New Editor Strives for a Page Turner

Giovis Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Jaclyn Giovis, and I’m the new editor of the Business Journal. The vast majority of you haven’t met me yet. In fact, some of you may be surprised by the news of my arrival. Being a journalist for more than 10 years has taught me never to assume anything. I can’t assume that you’ve read the story on Page 3 of the May 23 edition, noting the leadership change at the Business Journal. Nor can I assume that you read my predecessor and friend Jason Schaff’s final column. (I hope you did, though.) I will never assume that you pick up a copy of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and read it cover to cover – even though our reader demographics show that most of you do. Who knows? Maybe you were being polite when you took the readership survey. Then again, maybe you relish the opportunity to sit down with your morning coffee and a copy of the Business Journal on Monday mornings, and turn the pages until you’re through. One thing is certain: I will strive to put out a paper that makes you want to do just that. I don’t ever want to be comfortable with the idea that Business Journal subscribers are reading each edition cover to cover. I want to give them a reason to do it, by offering content that is fresh, engaging, thought-provoking and analytical. There’s an old journalism adage you’re only as good as your last byline. And trust me, that’s the truth. I welcome you all to share your thoughts about how we’re doing. Give me the good and the bad. If it’s good, though, I’d encourage you to also tell your friends to pick up a copy of the Business Journal. Sing praises about the content produced by my hard-working staff. I’m convinced there are thousands of readers we have yet to reach. Don’t sugarcoat the bad. Working for newspapers gives you a thick skin, and constructive criticism is one thing that makes me strive even harder for excellence. I’ve been a business journalist at daily newspapers throughout my career. (In case some of you are wondering, I was previously a business reporter at the South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) I’ve covered a variety of industries and Fortune 500 companies, and won awards for my in-depth reporting. I have experience producing, editing and managing content for various broadcast and digital platforms. And I come from a family of successful small business owners, who have shaped my business ideals by involving me in the accounting, managing and marketing aspects of business at a young age. My background has given me a unique perspective on my own industry. But I won’t bore you with my rants on media today. I will say “thank you” to our advertisers. Without you, the Business Journal wouldn’t exist. I would also like to publicly thank my staff – for welcoming me and for filling the pages with news and analysis on Valley companies and people. Exciting times are ahead. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank you all, the readers. Representing the San Fernando Valley’s business community – and all the issues that matter most – is a great honor and responsibility. I’m thrilled to be in a position that allows me the opportunity to make an impact in this community and to help shape it. Business Journal Editor Jaclyn Giovis can be reached at (818) 316-3126 or by e-mail at [email protected]