NPR host discusses power of social media

Scott Simon, host of NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday,” compared stories to wild animals — saying they don’t always stick to the script. Simon was the featured distinguished lecturer for Grand Valley’s Fall Arts Celebration October 6 at the Eberhard Center.

Simon told the crowd, which included Grand Valley journalism students, that new media has caused storytelling to be reassessed. “I believe in stories,” he said. “Stories assure us that life has meaning and that our lives have impact. Stories are a real force in our lives.”

Simon has reported from all 50 states and every continent — covering wars, political campaigns, natural disasters and scandals. He said social media has expanded a reporter’s reach and influence and allows people to share what they have learned. Simon said he received praise and criticism for tweeting about his mom while he was with her in the hospital during the last week of her life.

“I decided to share some stories about my mom on Twitter because they were interesting and funny,” said Simon. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but the tweets began to form a story for people. I received thousands of messages from people who said they were entertained and inspired. Some were critical, believing it was an invasion of my mom’s privacy. I didn’t share intimate or medical details.”

Simon tweeted several sayings from his mom, including her reaction when Prince William and Princess Kate became parents. “My mom said, ‘Every little boy is a king to his parents,’ I thought that was a good tweet,” said Simon.

Simon called journalism a blessed occupation because reporters have a role in other peoples’ lives. He said journalists have a great opportunity and a responsibility to be fair and objective.