For this week’s Meet the Media, we would like to introduce you to Sandy Kauten, owner and publisher of Oregon Family Magazine.
1. How did you find yourself as the publisher for Oregon Family Magazine?
Quite honestly, on accident, I moved to Eugene in 2000 to attend Dental Hygiene school and had to wait a full year before applying to the program (due to my CA to OR school credit transfer). I stumbled on a copy of Oregon Family Calendar (the old name/brand) in a Borders and saw an ad that was “For Sale”. Four months, and due diligence later, I was the new Owner! It is now 17 years later, we are still going strong!
2. Which of your stories are you most proud of?
That’s hard to pinpoint… I love sharing stories that pertain to child development issues and topics. Our world and environment are changing so quickly that staying aware and on top of what’s trending is critically important. Knowledge is Power! And while there’s a ton of “fun” content out there – in my opinion, the real-life stuff is what makes doing this very satisfying.
3. What is your favorite thing about your job?
I would have to say what I love most is, that I know we make a difference in people lives. I try really hard to provide valuable and relevant content that parents will want to read because it matters to them, their family, or someone they know.
4. What is your interview style?
I don’t have to do a lot of reporter style interviewing in this capacity, but my style, in general, is direct but also casual and comfortable. I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable because that not only changes the dynamic, but it changes the results.
5. What do you look for in a story?
Depends… For our Feature Story, I’m looking for relevance. I like to follow the 80:20 rule so an article appeals to the greater population of my readers.
6. What is your day like at your job?
Mine is a unique situation in that I work from a home-office so every day is different. Some days I’m at my desk all day – other days I’m up and down like a yo-yo. But, I do what I need to, which often times also entails working into the night during production deadlines and production. But, I wouldn’t change a thing it works very well.
7. Who do you most look up to in the journalism industry?
Is Oprah a journalist?… because if she is, I would say she is hands-down my idol. If not, then I’m picking Tom Hanks.
8. What is your favorite news outlet?
The New York Times hands down. For financial news, it would be Bloomberg.
9. Fill in the blank:
- If I am not reporting, I am… Walking my dogs, running my house (with two kids), cross fit, life, and researching – whatever it is at the moment I need to know more about. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be… Oprah
- My favorite thing about the PNW is… The food. No, the seasons. No…the people. No…the beauty.
10. What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream… (but if I even say the words, I gain 3 pounds…I have to be careful)
Check out last week’s Meet the Media where we spotlighted Morgan Theophil, writer for the Eugene Weekly, The Register-Guard, and iJNET.
Want to be featured in a Meet the Media? Email ofuller@feareygroup.com