This isn’t just a “newsroom” problem - there are lots of areas where “the IT guy” is seen as just that and nothing more. We get typecast in many companies. In

This isn’t just a “newsroom” problem - there are lots of areas where “the IT guy” is seen as just that and nothing more. We get typecast in many companies. In my experience, knowledge of the field you’re working in is a huge deal. I worked for an LTL trucking company for seven years. Anyone can write SQL, but it takes specialized and specific knowledge to build appropriate metrics and to know what data exist to support them. I’m in healthcare now, and have worked for companies serving medical research, patient care, and prescription drug pricing/insurance. The knowledge I bring to the table allows me to see things my peers who don’t share my specific history simply don’t - and, importantly, their knowledge and unique histories allow them to do the same. We’re stronger because of our diverse professional backgrounds. In short, I think it’s important to cultivate cross-role knowledge sharing and responsibilities. It’s good for the company now, and it’s good for the employees’ careers in the long term.