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Commentary: Some thoughts as we start a new year

December 29th, 2011 | Add a Comment

Commentary: Some thoughts as we start a new year

Admittedly, I have not read every newspaper and news magazine in the country, nor have I watched every news program on television, nor have I listened to every news broadcast and talk-radio program in the country, so it is possible that one or more journalists have raised or otherwise commented on some of the “news” items that have intrigued or interested me–or, downright vexed me. North Korea In all the early news about the death of Kim … Read entire article »

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Commentary: First Genocide, Now Vericide

Commentary: First Genocide, Now Vericide

Now that the term “genocide” has been established as a “crime against humanity” and is a matter for the courts, it is time for the introduction of another word, but, this time, for use by journalists who report and otherwise comment upon what countries and their leaders say about genocide and lesser matters: Vericide. Historians should also start using it. Just as … Read entire article »

Commentary: Flags for Burning

Commentary: Flags for Burning

When journalists report on the “spontaneous” flag-burning demonstrations, around the world, there is one fact that is never covered or reported:  How and where do the protestors get the flags they burn? Do all the countries that have flag-burning mobs also have shops that sell “Flags for Burning”? Is there an international company that has salesmen traveling the world selling flags of … Read entire article »

Commentary: Fair and Balanced?

More than 50 years ago, when “The Time of Your Life,” was revived on Broadway, with Henry Fonda playing the lead, LIFE magazine asked the playwright, William Saroyan, to review his award-winning play. Instead of coming East from his home in San Francisco, Saroyan “reviewed” the play as he imagined it would be performed.  LIFE ran the review, which (like G. B. Shaw’s Prefaces) reflected Saroyan’s philosophy of life as well as re-telling the story of the play. On April 27, there was a panel discussion, “Fair and Balanced?” presented jointly by the SPJ and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. Since virtually everything that was said was inaudible (when will panelists learn to speak to the microphones and … Read entire article »

Is the reporting of “straight” news dead?

Is the reporting of “straight” news dead?  Do people want the “facts” (the traditional 5Ws and H) and then make up their own minds? Or, do the people want someone to give them an opinion?  And, “It had better be the opinion I want to hear.” For some time, the Fox News Channel has been faulted for not really being a “news” channel–even by those who watch it faithfully. These people want to have their views confirmed. The subject will be the topic of a program cosponsored by the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, on Wednesday, April 27. Watch this site for details. Meanwhile, it might be worth noting that Media Matters is … Read entire article »

A manifesto for the simple scribe – 25 commandments

A manifesto for the simple scribe – 25 commandments

Former Guardian science editor, letters editor, arts editor and literary editor Tim Radford has condensed his journalistic experience into a handy set of rules for aspiring hacks. It applies to journalists (and would-be journalists) everywhere–and to the new phenomenon, the “citizen journalist.”  Radford is a freelance journalist. He worked for The Guardian for 32 years, becoming – among other things – letters … Read entire article »

Join or support your local SPJ chapter

Join or support your local SPJ chapter

You are invited to join the Society of Professional Journalists and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter by sending your completed membership application form (Downloadable PDF form). For more information, visit the SPJ Membership Center. For $20 (Students: $10), enhance your role in one of the nation’s largest journalism communities as a chapter supporter. If you are principally engaged in journalism, or if you have ever been a member of an SPJ chapter, you … Read entire article »

Michael Days speaks at 2010 SPJ awards banquet

Michael Days speaks at 2010 SPJ awards banquet

Michael Days, executive VP and editor of the Philadelphia Daily News was the keynote speaker duirng 46th annual Excellence in Journalism awards program by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists July 15, 2010. The event was held in the Philadelphia Inquirer building, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Since joining the paper 25 years ago he has served as managing editor, deputy managing editor, and was named editor … Read entire article »

Hochman speaks at 2009 SPJ awards banquet

Hochman speaks at 2009 SPJ awards banquet

Stan Hochman, columnist and beat writer for the Philadelphia Daily News, was the keynote speaker during the 45th annual Excellence in Journalism awards banquet on June 18, at the Downtown Club in Philadelphia. The SPJ awards recognize the best in professional journalism in 49 categories, covering print, radio, television, newspapers, photography and online. journalism in the Philadelphia area and adjacent metropolitan areas in … Read entire article »

SPJ Supports Petition to Supreme Court Asking for Openness in Civil Cases

SPJ Supports Petition to Supreme Court Asking for Openness in Civil Cases

INDIANAPOLIS – Leaders of the Society of Professional Journalists are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case seeking to extend the constitutional right of access to court records and proceedings in civil cases. SPJ has signed on to an amicus brief, initiated and authored by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, in support of a petition filed by … Read entire article »

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