Dave Ongie worked for the East Tennessean from 2004-2005. During his time with the publication, he worked as an athletics reporter.
He graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in media and communication.
Ongie currently works as the managing editor of two local publications. He edits for the Johnson City News & Neighbor and the Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA. In his position, he develops story ideas, assigns writer and photographers different events to cover and conducts strategic planning for the publications.
“I was a sports writer for over a decade, but I wanted to branch out and write about people and events outside the realm of athletics,” said Ongie. “I started at the News & Neighbor nearly six years ago and took over the responsibilities at the Business Journal about a year and a half ago.”
He said that he feels rewarded by being a part of these publications. Both publications are focused on highlighting parts of the local community. Ongie said it is a worthy calling to help neighbors keep up with the good things happening in each other’s lives.
“More than anything, I love being part of something that can serve as a glue that helps hold our community and region together,” said Ongie. “I love putting together a paper each week filled exclusively with news stories that take place in our community.
“I strive to put out a publication each month that helps highlight the ties that bind us all together and illustrates how cooperation can create win-win scenarios for everyone who calls our region home,” he added.
As Ongie reflected on his time at the East Tennessean, he remembers being introduced to the publication by Seth Bartee, sports editor from 2004-2005. He explains that he was discussing with Bartee why the 2004-2005 Buccaneers Basketball team was struggling to enter the NCAA Tournament for two consecutive years.
“I always felt like I had the potential to write professionally, but you never know until you take that leap and get something published,” said Ongie. “The East Tennessean provided me with that opportunity.
“Seth Bartee was the sports editor at the time…he said, ‘Why don’t you write something on that [the 2004-2005 basketball team] for the East Tennessean?’” he added. “So I did, and the positive response from Seth and the staff provided me with validation that journalism might be a field I could be successful in. Nearly 20 years later, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
This series is part of celebrating the East Tennessean’s 100th anniversary. Interested in being featured? Email eteditor@etsu.edu.
