The Spectrum’s editorial board unanimously elected Tom Dinki as next year’s editor in chief on Sunday. Dinki, a junior English major and current senior news editor at the newspaper, ran unopposed.
“I really want to thank the editorial staff for putting their trust in me,” Dinki said of winning the election. “I really think the versatility of being a senior editor on two desks has prepared me to take this position.”
Dinki has been involved with The Spectrum for over two years. He worked as a staff writer for two semesters beginning in spring 2013. In spring of 2014, he advanced to assistant sports editor and to senior sports editor that fall. This spring, Dinki became senior news editor.
“Tom is very dedicated to The Spectrum,” said Emma Janicki, current managing editor. “He is in the office all the time, even when he doesn’t have to be. He has a lot of passion and motivation. I think Tom will make a great editor in chief.”
Dinki has prepared for editor in chief by learning the editorial and administrative duties of the position under current Editor in Chief Sara DiNatale.
“I have nothing but the upmost faith in Tom,” DiNatale said. “I pushed our election up a little earlier than normal this year because I wanted time to work closely with the winner. Tom sees the digital focus I started putting on The Spectrum and I’m excited to see where he takes it.”
Dinki plans on expanding The Spectrum’s video desk, created by DiNatale, and giving it the workspace and tools it needs to continue to craft video coverage of important on- and off-campus events. Dinki plans on building on The Spectrum’s new website, which was launched in February.
He also wants to ensure all areas of the paper are contributing news stories, including the arts, features and sports sections. This will include writing more investigative stories and focusing on thorough reporting that is news-conscious.
“A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought about being editor in chief,” Dinki said in his speech. “‘Teacher’ and ‘leader’ were not words that I would have used to describe myself. But journalism and The Spectrum have helped me so much, and showed me that I can offer people something constructive through my ideas and input.”
Dinki wants The Spectrum’s presence as a college media leader to continue under his leadership. The Spectrum has won 17 national awards in the last five years as the largest independent student-run newspaper in the SUNY system.
He also wants to increase the readership of the newspaper – which publishes 7,000 copies of each issue, three times per week – and publish content to The Spectrum’s website more regularly, as news is happening.
“I wouldn’t run for this position if I didn’t think I was prepared for it and could continue to make The Spectrum the award-winning publication it is right now,” Dinki said. “The editor in chief needs to be someone who makes The Spectrum [his or her] top priority. This is my top priority.”
Rachel Kramer, current managing editor, said Dinki has shown improvement during his time working for the paper and sees his commitment.
“Tom has a strong vision for the future of the paper and I think he will do a great job building a lasting legacy at The Spectrum,” Kramer said.
Alyssa McClure is the Copy Chief and can be reached at alyssa.mcclure@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
