Editor's note: This month, we bring you brief reminders from pros around the world about what or who helped them forward in their careers.
I am grateful to Knight-Ridder's Jim Batten who delivered — essentially posthumously — on his promise to provide me "a graduate education in newspapering from the flag deck of the finest newspaper company in America." And I am grateful to The Wichita Eagle's Buzz Merritt whose reconsideration of news values led to the journalism that brought me to Batten's attention. As with all of us, there are so many I could cite. Lloyd Paseman and his lineup of sharpened pencils. Deborah Howell and her lessons in responsibility.
I am grateful to Knight-Ridder's Jim Batten who delivered — essentially posthumously — on his promise to provide me "a graduate education in newspapering from the flag deck of the finest newspaper company in America." And I am grateful to The Wichita Eagle's Buzz Merritt whose reconsideration of news values led to the journalism that brought me to Batten's attention. As with all of us, there are so many I could cite. Lloyd Paseman and his lineup of sharpened pencils. Deborah Howell and her lessons in responsibility.
Steve Smith ~ journalism teacher, retired newspaper editor
