Diversity Diaries: Rob Dean

By Rob Dean
Managing editor, The Santa Fe New Mexican

11.23.01

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The surest way to connect with new readers is with stories that represent their interests. The reporter who understands his or her community has the best chance to cover that community well. Without that understanding, the best ideas or the trendiest new sections will be hit and miss at best.

The ASNE/APME Fellows program helped make it possible for Jenna Naranjo to join the staff of The Santa Fe New Mexican. Jenna is a member of Santa Clara Pueblo and because of that makes an important addition to our staff.

Pueblos in Northern New Mexico are separate jurisdictions with independent governments. News coverage of pueblos and Native American issues presents a challenge for the New Mexican. Over the years, several reporters have had that assignment. We've covered the news but always thought we were mostly skimming the surface.

With Jenna covering pueblo life and pueblo issues, the newspaper gets stories it may have missed in the past. One reason is Jenna. She is an engaging person, a good storyteller and a fair reporter.

The other reason we are getting new stories proves the value of diversity on our staff. The reporter knows the people and understands the community and represents their interests. And Jenna's insights rub off. She teaches others in the newsroom how we might approach Native American issues as well.

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