Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer—recipients of the 2009 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award—offered advice for current and aspiring journalists during their keynote speeches at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Beasley Coliseum.
Erica Austin, dean of The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University said, “Helen Thomas and Bob Schieffer are two veteran political journalists who represent the best of the Murrow legacy: exceptional achievement in communication and a responsible, ethical, productive career.”
“Uncompromising ethics and quality,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “This year’s recipients epitomize this standard. Because of their intellect and commitment, we are better as a country.”
Thomas and Schieffer both began the evening by praising the Murrow Legacy. “My favorite Murrow quote is, ‘We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty,’” said Thomas. Schieffer said it was an honor to even be mentioned in the same book as Murrow, let alone be given an award with his name on it.
The disappearance of newspapers, the integrity of those acting as journalists, the importance of news in a democratic society and the effects of new communication technologies on journalism were addressed by this year’s keynote speakers. Thomas said, “I mourn the loss of real journalism.”
For 57 years, Thomas served as the White House correspondent for United Press International (UPI). During that time, Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy. She recently left UPI to become a syndicated columnist with Hearst Newspapers.
“Helen never forgot how to deal with the powerful,” said Bob Schieffer. “Never let them scare you and remind them that they are always accountable to the people that put them there; the voters.”
In her keynote address, Thomas credited Murrow with her career in journalism and her approach to covering politics in Washington. “Murrow taught us to not be afraid to challenge the powers that be,” said Thomas. “I do not see that kind of courage in today’s journalists.”
Thomas charged modern journalists with being apathetic in today’s coverage of politics. Today’s journalists are “easily intimidated by the extreme right,” said Thomas. She concluded that journalists have failed Americans post-September 11th because they have failed to seek the truth, wherever it leads, said Thomas.
Given the title of “nicest man in Washington” by co-recipient Helen Thomas, Schieffer has been a reporter for 52 years. In 1969, he began working for CBS News. Since 1973, he has been a principle anchor. Schieffer has covered every presidential campaign and been a floor reporter at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the Republican National Convention (RNC) since 1972. Schieffer also moderated the final presidential debates in 2004 and 2008.
Schieffer argued that new communication technologies have greatly effected how news is delivered. “Our profession is in a crisis and newspapers are in danger,” warned Schieffer. He argued that newspapers enlarge an individual’s experience and understanding of the world. “When we read a newspaper, we find two or three stories we weren’t looking for,” said Schieffer.
He urged audience members to recognize the change that is occurring in journalism due to new communication technologies. Though hardly a day passes without the news of yet another newspaper closing its doors, trained journalists are still needed, said Schieffer. “We need them now more than ever.”
Schieffer ended the evening with this piece of advice, “We must always adhere to the standards that Edward R. Murrow created in order for journalism to survive.”
----
Elson S. Floyd
Washington State University President
(509) 335-6666
Erica Austin
Dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
(509) 335-8840
----
1. The traditional media industry appears to be failing; the closure of many newspapers echoes this trend. What would you say to an aspiring journalists who are afraid that a career in journalism would not be available for them?
2. With new media quickly emerging due to the growing importance of the Internet, what do you envision the future of journalism to look like?
3. What was your most memorable interview? What made it so memorable?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment