Change is inevitable. Most things are constantly fluctuating: the stoplight at the end of the road switches every few seconds, the speed of the cars driving around you alters as the driver changes their foot pressure, and the rates of the stock market change according to supply and demand.
One thing that cannot be changed, however, is change. It will occur no matter what, during every second of every day.
Change occurs in a variety of different ways at Western New England University. The University Commons provides different meal options daily, professors are constantly assigning new material, and students are always adapting and learning.
Professor Robert Chipkin, a member of the English Department at Western New England University, has seen his fair share of change throughout the years in a subject that is near and dear to him; journalism.
After graduating from Merrick High School in Long Island, New York, Chipkin pursued a Bachelor's Degree in English and Political Science at Union College. Upon graduating, he continued his education at Indiana University as he worked toward a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Communications. During his time as a graduate student, he discovered a love and passion for journalism, and ultimately decided to pursue that career at a professional level.
After receiving his advanced degree, Chipkin returned to Long Island in search of a job in his desired field. He landed his first job at a Long Island newspaper, and later found himself traveling north after garnering a position at the Springfield Morning Newspaper.
Throughout his career in professional journalism, Chipkin has worked as an editor and columnist, as well as a police and court reporter. He has spent time working for WFCR, the W Five College Radio airing from Amherst on frequency 88.5, and also continues to work in freelance writing as opportunities arise.
Currently, in addition to teaching part time, Chipkin contributes to Masslive from the point of view of his golden retriever, Theo, as he narrates the world through his four-legged perspective.
His extensive time in different avenues of journalism may have kept him busy throughout his early career, but he didn’t hesitate to take his experience and apply it to another field.
“I began to train young journalists just coming into the field. But, I wanted to get them earlier, so I began teaching part time in the journalism department,” states Chipkin. He taught at a variety of different schools before landing at Western New England, including American International College, Baypath College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
As a journalist and educator, Chipkin has had an opportunity to get a first hand look at the changes that have occured over the years in the field of journalism. Along with print newspapers, digital platforms, websites and social media are among the top ways for journalists to produce fast, up-to-date stories and information.
“It means print journalism does not hold attention on center stage as it used to,” Chipkin reflects.
Chipkin has also seen the roles of journalists shift over time. “What I’ve noticed is there is less time for young journalists to get the experience they need,” he recalls. “[The journalist] has to do the work pretty much themselves… and there isn’t as much room for experience through working [their] way through the craft,” he explained.
Chipkin is referring to multimedia journalism, which requires the journalist to do all of their own work with little to no help. They research, write, record, and edit their own stories, eliminating the need for a writer, editor, broadcaster, or videographer. It forces the journalist to work independently, limiting their exposure to focus in specific mediums and also taking away their experience of working with other people.
Another change Chipkin has noticed through the years is the shift in the writer’s objectivity. A more recent journalistic trend regards opinionated writing, or point-of-view style, where the writer strictly discusses their opinion and supporting details rather than narrating from an unbiased stance. These types of articles are often mistaken for factual or subjective, leaving readers misinformed.
“At the same time journalism is wanting the public to trust them, they’re making it harder to do so. The journalism consumer has to do their own fact checking and editing,” Chipkin states.
However, according to Chipkin, there are principles of journalism that have not changed.
“I think the basic job of being a journalist, to report fairly, to seek both sides, be as accurate as you can... that part hasn’t changed. And to present news in the way that’s most effective. That part hasn’t changed,” said Chipkin.
Chipkin has very much enjoyed his time spent being an educator. He recalls his favorite part of his job is “watching student journalists come into my class hardly knowing anything about journalism, seeing them grow into more accomplished journalists, and seeing their work as they enter the professional field.” He adds that many of his past journalism students work locally for newspapers, television and radio stations, and he looks forward to seeing their work.
You can find Professor Robert Chipkin, if not in the classroom, in his office located in Herman Hall 104. If you happen to see him, be sure to say hello. After all, Chipkin believes that “communication skills are the most important thing you can learn in college.”
