Journalist Roxana Saberi sentenced to 8 years in prison in Iran
Here is my statement on the news that journalist Roxana Saberi has been sentenced to 8 years in prison in Iran. We are deeply concerned and disappointed at the sentencing of Roxana Saberi. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. We are distressed at the severity of her sentence, that her trial … Read more
Seattle’s chapter scholarship winners
On Wednesday, I met five talented, passionate, driven students of color who can’t wait to get their first job in journalism. AAJA Seattle awarded them all Northwest Journalists of Color Scholarships. Mary Jean Spadafora is a Cherokee member and about to start college at The University of Washington. Peter Sessum worked for the State Department … Read more
Training ethnic media
I spent the past weekend in Chicago speaking at an IRE workshop for ethnic media. IRE, Investigative Reporters and Editors, is synonymous with top-notch watchdog training and its many Pulitzer Prize-winning members. I was impressed by how committed the organization is to helping ethnic media. About 20 journalists from Asian American, African American and Latino … Read more
No more layoffs at The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times will not be laying off any more journalists of color. Enough journalists took buyouts so that the company did not make a second round of involuntary cuts in the newsroom. Executive Editor David Boardman told me that diversity was a top priority when the managers decided which buyouts to accept and which … Read more
Diversity and cuts at The Seattle Times
Diversity has never been more important to the future of journalism. Journalists of color are crucial to our expansion online, to our relevance with younger readers and our mission of public service. The Seattle Times announced this week it will eliminate 30 jobs in the newsroom through layoffs and buyouts. One AAJA member has already … Read more
Absentee ballots are in your inbox
Absentee ballots were e-mailed to all AAJA members today. I hope you will cast a vote for the future of AAJA and journalism. I am running uncontested but I am still campaigning. The next president cannot succeed without members who believe that there is a future in journalism, one that is nimble, savvy, diverse and … Read more
My Facebook Campaign
I just launched my Facebook campaign. Check it out and if you believe in my vision for AAJA, journalism and the future, become a fan! I believe it’s crucial for all journalists to experiment with social-networking technology, both to attract viewers to our news sites and if you’re a reporter, to reach sources. I once … Read more
Join me
Journalism is not dying. It is evolving. This is a painful and confusing transition period, but also one filled with reinvention, possibility and hope. As your national president, I am going to fight for our future. We are going to help laid-off members find new jobs. We’ll offer training in technology, career navigation and newsroom … Read more
