Meet the Tribune: Content producer Danielle Bequette supports newsroom behind the scenes

I was studying psychology at University of Missouri-St. Louis when unexpected events necessitated a return to my home in Fredericktown, a small town in the St. Francois Mountains of Southeast Missouri.

Unsure of my career path and in need of a job, happenstance brought me to the world of journalism as an administrative assistant at the local newspaper, the Democrat News.

Life at a small-town newspaper is sometimes tedious, but never boring. Throughout the day, local officials, members of the public and all walks of life stopped by on business or just to chat. Hearing their stories over the years, I gained insight I never had to the issues surrounding my home county.

Several years, jobs and locations later I again found myself working at a newspaper, this time the Columbia Daily Tribune.

I was hired as a news clerk in March 2019. Today, my responsibilities are basically the same but with a different title — content producer. While I am not in the public eye like the editors, reporters and photographers, I enjoy helping the newsroom function in a support role. My tasks vary from scheduling submitted content to writing briefs and short stories to ordering office supplies.

More: Meet the Tribune: Photographer Don Shrubshell on his lifelong connection to journalism

Why you went into journalism?

While my introduction to journalism stemmed from a need for employment, my supportive coworkers and the job at the Democrat News inspired me to truly love the newspaper. And it helped me hone the experience and skills required to be a news clerk/content producer later at the Tribune. When I first started here, I did very little writing, but over the years I have been assigned more and more, so hopefully that means I’m doing something right.

Favorite thing about Columbia?

I really like how vibrant Columbia is. Even during difficult times there is an aura of compassion and caring. So many individuals and non-profits work hard to help with the many social issues we see in our community, and strive to create an atmosphere of welcomeness and inclusion. I have met some truly impressive people who I am lucky to now call friends.

More: Meet the Tribune: News reporter Charles Dunlap on finding his groove in journalism

Favorite moment on the job?

It’s incredibly difficult to define a favorite moment because I’ve had so many. In the pre-pandemic days, some of my favorite moments were during simple, everyday conversations with coworkers. While many of them have pursued different paths since then, I still remember those talks fondly. However, every time the reporters or photographers break a story or win an award, I feel like as a member of the team I was part of that.

Favorite place in town?

There are so many. The farmers market is great and I am extremely appreciative that we have one with so many vendors. I also like Shakespeare’s Pizza, Las Margaritas and Main Squeeze. Non-food wise, I enjoy Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. I’m also a pinball enthusiast so Silverball is another favorite place.

Favorite hobby outside of the office?

One of my favorite things to do is swim and take float trips on scenic rivers. Unfortunately, my favorite rivers are all some distance away in Southeast Missouri, so I have not had the time to visit them in a while. In my opinion, the best rivers to float are Black, Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point. Other hobbies include playing video games and hanging out with my cats. In addition, I’m a huge music fan and listen to everything, but my favorite genre is definitely metal.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Meet the Tribune: Danielle Bequette supports from behind the scenes