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For the latest news from The Marshfield News-Herald about the central Wisconsin region.

More on UWEC's Journalism and Beyond Camp from the University of Wisconsin web site.

Berger says minorities' stories need to be told

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Tom Berger, 56, describes his occupation as managing editor of the Marshfield News-Herald as no run of the mill job.

 “It seemed to be a profession that would allow me to continue to be a student forever,” said Tom, who graduated with a major in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“It’s a chance to never stop learning, and that doesn’t happen in every profession.”

Tom not only has compassion for his career in journalism but balances his life in order to spend time with his family as well as students who aspire to become journalists.

Tom’s wife, Fran; daughter, Lindsay, who currently studies at the University of Wisconsin- Madison; son, Christopher, who is a junior in high school; and son, Nathaniel, who is in seventh grade, call Kronenwetter their home.  

North of Kronenwetter, the Bergers enjoy visiting their cottage to go swimming and fishing during the summer. 

Located on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation, the cottage serves as more than just a family-getaway.

It provides a reminder to Tom that the Native American Indians have suffered greatly throughout history, with genocide as settlers took their land.

With understanding of affliction for racial minorities in today’s society, Tom serves as a mentor at the Journalism and Beyond Camp.

According to the UW-Eau Claire J and B homepage, this camp offers diverse students an opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a professional journalist with hands-on activities, which include interviewing, writing, editing, and reporting. Throughout the seven-day camp, the students are mentored by professionals who work in the field of journalism. The mentors are also there to go above and beyond by providing “continuing career and learning support and advice” throughout the year. 

“I think that people of color will be able to make great strides in this career field when white middle-aged males are serious about diversity as people of color are. And so I’m here to help enable bright, talented, young minority students to take a few steps toward being the broadcast, print and new media journalists that our nation so desperately needs.”

Coming from a college that is so diverse, it is no wonder that Tom has such a perceptive grasp on the issue of diversity. UW-Eau Claire is smaller than the typical university, which allows students to learn in an environment that is inviting to all.

“The professors and students get to know each other, which doesn’t usually happen at big universities," he said. "Here they are very accessible.”

The same kind of accessibility is given at J & B Camp, and students of color are better able to enter this competitive career field.

“There are stories that aren’t being told because the reporters and editors and publishers and producers haven’t experienced life in the same way, so they’re not necessarily insensitive but unaware," he said.

Students who are diverse shouldn't be discouraged if they aim to achieve a career in journalism.

“People of color aren’t the future of journalism; they’re the here and now of journalism, and the media can benefit greatly by being inclusive. The entire nation can benefit a great deal if the people like those who are participating in this camp pursue their dreams.”
 

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