Kevin Morales took the helm of Camana Bay Times to launch the newspaper's redesign. A news veteran of 20 years — including time leading the newsrooms at both Cayman 27 and the Cayman Compass — Morales firmly believes in the power of storytelling to strengthen a community. We recently sat down to discuss his career, the future of news media and his feelings about Camana Bay as it approaches its 15th anniversary.
Q: Tell us about your background in media.
KM: I graduated from journalism school at the University of Minnesota in 2005 but I was working in newspapers even before that, for over 20 years now. I just loved the creative element involved in news – I always enjoyed writing and then eventually got into photography and videography. I think it's important to tell people’s stories and keep readers informed about what's happening in their community.
Q: Why do you think newspapers work for a small community like Camana Bay?
KM: The logistics of having the newspaper stands located throughout the town is ideal for the paper’s readers, from visitors to residents. You typically aren’t driving between one part of Camana Bay and another – people are walking. They see the newsstands on the sidewalk, pick up a paper and have a read while waiting for their coffee. So the paper is a perfect medium for Camana Bay.
Q: You have taken on the role following previous editor Alan Markoff and helped to launch the paper’s new design. What are your thoughts on the design and what do you wish to bring to the paper?
KM: I am excited to continue the good work that Alan did. He laid the foundation for Camana Bay Times, and it’s a good one. I love the redesign; the look of this newspaper is on par with what I would consider a modern newspaper around the world. It’s a visually driven paper that includes a balance of longer pieces and shorter stories and the design itself helps us to inform, educate and entertain – which is what we want to do.
From here, I just want to fine-tune the paper as a community newspaper and as something everybody can look forward to – they can see stories about their neighbours, their coworkers, the bartender they see every day but didn’t know their story….There are unique stories everywhere, so I am just looking forward to telling them.
Q: Do you feel there is still a place for print in today’s media landscape?
KM: I think information has never been more in demand. People want to know what is going on around them; they are becoming more savvy media consumers. I think there will always be a place for print but we have seen other media grow in prominence over recent decades. Each platform is good for different purposes and it's up to news organisations to use the strengths of each.
Q: As the Camana Bay community celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, how do you most like to spend time here, as a member of the community yourself?
KM: I feel like I have spent so much of my life in Camana Bay – my wife has worked here for 15 years, my children go to school here; obviously it is a social hub when you want to go out to eat or meet up with friends. Camana Bay was always a second home to me because I spend so much of my time here.
My favourite moments here are when my kids get done with school on a Friday and want to stay and play. They end up having fun with friends, usually playing football. My wife will walk over after work and we'll have dinner with a clear view of the boys. Those are fun nights.
This article was originally published in the November 2022 print edition of Camana Bay Times.