Position
I am the night breaking news reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. A good chunk of what I report on is homicides, fatal vehicle collisions, fires, general chaos and really anything else that comes up.
I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Nevada State University in 2019 and my master's degree in investigative journalism from the Walter Cronkite School for Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University in 2022.
Why journalism?
After a nine-month stint with the Peace Corps that was cut short due to COVID-19, I knew I wanted to go back to school. I was looking at graduate programs and came across Arizona State's journalism program. I figured that journalism would be an opportunity for me to read, write, and travel — three things I love to do. So, I sent in my application and got accepted a few months later.
Journalism has been quite the learning curve for me, both personally and professionally. I fall in love with it a little more each day; from the thrill of chasing breaking news to forging connections with readers and being "in the know," every day I learn something new or interesting, both about Columbus and the journalism industry as a whole. I never know what the day holds for me when I sit down at my desk, and it's something I've gotten used to.
The importance of journalism
"Journalists write the first rough draft of history."
Although I know he isn't the one who coined this phrase, the very first time I heard it was from my journalism professor Rick Rodriguez, a former editor of the Sacramento Bee in California. I had the pleasure of taking two of Rick's classes while I was a student at Arizona State University.
As a history nerd, the quote spoke to me. After all, had it not been for the investigative journalism of Ida B. Wells and her work documenting the false accusations that led to the lynchings of Black men in the South, the injustice would probably never have been brought to light, and it would have been something left out of the history books.
This is just one of a myriad of examples. I love looking back at stories from decades ago and seeing historical events reported on, and seeing what has and has not changed. Journalists have the honor of writing about some of the most important historical moments in the moment, allowing future generations to look back and see what some of the most important issues of the times were.
When I'm not working
Outside of work, I love to read. Some of my favorite books are " A Stranger in the Village ," " Americanah," " Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination," and "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." Don't be too surprised if you see me perusing through books at The Book Loft in German Village.
I also love weightlifting and traveling when I get the opportunity. I've lived in several places, including Virginia, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, Malawi, and Ghana.
Lastly, I'm a hip-hop head through and through, but I also have a deep appreciation for all forms of Black music, including reggae, blues, and jazz. I love going through oldies and hearing the sampled beats that contemporary hip-hop artists use in their songs.
Stories I'm proud of
During my time with The Dispatch, I've been able to write about Black men and suicide; the rising number of homicides at apartment complexes this year throughout Columbus , and Ohio State University student protests over the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza. I look forward to continuing to write about the people of Columbus and to tell the many stories this city holds.
smeighan@dispatch.com
@ShahidMeighan
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Staff profile: Shahid Meighan, night breaking news reporter
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