THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 21, 1997 TAG: 9702210045
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAGGIE WELTER, CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 98 lines
CYRUS KHRON creates a rustling sound when he walks toward his office at Microsoft headquarters in Richmond, Wash. The sound comes not from shuffling papers or rattling keys but from the friction generated by the movement his wide corduroy slacks.
``When I worked in Washington, it was suits and ties every day, so I enjoy getting a little experimental,'' said Khron, an assistant editor at Slate, Microsoft's online magazine. Slate employees enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. They roam the office in jeans, T-shirts and even sandals.
Working in new media is an experiment in itself. For many, the Internet still is a new medium devoid of rules and restrictions and full of potential. For this reason, Khron, 25, and a wave of young techno-savvy journalists, ad designers and programmers are flocking to careers on the Internet. In many cases, they enjoy better pay, more flexibility, and quicker success than they would have in traditional media.
``A job online was a new idea for me; I have always been intensely interested in the media and politics. When I got this job, I was working in broadcast journalism at CNN, but I was keeping my eyes and ears open for any job possibility,'' said Khron, the son of a military journalist who grew up on many military bases, including Fort Monroe.
Khron's base since January 1996 has been a two-bedroom houseboat near the one used to film ``Sleepless in Seattle.'' His virtual home is www.slate.com, the address for the much-hyped webzine created by Michael Kinsley, former co-host of CNN's ``Crossfire.''
Slate is a mixed bag of public affairs, politics and debate about current issues. It features chat sessions on everything from the future of Social Security to President Clinton's use of the Internet. In January, Slate readers got insider details on the president's inauguration from editorial assistant Kareena Gore, 23, daughter of Vice President Al Gore.
As an assistant editor, Khron's job is similar to that of a talk show producer. In one section called The Fray, for example, Khron throws out ``threads,'' summary paragraphs about hot topics, such as campaign finance reform, followed by interactive discussions. He also invites panelists with knowledge in the field to participate in the gab sessions. Khron has booked big names in his short ride online, including Mary Matalin, CBS News radio talk show host, and Christopher Hitchens, contributing editor at Vanity Fair. Khron also has done some writing and editing but says interactivity is the signature of new media jobs.
``Webzines bring together the features of television and newsmagazine. We can broadcast video, but we have the additional benefit of audience participation,'' Khron said.
KHRON BEGAN HIS JOURNEY INTO media after graduating from Lynchburg College in 1993. He worked as a production assistant and researcher for CNN's ``Larry King Live'' and ``Crossfire.''
``It was long hours and low pay, but I expected that because there's a mentality in print and especially in television that you have to pay your dues before you become successful and reach a large audience,'' Khron said.
Just as Khron was beginning to pay his dues, Kinsley, the liberal voice on ``Crossfire,'' announced in December 1995 that he was leaving CNN to head up Slate. Kinsley's interest in the new media whet Khron's cyber appetite. He said, ``When Michael was leaving `Crossfire,' I told him I'd be interested in going with him if he found a job I might be suited for.''
As it turned out, Kinsley thought Khron's mixture of media and political experience - Khron had interned for former Vice President Dan Quayle while in college - was perfectly suited for Slate. In fact, Khron was the first person outside of Microsoft hired for the webzine.
When offered the job, Khron ``dropped everything,'' including his job at CNN, packed up his red Ford Bronco and headed west.
A year later, Khron's career is running at top speed. He has a great deal of input at Slate, he has written and produced his own work, and he has an office next to Kinsley's. Microsoft policy prevents Khron from revealing his salary, but he said he is doing better financially than he was in Washington.
Along with a better salary, Slate offers more opportunity for new journalists like Khron, according to Kinsley, who said: ``Cyrus certainly has levels of experience here that he wasn't getting at CNN. He's on the ground floor of the cybermedia, which puts him in a good position to do just about anything online or in broadcasting.''
Not only is Khron learning but he's also having fun.
``I'm enjoying myself immensely,'' Khron said. ``I'm involved in cutting-edge technology, and I'm working with young people in an environment that encourages creativity. I can't say for sure but I think I'm probably better off career-wise in the new media.''
Khron said he plans to stay at Microsoft and learn as much as he can about the online industry. Eventually he would like to return to Virginia.
``I have a tremendous affection for the Congress and the political process,'' he said. ``I miss the rolling hills, scenery and sometimes even the Beltway in Virginia. It seems to me all roads lead back to the Washington area; I think my road will eventually being me back.'' MEMO: Maggie Welter is a senior at James Madison University. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
slate magazine assistant editor Cyrus Khron, a 1993 graduate of
Lynchburg College. left a Washington, D.C., job to join the new
online venture when it started just over a year ago. He now lives on
a houseboat and has an office at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond,
Wash.