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2007:
December |
October |
September |
August |
July |
June |
March |
February
2006 Archive
As one of the nation’s largest and most respected journalism organizations, SPJ is working for you by improving and protecting journalism. Together with SPJ local and national leadership, and through its legal team in Washington, D.C., the Society actively promotes press freedom, journalism ethics and Freedom of Information. Whether across the nation or in your own backyard, your best interests are at the core of everything SPJ does for you.
December 2007
FARM BILL FIGHT. Opposing a provision in the 2007 Farm Bill approved by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee on Oct. 25, SPJ and 28 journalism-advocacy organizations signed onto a Nov. 7 letter to members of the U.S. Senate. Get more information about the bill and read the letter here.
CREATING A LIVING LEGACY. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation approved a $20,000 grant to help launch a collaborative investigative journalism project to continue the work of murdered Oakland Post Editor Chauncey Bailey. The grant will let the Chauncey Bailey Project continue Bailey’s work where he left off on Aug. 2, 2007, when he was shot as he walked to work. The project includes journalists from newspapers, radio and television stations, joined by non-profit groups in the Bay Area and journalism programs at three colleges. Learn more about the project here.
FEMA DEBACLE. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Oct. 23 press conference in Washington, D.C., where agency employees posed as news reporters, caused the agency’s top two public information officers to lose their jobs and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to admit failure by the agency. Responding to the situation, SPJ leaders issued a statement condemning the agency’s actions. Read the statement here.
PRESERVING PUBLIC LANDS. SPJ and 18 journalism-advocacy organizations signed onto an Oct. 19 letter opposing Department of Interior attempts to codify agency rules on photography, filming and sound-recording on the public lands it administers. If passed, the government will have a say in who can report, film and capture audio in the nation’s parks. To ensure the proposal fails, SPJ leaders encouraged members and public citizens to write letters to DOI officials that oppose this proposal. Read about the effort here.
JOINING FORCES. Through a unique partnership, the National Arab American Journalists Association and SPJ have formed a membership section within the Society. By providing tips, resources, training, mentoring and related discussion, SPJ and the NAAJA will work together to develop a dialogue that is sure to encourage newsroom diversity, crossover memberships and a greater understanding of cultures within the profession. To help in this venture, the membership group has launched a new blog, “Al-Sahafiyeen,” which is the Arabic word for “journalists” or “the journalists.” Read more about the partnership at here, Access the blog here.
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October 2007
SPJ's national ethics committee studied a collection of lapses in journalism ethics occurring since September 2006. The committee grouped those lapses into categories — and then compiled a list only of those categories where journalists appeared to have the most trouble sticking to responsible journalism as outlined by SPJ's ethics code. National President Christine Tatum wrote a column about the committee's findings. The column had an impact: Several publications ran the column. And U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) cited it during an Oct. 4 meeting of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that was focused on the proposed federal shield law for journalists.
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September 2007
SPJ launched two blogs. Technolo-J aims to help news professionals wanting to learn more — in a hurry — about technology. The blog will include product reviews; explain tech trends in and outside the newsroom; provide tips and tricks on hardware and software; give insight about time-management; share strategies for smart Web production; and generally discuss ways individual journalists and the entire news industry could innovate to make smart changes that champion responsible journalism. Journo.edu is for student SPJ members wanting to generate discussion about the issues of most concern to those who are preparing for a career in the news industry.
SPJ President Christine Tatum and SPJ's Colorado Pro chapter hosted a reception for journalist Lawrence Wright, whose book, The Looming Tower won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction. Wright spoke about to about 75 Colorado residents as part of the Helen Verba Lecture Series, made possible by a generous gift from Verba, who was a longtime SPJ member and former Denver Post staff writer.
SPJ's East Tennessee Pro Chapter broke new ground for the Society by staging a video chat with President Christine Tatum, who spoke to members from her home. In Denver. The long-distance, interactive conversation helped members envision new ways to deliver journalism instruction, chapter leaders said.
SPJ President Christine Tatum traveled to Madison, Wis., to speak to students at the University of Wisconsin and to meet professionals in area newsrooms.
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August 2007
More than 50 journalists from North Carolina came together in early August for a jam session at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. SPJ board members and journalists from the area shared best practices to help other journalists improve their crafts.
The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, SPJ's charitable arm, named Jeff Gerritt, an editorial writer for the Detroit Free Press, the 2007 recipient of the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing.
SPJ joined with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the Hoosier State Press Association in an amicus brief supporting David Paul Hammer (Hammer vs. Ashcroft). The case, which deals with access to information, is challenging the Bureau of Prisons’ policy banning face-to-face interviews with federal death row inmates.
SPJ commended the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee’s decision to vote in favor of an amended federal shield law.
SPJ commended the U.S. Senate for passing S.B. 849, also known as the OPEN Government Act, a bill that would dramatically help Americans access public information.
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July 2007
Freelancer Options. SPJ sent letters to the National Football League and its 32 franchise owners, asking them to reconsider a plan by the NFL to require photojournalists covering games to wear red vests with Canon and Reebok logos on them.
Freelancer Options. The SPJ Freelancer Directory that was launched in April continues to grow. Now with more than 300 freelancers listed, who also are SPJ members, the Society is helping editors and news directors locate the perfect candidate to fulfill a freelance assignment in their communities. Check out the full list. If you’re looking for freelance assignments, log onto spj.org with your username and password and get busy.
SPJ In Motion. Members can now receive professional development opportunities right from their desktops! View the full listing of videos here. In order to view them, you must download Quicktime if you do not already have the software on your machine.
Chapter Grants. SPJ will invest up to $1,000 to chapters for local programming. All fully chartered SPJ chapters in good standing with the national organization are eligible to submit a grant proposal. Your chapter must have a 2006-2007 annual report on file to be eligible. Get full details here.
Ethics In Journalism Grants. To encourage promotion of Ethics in Journalism Week, $1,000 chapter grants are available for Ethics in Journalism Week programming. The grant is made possible through a generous donation from the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation. There is one grant available for each of the 12 regions. To be eligible for an Ethics Grant, chapters must be in good standing with the national organization and have a 2006-2007 annual report on file with the national office. Learn more here.
Ethics Code Translations. To further carry the message of responsible journalism, the SPJ Code of Ethics has been translated into Macedonian and Hungarian. See all the translations here.
SDX Bling. Winners of the Sigma Delta Chi awards were formally recognized at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Friday, July 20. The SDX Awards recognize the best in professional journalism in 49 categories, covering print, radio, television, newsletters, photography, online and research. See the full list of winners here.
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June 2007
Journalism Education goes global in Singapore. Norma Green, graduate journalism director at Columbia College Chicago and an SPJ member since 1972, represented SPJ at the first ever World Journalism Education Congress. The event was held in conjunction with the annual Asian Media Information and Communication Centre in Singapore. Read Green's travel report.
Supporting a Shield. The Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 (HR 2102) received a House Judiciary Committee hearing on June 14 that went remarkably well. To rally additional support for the bill, SPJ President Christine Tatum, Past President Irwin Gratz and Executive Director Terry Harper visited legislators on Capitol Hill, June 12-14. Read more about the bill, and find out what you can do to help protect journalists everywhere.
Operation Smoke-Out. In late May, SPJ leaders and members worked together to smoke out “Senator Secrecy” — also known as Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). Kyl admitted publicly that he placed a secret hold on Senate Bill 849, also known as the Open Government Act of 2007. The bill would significantly reform the federal Freedom of Information Act, which is one of the strongest tools Americans have to supervise the inner workings of government and to hold elected officials accountable. SPJ members helped unmask Kyl by asking every U.S. senator whether he or she placed the secret hold. Members reported their findings online. Today, the Society’s leadership is encouraging journalists to contact their senators to ensure S 849 gets a vote on the senate floor. Learn more and take part.
“Senator Secrecy” exposed — Nationwide. After learning that Rep. Kyl placed the secret hold on the OPEN Government Act (S 849), Charles Davis, an SPJ member and executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, wrote an op-ed explaining why secret holds do nothing to further government transparency and accountability. More than 185 publications picked up Davis’ column! Read Davis’ thoughts.
SPJ Reading Room. SPJ’s online reading room provides a host of material to help journalists enhance their craft. SPJ’s National Ethics Committee offers an online discussion about the best way to report what happened in sensitive matters. Gather insight here. Journalism educator and International Journalism Committee member Lee Anne Peck writes about Dorde Obradovic, a Croatian journalist and professor she met while teaching at the University of Dubrovnik. Read her story here.
Interviewing 101. Now that graduation has passed, young journalists are conducting intense job searches. SPJ member Mark Grabowski offers tips for interviewing and hopefully landing the perfect gig. Get the skinny.
Journalism Awards. The Society is accepting submissions for the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award and the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing. Get deadlines and further information here.
2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference update. Chuck Todd joins the line- up of speakers for the 2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference Oct. 4-7 in Washington, D.C. Todd became NBC News’ Political Director in March 2007. He also serves as NBC News’ on-air political analyst for “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams,” “Today,” “Meet the Press with Tim Russert” and MSNBC, including “Hardball with Chris Matthews.” Get full convention details here.
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March 2007
Connecting Generation J. Offering resources and a place for young journalists to share best practices, get or give career advice and build portfolios, the Society launched a special Web site for young journalists. Have something meaningful to share? Log on and make a difference in the lives of young journalists.
Offering big prizes. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation is now accepting applications for the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing. This award enables a mid-career editorial writer from a newspaper in the United States to have time away from daily
responsibilities for study and research. The $75,000 cash award allows the selected Pulliam Editorial Fellow to take courses, pursue
independent study, travel or otherwise enrich their knowledge of a public interest issue. Entries must be in English and applications must
be postmarked by July 1. Contact Heather Porter at (317) 927-8000, ext. 204 or hporter@spj.org for more information.
Supporting Ken. Ken Krayeske, a freelance journalist and photography in Hartford, Conn., was arrested Jan. 3 during the inaugural
parade of Gov. M. Jodi Rell. SPJ issued a statement urging Connecticut law enforcement to drop the charges. Read the statement here.
Providing Professional Development. Each spring, SPJ offers a series of conferences across the country. These daylong events bring together professional journalists, educators and students to share best practices and to network. Find a conference close to you.
Notes about Note Taking. When asked recently to discuss her personal note-keeping policies with journalism students at Columbia College Chicago, national at-large director Molly McDonough decided to check in with other journalists about their habits. Read her findings here.
Member testimonials. SPJ membership means different things to everyone. Region 3 director Holly Fisher details what’s most
important to her on spj.org. Read her account here. What’s your reason for being a member? Share your story by sending it to Beth King.
More Than 1 Billion Served. SPJ member Mei Ling Sze graciously worked with an editor in Hong Kong to have the SPJ Code of Ethics translated into two dialects of Chinese [PDF].
Miss Trial. SPJ members in Los Angeles hosted a reception honoring veteran Associated Press court reporter Linda Deutsch's 40-year career. Gain professional insight from Linda through SPJ.org.
Public Outreach. National President Christine Tatum has appointed a new national committee, the Public Outreach Committee. The group will specialize in the marketing and promotion of the Society's work. SPJ Associate Bill Perry of California-based software firm SumTotal Systems has agreed to chair the committee.
Blowing Sunshine. National President Christine Tatum wrote a column about important freedom of information reform proposals. The column — or references to it — appeared in more than 75 newspapers nationwide, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Denver Post, Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal and San Diego Union-Tribune.
Save the date! The Society’s 2007 Convention & National Journalism Conference offers our members and the journalism community an opportunity to reflect on the industry and to engage in thought-provoking, stimulating and hands-on training. Reporters, editors, educators and students from across the United States and several foreign nations will make this Washington D.C., event a top priority
Oct. 4-7. Mark your calendars!
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February 2007
Upholding FOIA Reform. SPJ is part of the Sunshine in Government Initiative, a coalition of news groups that has pushed aggressively for meaningful reform of the federal Freedom of Information Act. We have reason to be optimistic that important change in the law is forthcoming. See a summary of the Feb. 14 hearing before a U.S. House subcommittee with jurisdiction over FOIA matters, and read the testimony of veteran journalist Clark Hoyt, who explained to legislators how the act contributes mightily to an informed public.
Breaking Down Barriers. SPJ has made it easier for members to access its online resources. OpenSearch is a new technology that allows Web surfers to search their favorite supported sites from anywhere on the Web at any time. The best news? It's free, and if you use either Firefox 2 or Internet Explorer 7 as your Web browser, you already have it. You can search SPJ.org from any site at any time in less than a minute and in just three quick steps.
Championing Diversity. In observance of Black History Month, SPJ's National Diversity Committee produced another thoughtful edition of The Whole Story" by providing a list of suggested books and resources that could add to your knowledge of African American history, improve your reporting and writing and supply some story ideas.
Standing For What's Right. SPJ issued a statement urging Connecticut law enforcement to drop its charges against Ken Krayeske, who was arrested while trying to take pictures of a public event while standing in a public place.
Fighting for Access. SPJ is one of 19 news organizations and journalism advocacy groups pressing for access in the federal criminal trial of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. The former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney resigned from his post in 2005 after a federal grand jury indicted him on charges related to a federal investigation aimed at identifying the person or persons who publicly leaked the name of a covert CIA agent, Valerie Plame. Libby is charged with lying to FBI agents and to a grand jury about his conversations with reporters. SPJ is among news groups seeking public access to jury selection and daily access to audio recordings of the proceedings maintained by the court. Read the application for access and other supporting exhibits here.
Standing Strong for Josh. Representing SPJ, national diversity committee member Pueng Vongs spoke at a Feb. 6 press conference in San Francisco on behalf of jailed independent journalist Josh Wolf. In August, SPJ pledged $31,000 to assist Wolf in his fight to preserve his First Amendment freedoms. Additionally, the Society continues to advocate for a federal shield law that would protect all journalists from having to divulge their sources. Click here to read more about Josh’s plight.
Supporting Sarah. SPJ national president Christine Tatum wasted no time in pledging the Society’s support to Sarah Olson, an
independent journalist who fought a subpoena from the U.S. Army in the case against Lieutenant Ehren Watada, the first military officer to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq. In January, a letter was sent to Army prosecutors urging them to explore other means for gathering
evidence. Earlier this month, the Army dropped the subpoena against Olson. Read about the Society’s efforts here.
Going Digital. Becoming one with new media, the Society launched a digital version of Quill magazine Feb. 1. The same great content available the print edition is part of the fully interactive format. Contact local SPJ leaders, follow links to more journalism training or check out programs and products being offered by advertisers — all with a simple click of the mouse. Follow this link to check it out.
Southern Drawl. As a way of keeping SPJ members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina apprised of happenings in the
region, regional director Holly Fisher launched. “Southern Drawl.” Log on and see what’s new.
Storytelling 101. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tom Hallman, Jr. and other narrative writing greats for a daylong, intensive
narrative writing seminar. Learn what narrative writing is, how to choose a story that’s ripe for a narrative approach, and how to get it done on deadline. Discover strategies and resources to help promote narrative writing within individual newsrooms — changing the way you and your colleagues think about, report and write news and feature stories. Get details here.
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