Hoa Quach, currently the political editor for San Diego News Network and USA writer for Global Voices Online, finds journalism an exhilarating learning experience. She has covered topics on all odd ends of the journalism spectrum but her passion is politics, where she can unveil the world of government to the public; part of the humanistic endeavors Quach is pursuing.
She has also written for Asia: The Journal of Culture and Commerce, The Huffington Post and a 2008 presidential elections’ project of Reuters and Global Voices called “Voices without Votes.”
A graduate from San Diego State University, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and minors in Asian Studies and Spanish. She embraces the college education that equipped her with multimodal skills, from radio to broadcast to online journalism, for her job.
As an editor for web-based media, the state of the journalism industry does not worry her. Quach believes, “Journalism is just going to the Web and these sort of things happen with the growth of technology. In terms of lay-offs, it comes with the recession, however, I think it builds character — journalism is based on merit more than ever.”
She found out about AAJA through Helen Chang, AAJA-SD’s current secretary and SDNN colleague. Quach said that Chang came in one morning and said, “You need to join AAJA!”
So far, Quach participated in the international reporting panel and the board retreat, and thought “Both were a blast!” Recently, Quach was nominated as president of AAJA-SD.
Quach answered some questions about her life as a journalist via e-mail:
How did you get started in journalism?
I’ve always been interested in writing and have taken writing classes since I was very young. But I start writing for a “newspaper” in high school. My first article was about the homecoming dance — very provocative, right?
What do you enjoy most about it?
Learning. I’m the political editor for SDNN and I’m learning something new everyday about the government. And, I’m fortunate enough to work for a company that doesn’t restrict me because of my title. I’ve written about sex workers, drag queens and CCR- it’s fun to mix it up. I also wrote an article for Global Voices Online (GVO) about the green card marriage for Valentine’s Day - that was fun too.
What’s your least favorite part?
I really can’t think of any aspect of journalism that I don’t like. But, I can say the stereotype about journalists being unethical is completely wrong, at least for myself and my colleagues.
What is it like to be a political reporter at SDNN, which started up recently?
My experience with SDNN has been exhilarating. First, prior to SDNN, I covered national and world politics, therefore, getting into local politics was a challenge. But, as my previous answer states, I’m learning a lot and I’m having a lot of fun at the same time. Second, working with the people at SDNN has been one of the biggest opportunities I’ve been given. I know people are heartbroken to see hard copies of newspapers fade away, but the technology we’ve been given is spectacular. SDNN is fully embracing the digital age and utilizing every program there is to ensure that we’re bringing the most vital news to the reader, in the most unique way.
Do you have any work you’re especially proud of?
I love everything that I write about. Most recently, I’m happy about the coverage we did on the California special election and how the state budget affects us locally. In San Diego, there hasn’t been a lot of coverage of the state government and SDNN is changing that. In fact, after the special election, I had politicians from the local and state level email me, telling me how impressed they were of our coverage. I also wrote an article about the California Balanced Budget Act of 2004, Gov. Schwarzenegger’s “baby” essentially and how that has or hasn’t played a role in the state’s government. I got a lot of positive feedback from that article and comments such as “I had no idea…” I appreciate, very much, feedback such as that, as that should be what journalism is all about: educating, not just informing. When referring to the politics section as a whole, I’ve also had people email me telling me how surprised they are to see a balanced news site! And, it’s true! We don’t just cover two sides, we cover 30 sides and I wish more news outlets would take the time to do the same.
How has your education at SDSU helped with your journalism career?
My education at SDSU was amazing, so much so, that I still keep in touch with a number of my professors. The best part about my education was that we were forced to take a variety of classes, including: radio journalism, TV journalism, Web journalism. One of my professors even required us to have a blog. It was just so well-rounded and really gave me the skills I needed to succeed in digital age journalism.
What experiences in the journalism field have been most valuable to you and why?
Prior to joining GVO, I wrote for their presidential election project (partnered with Reuters) titled “Voices without Votes.” The project was focused on covering non-Americans, non-voters and asking them what they thought about the campaign. It was essentially a project to tell American voters, “Who you’re voting for in November isn’t just going to change your life in the states, but my life, way over here, on the other side of the world.” And, to be able to communicate with people all over the world and learn what they’re being told about American politics was such a privilege. In fact, it shaped my view so much, I changed who I voted for because it was no longer about who was best for the U.S. or me but who was best for the world.
Why did you decide to specify in politics?
I decided to cover politics for two reasons. First, because I realized, that if you’re not involved, you get left out. Political journalism, to me, is a right all Americans (and really, all world citizens) should have. We deserve to know how our government works, what choices are being made, what discussions occur behind closed doors, etc. The major turning point for me was Hurricane Katrina. I was a student at SDSU and my friends and I volunteered in New Orleans after the storm. I was mortified and completely disheartened by what I saw, I told myself that I wanted to do all I could to ensure no one is ignored by our government again.
Second, I really wanted to ensure that as many voices as possible were heard. If you check out the political section at SDNN, you’ll only see diverse articles that not only focus on “both sides” but 30 sides. I’ve welcomed all types of bloggers and columnists (Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, politicans, past politicians, students, pastors, everything!). It’s just so incredibly important that we stop the insults and throw ourselves in healthy conversations that seek compassion and understanding across the board.
What is it like working for an online medium in contrast to the other ones, like print, you have worked with?
I love online journalism! Technology is just so amazing and the applications you can use today to tell someone a story is such a blast! In contrast to other ones, it’s simply a way for us to bring a little more creativity to a story. Although, I still read print versions of newspapers, I’ve fully embraced online media.
Do you recommend that other journalists try reporting online?
As sad as it may seem for the readers who like a hard-copy of a newspaper, online media is the future and you can’t fight it. Therefore, I strongly encourage we open up our minds and explore the thrilling applications now available for journalists to fancy-up their stories!
Does you feel safer or less safe working for a web-based outlet?
I definitely feel safer. However, I think it really has to do with my colleagues in the newsroom and the trust we have in one another. I know that everyone I work with are some of the most amazing, brilliant and talented people in the journalism business, which is why SDNN has become such a success in a short period of time.
As future president, how do you feel about taking on the role? What are your plans?
Well, I’m not president yet — I’ve just been nominated. However, if I am elected, my main goal is to raise more awareness about both the journalism industry and Asian American community. I believe there is a stigma against journalists plague by a few tabloid ones and, I really want that to change. I also want to inform people that journalism is not dying and encourage journalists who have recently been laid-off, to stay positive. Journalism - fantastic, honest and clever journalism is not going anywhere.
Second, I believe culture is incredibly important and I want to encourage people (especially younger Asian Americans) to embrace and learn about their Asian American heritage.
Check out some of Quach’s SDNN articles here.
Read past profiles at our Member of the Month page. If you would like to suggest a person to profile, contact student@aajasandiego.org.
