Seagull magazine moves to modern media

Photo By Timothy Sandland | Photo illustration of a collage of Seagull magazines from over the years. The Seagull was the official publication of the 102nd Intelligence Wing for the last 45 years.  

OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, UNITED STATES

02.11.2020

Story by Timothy Sandland 

102nd Intelligence Wing   

After 45 years of publication, the 102nd Intelligence Wing is ending its monthly digital publication of the Seagull magazine.

First created in 1973, the ‘Otis Seagull’ was published bi-monthly, its title paying homage to the 101st Fighter Interceptor Squadron and its famous Seagull emblem. In 2012, the Seagull transitioned from a hard copy publication to an electronic newsletter. Moving away from the monthly digital publication is the next step toward modernizing content delivery to our audience.

“As much as we’ve enjoyed providing great content in the Seagull,” said Master Sgt. Kerri Spero, Public Affairs Superintendent, “it’s time to transition that same great content exclusively into modern digital and social media formats.”

The stories and images that Airmen have become accustomed to viewing within the pages of the Seagull, will now be published exclusively online. The change will allow the Public Affairs staff to refine its focus on producing content in a myriad of formats and platforms; telling the stories of the exceptional Airmen of the wing.

“The art of storytelling has changed significantly,” Spero said, “and the platform we choose to present our story is almost as important as the story itself.”

The Seagull will live on in the form of an annual edition. Planned for release each December, the annual issue will highlight the best moments of the wing over each previous year. “We are investigating producing an annual printed version of the Seagull,” said Col. Christopher Hurley, 102 IW Vice Commander.

All of the stories and photos that would have been in the monthly publication will still be available via the 102nd Intelligence Wing’s web and social media outlets.

“Social media platforms have grown to become the primary arenas for communication across the globe,” said Capt. Bonnie Blakely, Chief, Public Affairs. “Concentrating on our online presence will enhance our real-time journalism and communication with our Airmen, their families, and the public.”

The wing’s official website, available at https://www.102iw.ang.af.mil/, has not only the latest news stories, photos and videos; but it also hosts contact information, biographies, frequently asked questions and fact sheets. Visitors to the page can send messages to the Public Affairs Office with questions or comments.

The wing has a strong presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and can be found on all four platforms by searching ‘102iw’.

One of the new directions that the wing is taking is in the form of a podcast channel. Available at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/102nd-intelligence-wing/id1482157010, the wing podcast includes news, interviews and other interesting information, all in a convenient audio format. One new series that is being featured on the channel is the “The 102IW Wellness Podcast,” which focuses on the wellness of Airmen and their families and is hosted by the wing director of psychological health.

All of the stories, photos, videos and audio content the wing generates can also be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service website at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/102IW.

As George Bernard Shaw pointed out, “Progress is impossible without change.” As for the Seagull, its spirit will endure and the wing’s story will continue to be told – and the 102nd Intelligence Wing will continue to adapt to meet the challenges of the modern world.

• Date Taken: 02.11.2020
• Date Posted: 02.11.2020 12:05
• Story ID: 362569
• Location: OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, MA, US