EDITOR'S NOTE: In June 2004 I began a new venture as managing editor of both Northfield News and Faribault Daily News. This column originally appeared in the Northfield News on April 7, 2006.
It was only a matter of time before today's health-conscious lifestyles eventually crept into the newsrooms of America. And if it sounds as if there is a tone of lament in my writing it's because there is. You see, I must be supervising one of the most health-conscious newsrooms in the country, and I'd be willing to bet that the crusty old reporters and editors whom I broke into the business with are laughing at home in their recliners or rolling over in their graves. Don't misunderstand: I'm proud of my newsroom and their individual efforts to lead healthier lives. But as someone who grew up in one of those Hollywood-esque newsrooms, where working hard and playing even harder was the motto, I can't help get a little wistful for the old days. A case in point: A couple of days ago I found myself in a discussion with two reporters who were talking about their efforts to lose weight and eat nutritious meals. That's a far cry from the days as a young reporter when I had found myself in discussions about ... well, let's just say that burgers and beer were considered two of the food groups. I am proud of this staff. We've got reporters who monitor their meals; others who walk miles per day; and several who belong to health clubs. And don't forget a publisher who looks like he could still hit the hardwood and referee some high school basketball. I am happy for all them; they probably lead happier, productive lives because of it. But there just has to be some old, curmudgeonly reporters in the Big Newsroom in Sky who are choking on their stogies as they see what is happening to America's newsrooms. For decades, Hollywood perpetuated the myth that newsrooms weren't exactly health spas. Everyone's seen the movies with desks piled high with papers, and smoke curling to the ceiling from ashtrays as far as the eye can see. And then there was the obligatory whiskey bottle in the bottom drawer. OK, so not every newsroom was probably that bad. There had to have been some reporters and editors that led healthier lives, but there were a good number of newspapermen who lived that hard-charging life. And it's in a newsroom such as that, where I cut my teeth. I know you're thinking, "But he's not that old." And you're correct; I'm not. But I started reporting at a fairly young age and started working in a newsroom in far northern Minnesota, where it takes lifestyle trends a few more years to catch on, and so I did indeed work with a newsroom full of people who felt it was their duty to live up to the Hollywood myth. In hindsight, it probably wasn't glamorous, and for our younger readers, I'm not endorsing that lifestyle. But I think for reporters of a certain era, the talk of bottled water and carb-conscious diets in today's newsrooms must seem like a foreign language. I am proud of the News' newsroom. It takes commitment and dedication to lead a healthy lifestyle. I'm also proud that at least my newsroom upholds the first half of the old motto in that they do work hard. I don't question that, and I know the community of Northfield benefits from it. But I do miss some of my old buddies for whom exercise meant walking across the alley to the Eagles Club after the nightly deadline. I was reminded of them one recent evening when esteemed Froggy Bottoms owner David Hvistendahl and I were recalling days and nights spent in newsrooms. Many maybe don't know that Dave is an old newshound, too, and when you talk shop with him, you still see the twinkle in his eye. I think that after you've spent a certain amount of time in a newsroom, you can't help but recall it fondly. Newsrooms attract a quirky bunch of people who find this occupation desirable for a variety of reasons. Anyway, Dave and I exchanged stories about our younger days in reporting and that was fun. I must admit that I think he probably faced mightier challenges than I did, as he often worked with press operators and if there was anybody in the building that played harder than the news guys, it was the press guys. But, alas, I'm finding fewer and fewer in the business that remember those days, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Our newsroom here works as hard as we ever did back in my early days in Bemidji. However, you're just more apt to hear our reporters make their lunchtime plans based on who offers the tastiest salad, versus the tastiest cheeseburger with fried onions. Ultimately, maybe that's a good thing. -- Devlyn Brooks is the managing editor of the Northfield News.
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