere, some hidden gems in the region, and many other topics.
Puente, primarily known with his work on the radio with WBEZ, and Davich, primarily known for his column with the Post-Tribune talk about how adaptability is important as there is a growing number of avenues to share information. For Puente, it is more about finding an unbiased take on a story, looking for both sides of an argument. For Davich, it's’ about finding a story.
“It’s timeless from Shakespeare to CSI,” said Davich. “Tell me a good story. We like to pretend like we’re living in the 21st century, but now the campfire is just a computer screen.”
With decades of combined experience, Puente and Davich have seen their share of stories - good, bad, and controversial. An interesting through line with the two is that their favorite stories had elements of all three. Davich’s favorite story has been following a man seeking redemption after a kidnapping put him in jail for 39 years.
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The story that stands out to Puente involves those three elements as well, touching on immigration issues and an East Chicago priest - and Irish man - who donated a kidney to an undocumented member of the church, along with support from a local community.
“When we think we have all these differences it doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or another culture, you can give someone your kidney. There is a match,” he explained. “There can be a lot of politics in that - who is going to pay for it, is it right? But she has her kidney.”
The topic then turns to the diversity offered in Northwest Indiana. While Puente calls it a melting pot, Davich sees it more as a salad. But ultimately there are a lot of reasons to love living in Northwest Indiana. From the rural feel of the south counties to the urban feel when you see the Chicago Skyline, there is something for everyone in Northwest Indiana.
Wicker Park in Highland, Centennial Park in Munster, downtown Whiting, downtown Valparaiso, downtown Crown Point are just a few of the highlights for the two media veterans.
Ultimately you can tell these two have an affinity for the area they cover because - as Puente put it, “You can’t stop learning about your own backyard. I find something brand new about this area almost daily, and its positive.”
From talking about a changing media landscape to going viral, to community interaction, there is a lot of great discussion in this media roundtable. Be sure to check out a few previews below, but you can also listen to the full discussion by clicking play here:
Media Roundtable with Michael Puente and Jerry Davich: Changes in the New Media Landscape
Media Roundtable with Michael Puente and Jerry Davich: Favorite Positive Story
Media Roundtable with Michael Puente and Jerry Davich: Favorite NWI Recommendations