Logan Watson’s career started with writing short stories, and evolved into reporting local accomplishments and crimes for the Milan Mirror Exchange.

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In 1994, Logan Watson’s interests in reporting were peaked after following the coverage of the murder trial of O. J. Simpson. In 2017, Watson now writes for the Milan newspaper, covering sports, crime and even shedding light on local charities.

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“I’ve always been a writer. I remember being very young, maybe seven or eight years old,” said Logan Watson, journalist at the Milan Mirror Exchange, “writing short stories on memo pads to entertain myself while my mom was working.”

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Watson spent most of his free time putting all creative effort into fiction, songs and even poetry. He had been looking for a way to express himself when he came upon the trial that covered most of cable television in 1994.

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“I didn’t really take an interest in Journalism until 1994, when the police chase and murder trial of O.J. Simpson dominated network and cable TV for than a year,” said Watson, 35, who has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Tennessee Martin. “I think the coverage and analysis really ignited my interest in the news, as well as the law and the justice system.”

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Watson goes on to speak about how he had found a way to combine his skills and interests in Journalism. Though, Journalism had not been his focused study in college.

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“My minor was English Literature. I only needed six credit hours during my final semester, so I took Yoga and News Writing,” said Watson, who had begun his reporting career at the Independent Appeal in Selmer, Tn. “I didn’t have the background or classroom experience of a Journalism or Communications major, so I focused on my voice and my audience.”

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Watson eventually found his love for reporting had taken him to a small town newspaper in Milan, Tn. Watson says there are many ups and downs to working in such a close community.

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“The nature of the business keeps my nose firmly planted in everyone’s personal lives. The majority of the time, it’s a good thing. I get to shine a light on people in the community and give them due praise for their accomplishments, but I also have to shine that same light on them when they make poor decisions,” Watson said.

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In the small community of Milan, Watson is seen as “the newspaper guy”, making it difficult to escape those wanting to pitch stories, and others who have a strong negative opinion on his articles.

“Whether it’s hard news, features, or sports, I’m the person that brings it to the masses,” said Watson, well known for his articles featuring local high schools’ athletic teams. “It hasn’t helped me quit smoking, but I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

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Watson had found the position working for the Milan Mirror Exchange through the Tennessee Press Association, having found Milan as a place to settle down after working for the Weakley County Press.

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“My News Writing professor, Tomi McCutchen Parrish, said something in class that stuck with me: A journalist is a jack of all trades and a master of none,” said Watson. “I love packing all those disparate bits of knowledge into my brain, no matter how trivial they may seem. It makes each day interesting, and besides, it’s good prep work for a future Jeopardy! appearance.”