Jim Sabataso
39 | News Editor, The Rutland Herald
Residence: Rutland
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Serving as field producer on the documentary “For the Love of Rutland,” which premiered nationally on PBS earlier this year. The film explored refugee resettlement and opioid addiction during a contentious time in the recent history of my hometown. I believe the 
film was an honest, sincere look at the struggles Rutland faces, and I was proud to help tell that story. As part of the production, I also had the opportunity to travel to Amman, Jordan, where I spent time filming with several Syrian refugee families.
Your community involvement:
When I first moved back to Rutland after college, I resolved to be an active member of my community. I quickly joined the Downtown Rutland Partnership board of directors — eventually serving as board president — and Rutland Creative Economy, where I forged connections and relationships that would lead to my involvement in a number of local initiatives over the next decade. In 2011, I co-founded Restoring Rutland, which was recognized statewide for coordinating relief efforts in Rutland County in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, and organized fundraising events throughout the following year. In 2013, I co-founded Rutland Young Professionals, which is still thriving today. This fall, I am serving as interim adviser to Castleton University’s student newspaper for the fall 2022 semester.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
I was born and raised in Vermont and, despite traveling a great deal, nowhere else has ever quite felt like home.
Favorite part of your job:
How much it varies day-to-day. As a reporter and editor, I have the opportunity to interact and connect with many different people in my community. Every day is different in a newsroom.
Most inspiring mentor:
Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, the documentary filmmaker who directed “For the Love of Rutland.” Jennifer taught me that sometimes the best way to get the story is to turn off the camera, cut the mic and just be present. Jennifer has the uncanny ability to build trust with sources by connecting with them on a level that I strive to attain in my work.
Best career advice you have received:
The best career advice I have received is from my time working as a bartender: When you’re in the weeds, focus on the order in front of you and just keep moving.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I make a killer carrot cake.
Three words that best describe you:
Compassionate, witty and reliable.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Restaurant-hopping in Burlington.
Favorite Vermont season:
Fall. I love the cooler weather and, even after a lifetime living here, I’m still a sucker for the foliage.
Favorite downtime activities:
Cooking. I love spending time in the kitchen, trying and sharing new recipes.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
My grandfather Robert Ross, who passed several years ago. He never got to meet my wife and son or see me attain a leadership position at the newspaper where his grandfather worked as a reporter when he first arrived in the United States.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
News and media literacy programs in K-12 schools. Young people consume so much media today, but we fail to give them the resources and context necessary to understand and engage with it.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
I don’t think I have one. If a song makes you happy, you shouldn’t be embarrassed to share it.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
Working in journalism or writing in some capacity.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Publishing a book. I have a couple ideas; I just need to commit to getting one of them down on paper.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
My community service during the pandemic changed largely because it coincided with the birth of my son in 2020, which has occupied a considerable amount of time outside work. As my time has opened up and the pandemic has waned, I am beginning to explore new ways to give back to my community.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
Our newsroom became smaller, with more people working remotely and others getting laid off. Videoconferencing platforms made local governments more transparent, in some ways, which has been positive for our coverage. However, the reliance on such platforms has also hindered the kinds of face-to-face interactions, which are essential to reporting the news.