AJAs 2017 Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | Business |
|---|---|
| Date Aired or Published | October 3, 2023 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | The Telegram |
| Name of Program: | |
| If co-produced, list partner: | |
| Location: | St. John's |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: I'm the justice reporter for The Telegram and wrote several stories in the spring of 2023 about the increasing number of incidents of spray-paint vandalism occurring in the downtown St. John's area, as reported by business owners and police. Entrepreneurs were growing frustrated with the graffiti and police were cracking down on those responsible, after requests from members of the downtown safety committee. Fifteen-year-old Jack Boland noticed the coverage and recognized the potential to help the community with a business opportunity, starting the Scrub Squad graffiti removal service with two friends. I noticed the Scrub Squad Facebook page after Jack's mom shared it, and I sent an e-mail through the platform requesting an interview. The professionalism of the response I received had me wondering whether it was a parent, but I soon learned that no, this was Jack and this is how he operates. I was struck by the three teenagers' business sense, initiative, and work ethic. They were quickly building clientele and building a reputation as experts in graffiti removal while still in high school. I was happy to be able to showcase three kids doing a creative, great thing in the paper and online. The story led to more media coverage for the Scrub Squad and an invitation from the provincial Justice minister for the boys to meet him at Confederation Building, where he also made a ministerial statement acknowledging them in the House of Assembly: "These three young entrepreneurs are helping victims of graffiti bounce back by restoring property and public trust." |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: The Telegram has a small newsroom of about 12 reporters and most of us have dedicated beats, though we often write stories outside our fields when needed. I conducted interviews and wrote this story within a span of two days, alongside my regular coverage of the courts. No extra newsroom resources were used. |
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