Journalist Embedded in Iraq Talks to Communication Students

Nathan Webster, a freelance embedded journalist and photojournalist, came to the University on Thursday, Oct. 8, to speak to two journalism classes about his work, the journalism field, and being embedded in Iraq. He also shared samples of his photography work and his stories.

Webster spoke about his three experiences in Iraq in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He showed the classes the process of getting his work published in newspapers throughout the country. Webster has been published in major city newspapers and smaller local papers, taking a different, more personal, approach to the war in Iraq.

Students in both classes had an opportunity to ask Webster questions. He bluntly spoke about the difficulties of being a freelance journalist, but he made it clear that the rewards, like having front-page stories, made the effort worth it for him.

Though he did tell students that embedded reporting was not for everyone, he gave students many encouraging words. While the rest of the world seemingly is telling aspiring journalists that journalism is a "dying field," Webster countered this statement. He told students that this was one of the most opportune times to become a journalist, and that there are ample opportunities available in all types of multimedia and journalism.

Webster encouraged all journalism students to pick a passion and stick to it, and he reassured them that they would find work.