'Nine Questions' with Correspondent Jon Dawson
In a series of interviews leading up to the official launch of Neuse News on June 27, we are introducing you to the people behind the scenes of the endeavor. Jon Dawson has written about music for years. His humor is also well known throughout Lenoir County. Now he has continued that humor with his column at Neuse News. While he enjoys writing he spends his free time working on music.
Neuse News: How important is this community to you?
Jon Dawson: Lenoir County is a great place to live. Having lived here all my life, I've seen it flourish and struggle. I can't imagine living anywhere else, so it's my hope that we're on the verge of a resurgence.
NN: What does community journalism mean to you?
Name: Jon Dawson
Age: 45
Education: Two-year Associate's Degree in Business, Lenoir Community College; Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, East Carolina University
Family: Wife and two children (ages 13 and 8)
JD: It means covering news and events that have a tangible effect on the people in our community. Without it, we're at the mercy of opinions and hearsay.
NN: What do you believe you can bring to Neuse News?
JD: My roots in this community go back several generations. Having worked in local journalism for over a decade, I have a pretty good gauge of what our concerns our readers.
NN: How did you get your start in the news industry?
JD: I started out writing for Southeastern Performer Magazine in the late 1990s. From there I began writing music reviews for the Kinston Free Press as a part-time job. Once they had an opening for a full-time writer I jumped at the opportunity.
NN: What is your favorite kind of music and why?
JD: I can't list just one type. My collection covers rock, jazz, blues, and electronic music from the 1920s up through 2018.
NN: What do you believe has been lacking when it comes to local news?
JD: Local ownership.
NN: When you're not writing what do you enjoy doing?
JD: I'm usually working on music of some sort all the time. Currently recording an album with Third Of Never in Greensboro.
NN: What is your favorite thing to write about and why?
JD: I love writing about my kids and goofing on Neuse News Editor Bryan Hanks is endlessly joyful. I also love finding music that deserves attention and I do my best to shine a light on it.
NN: When you were younger what did you see yourself being when you grew up?
JD: When I'm grown up I'll get back to you.
