Isabel's blog

Thomas Ritchie had seen the world of media evolve before his eyes. From his early days in journalism to his current role as a Strategic Digital Marketing Specialist, his journey has been marked by change, adaptability, and a deep passion for storytelling.

One notable stop in his career was at the Great West Trucking Company in South Sioux City, where he delved into the world of insurance. While some might find insurance boring, Thomas saw it differently. “There are a lot of stories there,” he remarked. He emphasized the ever-changing nature of his job, saying, “It is never the same; that’s what I like. There is always something new.”

Despite the changes in journalism, Thomas remained passionate about storytelling. He acknowledged the shift towards opinion-based journalism and the role of social media in changing the landscape. “Social media has changed everything,” he observed. While it offered positives like connecting with people, it also had its dark side with hate, threats, and privacy concerns.

When it came to technology, Thomas acknowledged the power of AI but highlighted its limitations in understanding emotions. He believed AI had its place, especially in tasks like photo generation. For his marketing role, new social media features allowed his team to target specific audiences effectively.

Reflecting on his journey, Thomas admitted that journalism didn’t pay that well, and there were more opportunities in marketing. Nevertheless, he missed journalism dearly. “If it was the same as in the old days, I would go back,” he said. “But not how it is now. People get underpaid and get moved around a lot.”

In the end, Thomas Ritchie’s career had been a testament to adaptability and passion for storytelling, showing that even in a rapidly changing world, the essence of good journalism and marketing remained rooted in the art of telling a compelling story.