The Provincetown Independent, in collaboration with its nonprofit partner, the Local Journalism Project, last week welcomed its fifth cohort of summer journalism fellows for 10 weeks of work and learning in our newsroom. The program, which has produced award-winning reporting, is made possible by gifts from readers and supporters of the Outer Cape’s only independent newspaper. We are delighted to have them introduce themselves to you. —The editor
Cam Kettles
Dallas, Texas
Harvard University, Class of 2026
History and Economics
Until a few months ago, I knew almost nothing about the Outer Cape except for one thing: that it has a good newspaper. As local papers continue to struggle to protect their financial independence and retain staff, this is one publication known at least among reporters at Harvard as a shining example of successful local journalism.
Since I moved to Truro last week, I’ve had a glimpse of what that can mean: I’ve overheard people discussing the headline issues, or upcoming concerts, or profiles of neighbors. I think about the connection people feel to each other and to the place they live because of the Independent.
This is the second time I’ve had the chance to become part of a newspaper that’s working to fulfill its mission to become a necessity to the people it serves.
My first taste of journalism was at the Harvard Crimson, where starting in 2023 I reported on the university’s unions and employment issues. As a new college student unsure about my skills as a journalist, I was caught off guard by how inspiring that work was. The responsibility meant enabling Harvard workers — postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, clerical staff, security guards, dining hall workers, and janitors — to see themselves reflected in our pages. I wrote to bring their lives into the minds of everyone connected to Harvard.
I now cover Harvard’s university-wide administration, a job that bears very little resemblance to the labor coverage I had done, but I feel a familiar sense of urgency about it, trying to nail down the definitive account and explanation of what happens at Harvard. I know firsthand that in moments of crisis, that kind of local journalism can attract a national spotlight, though it is rarely recognized for the necessary service it provides every day.
My own home in Texas is completely unlike the Outer Cape. The politics, weather, and lifestyle in Dallas are all different from what I am just beginning to know here. Also, the speed limit is lower here and there is no H-E-B. I will learn more about this place every day, and I hope I can add something meaningful to the understanding of people who may have lived here their whole lives.
By the work’s nature, journalists are temporary guests in the lives of other people, there so their stories can be told. As a guest here for the summer, I thank you for having me.
