Relationships are the heart of ThreeSixty Journalism's 'Widening the Circle' Award Winner Toni Randolph's Work

MPR Communications, November 19, 2014

On November 14, 2014, ThreeSixty Journalism awarded MPR News editor Toni Randolph with the Widening the Circle award in recognition of her ability to connect with people and build a trusting working relationship with them, as well as her work with young aspiring journalists. Her work contributes to an important part of journalism, making sure stories reflect the audiences MPR serves.

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award. There are many others doing the work of widening the circle," Toni modestly says. "It's important for all of our listeners to see themselves reflected in the stories we do."

Relationships are at the core of Toni Randolph's work as editor of new audiences for MPR News. In fact, it weren't for a strong mother-daughter relationship, Toni may not have become the respected colleague and award winning journalist she is today.

Toni's mother read an article in their hometown newspaper about the Urban Journalism Workshop, a camp to attract young people into journalism. Even after finding out that the program was full, her mother held on to the article, to make sure Toni would get into it the following year.

Before Toni's freshman year at SUNY College at Buffalo, she attended the workshop where she learned about reporting and produced her own story. She enjoyed the work and decided to study journalism. Eventually she earned her master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and returned home to begin her public broadcasting career as a news director for the local public radio station. Prior to working at MPR News, Toni also worked at WBUR-FM in Boston, where she covered Massachusetts politics, airport security and the clergy sex abuse scandal.

Soon after she came to Minnesota Public Radio in 2003, she was asked to get involved in ThreeSixty Journalism, a program whose roots stem from the Urban Journalism Workshop. Like the workshop, ThreeSixty trains young students, especially students of color or of low-income, through summer camps and events throughout the school year. ThreeSixty students produce a quarterly newspaper distributed throughout schools and communities.

"I came here in 2003 and was asked to attend a fundraiser," recalled Toni on how she began her relationship with ThreeSixty. "Over the years, I have been a speaker to talk about my career or talk about my work to help bring more diversity to our staff and stories. And sometimes I mentor the students as they work on their stories. The best part about any interaction is hearing from students, getting their questions. I can talk all day, but if I'm not telling them anything they want to hear, what I say doesn't matter. And since they're journalists in the making, they've got questions. It's a program that's special to me because it has roots in the Urban Journalism Workshop."

In 2010, MPR News asked Toni to become the editor of new audiences. It's a unique role that allows her to reach out to various communities and build relationships and trust. In addition to connecting new and diverse audiences to MPR news coverage, she works to ensure diversity in the voices used to tell stories on MPR News. "We need to keep in mind that having diverse voices in our news stories should not be a special project, but rather, it should be part of the fabric of what we do. That way we can tell good and complete stories," said Toni. "And having diversity in newsrooms enhances news coverage. Having a variety of perspectives adds to the discussions we have in editorial meetings. We'll reap more benefits than we can imagine when we have newsrooms that truly reflect our communities."

Another part of Toni's work includes producing the Young Reporters Series where she works with students to produce stories from conception through reporting and editing to getting the final product on air.

"I love working with my students in the Young Reporters Series. They have great ideas that turn into great stories. And they're really committed to their projects," Toni enthusiastically explains. "One student was so dedicated to her project that even when our work was interrupted by my unexpected medical leave, she was right there when I returned, staying in regular contact with me, letting me know she was eager to finish the story. She did. And it was a wonderful story."

The story she referenced is by Daina Stanley who reported on the history St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood and how it played a role in her family's life and identity.

"I'm grateful this position was created as it says Minnesota Public Radio is walking the walk rather than just talking the talk. It's given me an opportunity to build relationships with people," said Toni. "One of the best ways of building relationships with people is by spending time with them. You can't do that when you're on a deadline."

Her work and passion has not gone unnoticed, and MPR congratulates Toni on this important recognition.


Listen to more stories in the Young Reporters Series and listen to the MPR News podcast, Counter Stories, where Toni facilitates panel discussions on news and culture issues of the day as experienced by Minnesota's communities of color.

For media inquiries regarding Toni or to invite her to speak at your event, please contact Meggan Ellingboe at 651-290-1279 or at mellingboe@mpr.org.