Tuesday Jun 26: Clem Richardson

            The book Arabian Nights wasn’t just a childhood favorite for Clem Richardson but sparked a passion for writing that turned into 30-year career in journalism.

            Richardson got his big break in the journalism industry while working as reporter at Anderson Independent Mail, The Miami Herald and Assistant City Editor for New York Newday. Things weren’t always “peaches and cream” for him, especially in Atlanta, Georgia where he also worked for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Richardson described his experience starting out in the business tough, saying, “Journalism is not everyone and if you are worried about starting out with a big salary, this isn’t the job for you. You have to be passion about writing.” Sacrifices were made, Richardson didn’t start off with a fancy car but old-school Toyota Corolla, that got him where needed to go to find a story. There was no 6 figured salary, but having a hunger for being the best journalist was enough motivation to keep him fed. That same drive that Richardson had, was revealed to him as child when he vowed to his grandmother that he would grow up to be writer with his infatuation for reading.

             Constantly moving from one job to another is common for anyone who has career in journalism. From South Carolina, Atlanta, Miami, and now New York, Richardson’s career took him to many places where he had to quickly get adjusted and prepare to get the job done. “The city will reveal itself,” Richardson said. So moving around the world was not big deal for him, as he mentioned that reporting a story required extensive traveling from place to place.  As a journalist your instincts for becoming familiar with a new setting will come naturally.

            Richardson currently works as a columnist for The New York Daily News. The luxury of his career now, is that he decides what stories to write and the deadline is little longer. Meeting the deadline is very important and beginning a profession in journalism will call for a deadline in a couple hours after receiving the pitch for a story. The environment can be stressful; Richardson described a situation where he was writing a story with his supervisor over his shoulders, impatiently waiting and yelling for him to finish the story.

            With years of experience in journalism, Richardson recently gave back to the community by volunteering his time to speak with a new internship program, called the Reid Group. He poured out so much wisdom about the do’s and don’ts of being a successful journalist.  He stressed the importance of a good lead, which can make or break any story. The lead is what pulls the reader in while convincing them that this is an interesting story. The Reid Group practiced their writing skills, asked questions, and received one on one criticism from Richardson. “You write what you see and let your senses tell the story,” Richardson, said.

            For Richardson, journalism will always have special place in his heart, as he continues to write stories that illuminates the readers mind.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson