Last summer, nonprofit local news initiative Tulsa Flyer moved into a custom space at 101 Archer as part of an agreement between The University of Tulsa and the American Journalism Project to provide a home for the nonprofit. The partnership placed reporters and editors in a position to work with aspiring journalists such as UTulsa junior Emma Dixon of Broken Arrow.
Like many students, Dixon came to college unsure of a degree path. Ultimately, her interest in music and media led her to double major in Media & Communication and Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) Management. “When I talked about music journalism, it was like the light I was following,” she said. “My interests have broadened to artistic journalism, but music is at the center of it for me.”
Dixon began freelancing with the Tulsa Flyer last August after running into food, arts and culture editor Tim Landes while attending ACE Management classes in the downtown building. “I work at Josey Records, and Tim is a regular there,” said Dixon. “We ran into each other at 101 Archer, and it all worked out.”
Since joining the initiative as a freelancer, Dixon has written two articles on Tulsa’s music scene, covering local concert venues and up-and-coming indie pop group Mingo Drive. “The band is doing what they love,” she said. “And that’s my goal: do what I love and learn about what other people love.”
Dixon has enjoyed spreading her wings and shedding light on Tulsa’s evolving music legacy. “It’s been really rewarding to see that I’m able to produce something and share it with people,” she said. “It’s been nice to know that I’m doing what I love and this is where I’m supposed to be.”