The Spectrum’s editorial board elected Brenton Blanchet, a junior communication major, as editor-in-chief for the 2019-20 academic year.
Blanchet ran unopposed and campaigned for a web-driven approach to news coverage with an emphasis on social media.
“This position means the world to me because now I’ll be in charge of the paper that gave me a place to belong on campus. I want students to turn us not only when they need news, but when they want their voices heard,” Blanchet said. “And my mission is to make sure students see our role as just that.”
Blanchet said his plans include hiring an “engagement editor” who would create special content for The Spectrum’s social media platforms, manage student outreach and handle online analytics. He also wants to expand the opinion desk.
Benjamin Blanchet, the editorial editor, recalled how Brenton initially joined The Spectrum in the fall of 2016, hoping to write about Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album.
“He came in with a unique passion. Something unlike –– even from a writer’s standpoint –– something that I cannot find matched anywhere else,” Benjamin said. “As a brother, I'm very proud of him, of course. But [I'm proud of him] just as an editor who helped coach him on the arts desk back in 2017 [too].”
Shubh Jain, The Spectrum’s senior multimedia editor, said he is looking forward to Blanchet’s social media initiatives.
“The most prominent way in our age to get traction, spread the news out there and let people know what's happening [is through] social media,” Jain said. “Getting an editor to manage these mediums, and curate posts to suit audiences' interests and spread stories in an interesting and engaging way is something that would help us.”
Blanchet has been writing for The Spectrum since his freshman year and has held roles as an assistant arts editor, arts desk editor and senior arts editor. Blanchet is currently the managing editor.
Blanchet will be taking over for current Editor-in-Chief Hannah Stein, who has held the position for two consecutive years.
Stein said she’s worked closely with Blanchet and has no doubt his dedication and strong work ethic will help him and the paper succeed.
“Within the past two years especially, I’ve seen Brent grow tremendously as an editor, reporter and leader,” Stein said. “I know the paper is in very capable hands and I’m excited to see what he brings to the paper next year.”
Email: news@ubspectrum.com
Jacklyn Walters is a senior communication major and The Spectrum's managing editor. She enjoys bringing up politics at the dinner table and seeing dogs on campus.
