It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Cate Charron.
What’s your job title?
When I introduce myself, the first thing people tell me is almost always: “I didn’t know the Star had a First Amendment reporter.”
Broadly, I report on the stories, tension and threats related to the five freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment: speech, religion, press, assembly and petition. More specifically, I dig through some of the most heated discussions in our democracy to tell Hoosiers their rights, why it matters and how they are impacted.
When did you join IndyStar?
Earlier this year, the Freedom Forum’s Local Press Initiative and Journalism Funding Partners expanded its First Amendment reporting project to support reporters across the USA TODAY Network.
I started in this new role in mid-May, but I also worked previously for the Star as an intern in 2022 and a Pulliam fellow in 2023.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I often hear from readers who are angered with how the news of the day is playing out. Maybe they are frustrated I reported that free speech experts say a politician potentially could violate the Constitution. Or, they are confused as to why I reported that a hate group can openly demonstrate downtown.
I make a great effort to ground my reporting in case law and provide bite-sized explainers on how the First Amendment works. So, those emails often turn into great conversations where we both leave with a better understanding. The reader has a better grasp of how the law intertwines with current events, while I can recognize where a point of confusion potentially needs more explaining.
Some of the most heated emails I receive turn into some of my favorite and most productive dialogues — and that’s the entire point of my role. As a First Amendment reporter, I like to say that my only bias is toward the Constitution. My goal is to give our readers the news and explain how the legal framing of the First Amendment comes into play.
If you have a question, story idea or thought, please let me know at ccharron@indystar.com.
Why journalism?
When I was a junior in high school, I realized I actually liked writing research papers and remember Googling “writing careers” to figure out what my college major would be. Journalism was the only choice (both ideologically and financially).
Journalism combines public service and my skill set in a way that allows me to be professionally nosy and produce work that has an impact on our community. I grew up with a nurse and a firefighter as parents. They clock into jobs where they tangibly help people every day. I wanted to do the same.
What’s your favorite Indy area restaurant or hidden gem?
My spice tolerance is much higher than that of the average White girl, so I’m a big fan of the World Famous HotBoys location in Fountain Square. During a trip to California over the summer, we actually ate at one of the original locations in the Bay Area.
Last time, I got medium-heat tenders, but I’m going up to hot next time I order. The only level above that is “HOT-HOT!!! (a 2-Day Experience).” Anything above mild, the employees will ask you if you’re sure you’re ready for it.
What do you do to unwind from a job that can be stressful?
The perfect way to unwind from a busy news cycle is to play co-ed “beer league” soccer with dudes who are far past their prime but haven’t realized it yet. I’m mostly kidding, but I play a few times a week with a great group of folks.
I also like to hike with my dog at Eagle Creek Park, try new restaurants with my boyfriend Colin and see indie movies at the Living Room Theater with my friend Abby.
What are you reading or streaming?
Leading up to Halloween, I’m embarking on a movie binge of 16 classic horror or thriller films I’ve neglected to watch thus far. I’m the type to laugh at jump scares, so it’s an excuse to watch a boatload of my favorite genre.
So far, I’ve ticked off John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and “Donnie Darko” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. I’ve got plenty left with the likes of “Seven,” “Suspiria,” “The Wicker Man,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Creepshow.”
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
In one of my first college journalism classes, an upperclassman said, “You have to first be uncomfortable to become comfortable.” Almost immediately after, I sent in my application to join the student newspaper.
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Dogs! On this weekend a year ago, we adopted our black and tan coonhound, Maggie. We drove to rural Kentucky to pick her up from a kill shelter where she had just a couple of days left. Now, she’s an overly pampered pup who takes joint supplements and has a designated blanket on the couch.
I must note that I have been trying to convince my boyfriend for months that we should get a cat. Enshrining this in print will definitely make him agree.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I have about 40 houseplants at our home in Irvington. When we were amid several moves post-college, I promised Colin that I would stop buying plants after we filled over four large boxes with my collection. Now that we are settled, I have plans to expand my collection.
What’s your favorite sport and team?
My boyfriend and I have been season ticket holders for the Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball team since Assembly Hall first started offering those packages a couple of years ago. We’ve gone to games since early college, and it’s been awesome to see games go from a few thousand fans to full sellouts.
How did you earn your first dollar?
I spent a considerable amount of time working for the HoneyBaked Ham Co. I worked shifts as a “hambassador” during holidays in high school and a decent stint during the pandemic in college.
It was a running joke in my college newsroom, enough that I brought in my plaque for my “three years of dedicated service” and put it with our student journalism awards. Outrageously, someone stole it during my junior year, and I’m still mad about it.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet IndyStar First Amendment reporter Cate Charron
Reporting by Cate Charron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
