Grady Graduate Talks Students Through Working with Sources as a Reporter

Will Robinson, Reporter at the Jacksonville Business Journal, spoke on his recent success and work as a reporter to a classroom of graduating seniors at the University of Georgia.

Robinson graduated from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications in class of '16. Three years later as a successful business reporter, he was back in a familiar classroom. This time he was back to talk to the students of Professor Herndon’s money in the news class at Grady. He has written many successful stories including many uncovering wrongdoings by CSX. One story about workers who were moved to Jacksonville and left homeless was enough to win him a SABEW award. After some talks of his success, much of the discussion was on Sources and relationships made as a journalist.

“I try and make sure my sources are forthcoming, and I never record my first time meeting a source,” said Robinson.

Robinson gave many strategies to communicate with sources and how to maintain relationships. He even said while he was reporting on the multiple CSX controversies he always kept the line open to explain themselves. It even made higher-ups in the company like the CEO readily available when Robinson needed to talk.

“You do get people threatening to sue. You do get people calling you up screaming, and

calling you an asshole,” said Robinson.

Robinson also spoke on the negative side of things when dealing with sources. He talked about how even though CSX became more available, those phone calls weren’t always pleasant. He also talked about being careful and assuming that anything discussed with a

source can end up public and in court.

Finally, when asked about the workload and what it’s like being a reporter Robinson answered truthfully. “You do have to draw lines. You do have to avoid burnout. I took all of my personal days last year, and I’ll be taking all of them this year.”