Comparato emphasizes cohesion in a time of change

Nicole Comparato is running for Editor-in-chief of The Daily Tar Heel for the 2013-14 school year.

Also running are and Chelsey Dulaney and Memet Walker.

Read Nicole’s platform.

There might be two of her, but Nicole Comparato’s perspective is one of a kind.

And she doesn’t think anything can beat The Daily Tar Heel experience.

Comparato left Boca Raton, Fla., for UNC with her identical twin, Paige, three years ago with no journalism experience.

“I discovered my passion at the DTH,” she said.

Comparato, the University Desk Editor, said next year will be a time of transition for the University, with a new chancellor and the ongoing response to academic and athletic scandals.

Her experience will help guide the paper, she said.

“We need to be a leader among news sources,” she said.

“I want the DTH to be the first place people go to with information and the first place people think to look for breaking news.”

Comparato covered Chancellor Holden Thorp’s resignation and has overseen the University Desk’s other news, including coverage of recent complaints about how UNC handles sexual assault.

“She’s proven herself a top-notch leader this year,” said Madeline Will, a senior writer on the State & National Desk who has known Comparato since their freshman year.

Emily Overcarsh has served as an assistant editor under Comparato since last semester.

“She knows the ins and outs of University news like no one else,” Overcarsh said. “She’s serious about her job but knows how to have fun at the same time.”

Comparato said she wants to create a comfortable, fun environment for staff.

Overcarsh said Comparato has been successful in making the University Desk a place writers enjoy.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Nicole this year,” she said. “We put a lot of work into this paper, and the only way it can continue is if staffers return because they’ve had a good time.”

Comparato said her diverse journalism background will help her run an organization that must adjust to a changing media industry with new demands from its readership.

She is studying broadcast journalism and is earning a certificate in sports communication. Comparato is also majoring in political science.

Editors need to be thinking of multimedia projects and increasing their presence online through blogs and a renovation of the website, she said.

Comparato said The Daily Tar Heel also needs a cohesive staff that can bounce ideas off each other and work together.

“As editor-in-chief, I would have my work cut out for me,” she said. “But I can’t think of a place I’d rather be or a challenge I’d rather take.”

Contact the desk editor at state@dailytarheel.com.