35 Year Sports Journalist LANGSTON WERTZ JR | Speaks his truth about journalism and todays Sports.

Welcome to another episode of Willing to Talk About It with so much going on in sports media, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with 35-yearCjarlotte Observer Journalist Langston Wertz Jr., We discussed his background, growing up in Charlotte, being the oldest and raised by his single MOM. Now let me be clear Langston did have male influences in his life as well as his dad whom he spent time with outside of North Carolina. Langston gives a lot of credit to the males in the community for helping him stay on the straight and narrow. He shares insights into the changing landscape of Charlotte and the growth of sports teams like the Hornets and Panthers. Wertz also talks about the challenges and rewards of covering high school sports, building relationships with players and coaches, and adapting to the evolving field of journalism. He emphasizes the importance of trust, integrity, and putting in the work to establish oneself as a journalist. The conversation covers various topics related to journalism and sports media. The importance of trust and building relationships is highlighted, emphasizing the need for journalists to be trusted by their sources. Ethics in journalism are discussed, with an emphasis on reporting the truth and the responsibility to report fairly. We talk about what it means to go over the line in reporting, and why athletes may be hesitant to talk with reporters. The conversation also touches on the need for diversity in media and the future of the so-called new media which consists of retired players. Langston has some very important advice for aspiring journalists, we discuss the impact of social media and how the digital era has changed his reporting. Hear who Langston says is on his Mount Rushmore of Sports Journalist. Langston, a sports journalist, discusses various topics related to basketball, football, and the sports scene in Charlotte. He highlights the opportunities available in overseas basketball where his son currently plays and emphasizes the value of education for athletes. We also discuss the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on college athletes' decisions. He shares insights on the reputation of Charlotte as a sports city and the factors influencing players' decisions to join the Charlotte Teams. Wertz also discusses the potential of the Hornets and the Carolina Panthers, as well as the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl in Charlotte. He shares personal interests and emphasizes his passion for family and fatherhood. Wertz reflects on his career and expresses his love for journalism and the community. Hear who Langston says is the greatest athlete in Carolina History, we talk about Muggsy Bouges, Steph Curry, Micheal Jordan, and many more great athletes and coaches from North Carolina including H.S. basketball top recruit Isiah Evans of North Mecklenburg HS This is a great conversation. He concludes by offering advice to his younger self, including the importance of investing and maintaining friendships.
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Takeaways

Building trust and relationships is crucial for journalists to be successful in their work.
Ethics in journalism require reporting the truth and being fair in the coverage of stories.
Diversity in media is important to ensure a variety of perspectives and voices are represented.
The future of newspapers is uncertain, and the media landscape is constantly changing.
Aspiring journalists should focus on developing their skills and being versatile in various media formats.
Journalists play a role in preserving the legacies of athletes and reporting their stories accurately.
Social media and citizen journalists have had both positive and negative impacts on the media industry.
African American journalists have made important contributions to sports media.

Education is important for high school athletes, as only a small percentage will make it to the professional level. Overseas basketball offers significant financial opportunities for athletes, and education plays a crucial role in long-term success.

The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation can encourage college athletes to stay in school longer and make informed decisions about their future.
The growth of women's basketball and the WNBA depends on increased support and viewership from women.
Charlotte has the potential to become a thriving sports city with the right investments and improvements.

The Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers have promising futures, but success may take time and strategic planning.
Michael Jordan has made significant contributions to Charlotte through his ownership of the Hornets and his philanthropic efforts.
Langston Wertz Jr. has a passion for journalism and hopes to continue his career in the field.