Photos of Dec. 8 Roundtable Posted on Facebook
In D.C., Invitation to January Movie Screening
Watch Online News Association’s Discussion of Bluesky
Editor Positions Open at New Tulsa Local News Initiative
Sold-Out Gala Tops Tenure of D.C. NABJ Chapter President
WABJ Accepting Applications for Urban Journalism Workshop
From RTDNA: Feb. 13 Deadline for Murrow Awards
Jan. 20 Deadline for Toner Political Reporting Entries
Which Investigative Reporter Is Your Hero?
Congratulations to Geri Coleman Tucker!
Progress on ‘Center for Black Excellence and Culture’
From the D.C. Library on ‘Negro Motorists Green Book’
JOBS
From journalist organizations
From Journalist James Rupert: Developing Citizen Journalists
From Report for America via New York University
From Online News Association
More From National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Some were surprised to learn that as it is, the United States ranks only 55 among nations on Reporters Without Borders’ press-freedom list. (Credit: YouTube)
Photos of Dec. 8 Roundtable Posted on Facebook
Hello, all,
Don Baker’s photos from our Dec. 8 Journal-isms Roundtable on what journalists should watch as the administrations change have been posted on Facebook.
Thanks, Don! His photos are here.
The Roundtable paid particular attention to: Recovering from the emotional blow dealt some Kamala Harris supporters, the economy, the environment, hate crimes and perhaps the most direct: the effect on our own business, journalism. Feel free to “like” or comment. The Journal-isms column is at: < https://bit.ly/3VE0azC >
As of this morning, in addition to the 40 people on the Zoom call, another 166 have watched on Facebook, and 118 others on YouTube. You can watch the video via this YouTube site: < https://youtu.be/Qed5Qhknexg >
There was also this: Toward the end of the two-hour discussion, Roundtable regular Elliott Francis, veteran broadcast journalist who is producer/host of “NOW” on Facebook Live, called for “a procedure of certification for journalists much in the same way that meteorologists are granted certifications.”
John C. Watson, J.D., Ph.D., also a Roundtable regular, who teaches communications law and journalism ethics at American University, said Elliott’s idea was “a gospel I’ve been preaching for 25 years. Once we have this certification slash licensing in place, we can let people know these are the people who are trained to do it. And you can listen and read those other people.” John said this would not be called “licensing” nor decided by a government, and he and Elliott promised to get back to the Roundtable with a fleshed-out proposal.
If you have ideas about this, I’ll be glad to forward them to these two. Just hit “reply” or send to: journal-ismsroundtable+owner@groups.io
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., asked to postpone his appearance because of a conflict, and we have asked his office about joining us in January.
Meanwhile, Linda Jones (pictured), one of our panelists, announces another healing circle.
In D.C., Invitation to January Movie Screening
Hi,
We hope you are having an amazing week. You and your guests are invited to attend a first-come first-served advanced screening of the film AMAZON MGM’s UNSTOPPABLE. Watch the trailer here. Please RSVP directly to the link below. Early arrival is HIGHLY recommended as seats are on a first come first serve basis.
Find the screening details below:
WHAT: AMAZON MGM’s UNSTOPPABLE Advance Screening
WHEN: January 8th 2025
WHERE: Regal Gallery Place
ADDRESS: 701 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
CHECK-IN: 6:00 p.m.
SCREENING START TIME: 7:00 p.m.
CODE: UNSTOPPABLEDC
This invitation is non-transferable
Directed by: William Goldenberg
Written by: Eric Champnella, Alex Harris and John Hindman (based on Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion)
Starring: Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Anthony Robles with Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez
Synopsis: Anthony Robles, despite being born without a right leg and growing up in an abusive household, rises to become a NCAA Division 1 Champion wrestler ultimately winning a national championship against the school that rejected him, national powerhouse Iowa. (Based on the book Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, by Anthony Robles and Austin Murphy.)
Runtime: 116 Minutes
@AmazonMGMStudios
@PrimeVideo
#UnstoppableMovie
Thank you
reginae’ butler | promotions manager
Watch Online News Association’s Discussion of Bluesky
On Wednesday, the Online News Association hosted a “community conversation” via Zoom with Bluesky’s Emily Liu about how journalists are experimenting with the platform.
The Hollywood Reporter reported Nov. 19: “A trickle is becoming a flood for Bluesky, the social media company that has seen spectacular growth since the presidential election. On Tuesday, the microblogging platform hit 20 million users, after averaging 1 million new users per day over the past five days.”
ONA said afterward, “While the live event is over, you’ll still have a chance to experience it. We will edit the video and add it soon to the ONA Resource Library, located at https://journalists.org/resources/ Send a note to partnerships (at) journalists.org to be alerted when it is added!”
“We’re building a robust newsroom to provide well-reported, contextual and explanatory coverage that will help Tulsans understand what’s happening in their neighborhoods and local governments and to ensure everyone is equipped with the information they need to navigate daily life, get needs met and engage in their communities,” said Gary Lee, who will be executive editor of the Tulsa Local News Initiative. (Credit: YouTube)
Editor Positions Open at New Tulsa Local News Initiative
You might have seen that a coalition of Oklahoma media and philanthropy leaders raised $14 million “to address the challenges of diminished local information by launching the Tulsa Local News Initiative.” (second item)
Gary Lee, veteran of the Washington Post, managing editor of the Oklahoma Eagle and a Tulsa native, will be executive editor of the Tulsa Local News Initiative. Gary, who has been at the Roundtable a number of times, is looking for a managing editor and an audience and membership director for the initiative, and an editor for the Oklahoma Eagle who reports to the executive editor. For the complete job descriptions, just hit “reply” or send a message to: journal-ismsroundtable+owner@groups.io
More job information at the end of this posting.
“It’s always been about the impact, not the applause,” Khorri Atkinson, president of the Washington Association of Black Journalists, at left, wrote Dec. 13. “But I’m still deeply touched and thankful for the love I received last week from my colleagues at the 3rd annual #wabjgala24, while celebrating our honorees and scholarship winners.”
Sold-Out Gala Tops Tenure of D.C. NABJ Chapter President
“We did it once again! The Washington Association of Black Journalists successfully hosted yet another sold-out, Special Honors & Scholarship Gala last at Howard University’s Amour J. Blackburn Center,” WABJ announced Tuesday.
“We presented awards to eight distinguished professionals and a community initiative for excellence in media and service. . . .
“A special surprise presentation was made to WABJ President Khorri Atkinson (pictured), whose term will end on December 31.
“Atkinson, who served two consecutive, two-year terms, was honored for his visionary leadership by longtime WABJ and NABJ member Ryan Williams, former and current WABJ officers, and the ambassador and staff of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. The Jamaican native was also offered an all-inclusive accommodation by Spice Island Beach Resort on the island of Grenada.
“Under the Atkinson administration, WABJ’s membership quadrupled (300 and counting), it offered dozens of hands-on training and networking opportunities, and secured new partnerships and financial support from some of the country’s leading corporate and philanthropic organizations.
“WABJ also launched an annual awards gala, three new scholarship programs, and a mentorship program for young journalists, and an annual mixer with a coalition of local diversity-focused journalism groups to foster community and strengthen the organizations’ ties. The National Association of Black Journalists honored WABJ with its Professional Chapter of the Year Award in 2023, marking the second time it received the award in 2010.
“The association also honored two 2024 Collegiate Scholarship Winners, each receiving $2,500 to support their academic studies. . . .”
WABJ Accepting Applications for Urban Journalism Workshop
“WABJ is now accepting applications for our 2025 Urban Journalism Workshop. The program has been teaching local high school students the fundamentals of journalism through interactive lectures, hands-on training, and field trips since 1986.
“UJW is led by professional journalists and educators who provide mentorship and supervision to program participants. Students must attend in-person sessions from early March to late April at American University’s School of Communications, a long-time WABJ partner.
“At the end of the program, students use the skills they learned to report and produce their own multimedia stories.
“The program is free. We encourage all students in the DMV area interested in pursuing careers in media and appreciate our mission to consider applying regardless of their identity or background.”
From RTDNA: Feb. 13 Deadline for Murrow Awards
| We are thrilled to announce that the Radio Television Digital News Association is accepting submissions for the 2025 Edward R. Murrow Awards, honoring excellence in professional and student broadcast and digital journalism! Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET Thursday, Feb. 13. Journalists are encouraged to showcase their most exceptional work in this prestigious competition. Visit our website for complete entry details and to submit your work today! |
The RTDNA Foundation is proud to support the next generation of journalism leaders with 13 scholarships and three fellowships, now open for applications! For over 50 years, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million to over 600 aspiring journalists, paving the way for successful careers in newsrooms, reporting, anchoring, media leadership and beyond. Many recipients have gone on to win prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. These competitive opportunities are designed to provide vital resources for journalism students and early-career professionals dedicated to making a difference in the field. Learn more about these awards and submit your application now, due date is Jan. 15! |
Jan. 20 Deadline for Toner Political Reporting Entries
Call for Entries: 2025 Toner Prizes for Excellence in Political Reporting The entry period is now open for the 2025 Toner Prizes for Excellence in Political Reporting, sponsored by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Entries can be submitted online. Deadline is Jan. 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Enter now Two Toner Prizes will be given — one for local political reporting, and one for national political reporting. Each carries a $5,000 honorarium.Toner Prizes will go to reporting that:illuminates the electoral process, with a special focus on coverage of candidates, campaigns or elections; or reveals the politics of policy and engages the public in democracy. To be eligible for consideration, stories must have been published, posted or broadcast between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024.The Toner Prizes honor late Syracuse University alumna Robin Toner ’76, the first woman to be a national political correspondent for The New York Times. They are part of the Robin Toner Program in Political Reporting at the Newhouse School. For more information, email tonersym (at) syr.edu. — from Chuck Stevens |
Which Investigative Reporter Is Your Hero?
| Help us honor your heroes |
| As part of IRE’s 50th anniversary celebrations, we will be highlighting members who have made a special impact on journalism, our beloved organization and the world. Anyone come to mind? Let us know and submit a nomination by Jan. 1. The selected recipients will be honored at our 50th anniversary gala in New York City in the fall. To share other ideas and sign up for more information about IRE’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, please fill out this Google Form. If you would like to donate to honor IRE’s 50th Anniversary, please go to ire.org/donate and specify that your donation is for the anniversary. |
| New IRE + ASU certificate program For years, our members have asked for a formal certificate showing they completed an IRE-approved training program. It’s finally here — in a major way! IRE is proud to partner with Arizona State’s Howard Center for Investigative Journalism to launch an online certificate program in investigative editing, taught by the center’s award-winning investigative faculty — all longtime IRE members. It’s professional training for editors and reporters who want to be editors. This 6-month, self-paced program begins Jan. 13, and registration is now open. Read the full annoucement. |
| IRE Awards entries due Jan. 15 |
| Don’t let the deadline sneak up on you! Start gathering your best stories of the year to enter the IRE Awards. Pro tip: You can always start your entry and come back to it later — just be sure to submit by Jan. 15. The IRE Awards contest has more than a dozen categories to recognize the best investigative journalism of 2024. Check out previous winners for inspiration. |
Geri Tucker is flanked by journalists Lynne Adrine, left, and Barbranda Lumpkins Walls, another USA Today veteran, at the Journal-isms Roundtable Holiday Party of 2016. (Credit: Sharon Farmer/sfphotoworks)
Congratulations to Geri Coleman Tucker!
“Geri Tucker ’24 spent a career working with words,” Jonathan Heeter wrote Dec. 11 for ODU Global at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.
“She started crafting poems in high school and college before embarking on a longtime career as a newspaper reporter and editor, piecing together national headlines for more than 30 years at USA Today.
“A lifetime spent on storytelling will continue through her latest achievement, a master’s degree in education with a concentration in reading through ODUGlobal. Tucker, who at 72 will be ODU’s oldest graduate in the Fall 2024 Commencement, is ready to give the gift of words to children in her northern Virginia community of Alexandria.
“Tucker plans to teach children with reading or learning disorders as a volunteer tutor and teacher at her local church and with other nonprofits. . . .”
This November video describes the progress made by the Center for Black Excellence and Culture since groundbreaking in June. (Credit: YouTube)
Progress on ‘Center for Black Excellence and Culture’
The Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, CEO and founder of the proposed Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison, Wis., tells us in a year-end message that the project has made significant progress. Dr. Gee, journalist Neil Heinen and others have joined the Roundtable at least twice since 2021 to make us aware of the project. We have urged them to provide space for media literacy programs and to train young journalists.
“Since The Center’s historic groundbreaking in June, we’ve made significant strides in both constructing our unique facility -— designed to uplift Black joy, Black innovation, and Black wellness in Wisconsin —- and in strengthening our capacity to serve. The Center’s project team has been working tirelessly, not only to hire talented staff and develop meaningful programming but also to engage with our community, stakeholders, and supporters like you,” Dr. Gee’s message says.
He adds,”Thanks to a generous gift from IncredibleBank Foundation, The Center, in partnership with Findorff, has set up a Live Webcam for 24/7 real time footage of our construction site. Check in any time to see our progress!”
From the D.C. Library on ‘Negro Motorists Green Book’
Visit The Green Book Exhibit Over the Holidays!
“Looking for something to do with the family over the holidays? Discover an essential piece of American history at the DC Public Library. The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit and the complementary local history exhibit Green Book in D.C. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library offer a fascinating look at the experiences of Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. As you explore their stories and the stories of the businesses listed in the Green Book, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the guidebook that provided safe travel routes for Black Americans during segregation.
- “Take a Guided Tour | Make the most of your visit with a guided tour led by knowledgeable docents. These tours offer a richer, more engaging experience as they dive deeper into the history and impact of the Green Book, providing context and personal stories that bring the exhibit to life.
- “Explore Neighborhood Library Capsule Exhibits | In addition to the main exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, eight neighborhood libraries across D.C. have their own capsule exhibits showcasing local connections to the Green Book. These smaller exhibits offer unique perspectives and highlight local businesses, landmarks, and figures that played a role in supporting Black travelers.
“The exhibit is open whenever the library is — perfect for a family outing, a solo adventure, or a gathering with friends. . . .”
JOBS
From journalist organizations
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists
- National Association of Black Journalists
- Asian American Journalists Association
- Poynter Institute
- Society of Professional Journalists
- PublicMediaJobs.
From Journalist James Rupert: Developing Citizen Journalists
The Community Journalism Program at HumanitiesDC wants trainers for its 2025 small-group workshops (on Mondays, February-May) to develop citizen journalists. They seek “a collaborative attitude, a passion for community-centered news, and a mastery of basic journalism skills. The ideal candidate is a journalist with D.C. reporting experience and editing chops, who is comfortable teaching and mentoring others.” They pay $2800; applications due Jan. 6.
—
James Rupert
International affairs writer and editor
Washington, DC
RupertAbroad: Stories from Other Places
From Report for America via New York University
REPORT FOR AMERICA ANNOUNCES 80+ NEW REPORTER POSITIONS IN HOST NEWSROOMS
Report for America is seeking talented, service-minded journalists and photographers to join our reporting corps. Applications are now open for positions in newsrooms of all types – digital startups, daily and weekly newspapers, radio and TV stations and more. RFA is a two-year program, with an optional third year.
Candidates applying should have a minimum of 1-3 years of local news experience. Recent graduates may apply if they’ve had local newsroom internships or journalism leadership experience in college.
Report for America is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Application Process
To apply, complete the corps member application here. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2025. Should you become a finalist and be slated for one or more newsroom interviews by our selection team, your application will be shared with those newsrooms.
Important Note: Please be sure to alert your two references that they will receive an email from Submittable, our application platform, with the recommendation form. At the prompt in the application, we strongly recommend you send this form right away even before completing your application.
Your application will not advance if we don’t receive your two references by February 10, 2025 — the reference deadline.
Contact the Report for America recruitment team at recruitment (at) reportforamerica.org or join us for one of our virtual info sessions.
You may register for an information session here.
From Online News Association
ONA is hiring!
We’re seeking a visionary Executive Director/CEO to lead ONA through our next phase of growth and strengthen our impact at the intersection of journalism and technology. Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply by January 15, 2025, for full consideration.
ONA’s Career Center is an excellent resource for jobs, fellowships and internships in digital journalism. Recent postings include:
- Executive Director/CEO, Online News Association Join the ONA team!
- Politics Editor, The Texas Tribune NEW!
- Senior Editor, Raw Story NEW!
- Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism, University of California, Berkeley NEW!
- Clinical Specialist – Communications, Journalism & Film, The College of New Jersey
- AI Data Reporter / Product Developer, The Connecticut Mirror
- Associate Dean for Advancement, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University, Office of Alumni Relations & Development
- Senior Staff Writer – State Government, MinnPost
- Investigative Reporting Fellow, The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism
- Immigration Enforcement Reporter, Documented
- Senior Editor, Features, Texas Monthly
- Spanish Community Correspondent, Documented
- News and Politics Writer, Texas Monthly
- Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts, Marist College
- Director of Development, The Fuller Project
- Senior Editor, Raw Story
- Nieman Fellowship, Harvard University Nieman Foundation for Journalism
- Managing Editor, Sojourners Online
- Regional Managing Editor, Gulf States Newsroom
- Communities Reporter, The Denton Record-Chronicle, KERA
- Director of Development, The Fuller Project
- Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence, UX/UI Design, and Data Visualization, Ohio University
- Chief Audience Officer, Rest of World
- Managing Editor/Planning & Audience Engagement, Lee Enterprises/Greensboro News & Record, Winston-Salem Journal
More From National Association of Hispanic Journalists
• The Education Writers Association’s National Awards for Education Reporting are open! Apply soon to secure an Early Bird pricing. These awards encourage and inspire better education coverage and underscore the importance of excellent storytelling in our democracy. Apply by Jan. 8
• The Center for Health Journalism is now accepting applications for its California Health Equity Fellowship. Admitted fellows receive a $2,000-$10,000 grant to help with reporting costs, in-person extensive training, and five months of professional mentorship. Learn more and apply by Dec. 18
• PBS News Student Reporting Labs is seeking college student journalists 18-25 to produce video stories about responses to the climate crisis and other environmental issues during the spring 2025 semester. Accepted students will each receive a $500 stipend and have travel costs covered if required to produce the story. Learn more and apply by Dec. 31
• Entries for the 2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award are being accepted through Jan. 10, 2025, to recognize outstanding records-based news reporting aired or published during 2024. The first-place winner will receive $3,000. It is free to enter. Learn more and apply by Jan. 10.
