The 21st Century Media class had the chance to sit in on a meeting of Chicago Tribune editors on Thursday, April 4. As editors of the Mount Carmel online newspaper, it was an enlightening experience to listen in on what editors of the biggest news operation in Chicago do everyday.

There were about 14 people in the room talking about which stories they were going to publish that day. There were editors for different sections in the paper: sports, news, business, opinion, entertainment, breaking news and even advertising. At the end of the morning meeting, the Managing Editor, Peter Kendall, invited the editors to give their opinion on which stories they find most compelling.

After the meeting, Margaret Holt, the Standards Editor, gave us a tour of the offices. First, we walked through the main entrance with quotes from famous people like Robert McCormick and Benjamin Franklin. Then, we went upstairs to the offices where the employees worked on material for the Tribune.

After that, Holt gave us a back story on the Tribune and how they came to be where they are now, the biggest news operation in Chicago.

To top off the experience, the 21st Century Media class enjoyed lunch at the Billy Goat Tavern, a legendary gathering site for generations of Chicago journalists. The field trip offered students a look at what they might expect in the future, if they continue down this path of journalism.