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25 YEARS. FIVE GREAT DAYS. A LOOK BACK.
Alumni & Friends >> 25 YEARS. FIVE GREAT DAYS. A LOOK BACK.
Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent and Political Editor, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer ; Al Neuharth, Founder, USA TODAY; Ken Paulson, editor and vice president/News of USA TODAY and USATODAY.com; Helen Thomas, Hearst columnist and White House Press Corps. legend; and John Seigenthaler, Founder, First Amendment Center, discuss the evolution of the news business at one of a series of SOC events celebrating USA TODAY'S 25th Anniversary.
The American Forum: Freedom of the Press in a Post 9-11 World
On the eve of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a panel of journalists and security experts examined freedom of the press in a post-9-11 world. The American Forum event kicked off SOC’s week-long celebration of USA TODAY’s 25th anniversary at American University’s Katzen Center for the Arts. Moderated by AU journalism professor Jane Hall, panelists Ken Paulson, editor, USA TODAY, Eric Lichtblau of the New York Times, Shane Harris of the National Journal, Meredith Fuchs of the National Security Archives and Suzanne Spaulding of Bingham Consulting Group discussed how terrorism, an unpopular war and increased government secrecy affects today’s media access and coverage. The event, broadcast on WAMU 88.5 FM, drew in a crowd of students, faculty, alumni and others, and filled the auditorium to capacity.
Redefining Journalism 1982- Today
Colleagues, faculty, students and alumni gathered together Sept. 13 to honor USA TODAY founder Al Neuharth, as a panel of past recipients of the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media discussed the transformation of the paper over the past 25 years. Helen Thomas of Hearst Newspapers, Judy Woodruff of the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and John Seigenthaler of the First Amendment Center shared their favorite stories about Neuharth with emcee Ken Paulson, editor of USA TODAY. The panel also discussed the importance of the newspaper and the place it will have in the future of the media. Earlier in the day, Diane Rehm interviewed Neuharth during her show on WAMU 88.5. The interview can be heard here.
How an Upstart Influenced an Industry
Current editors of USA TODAY talked shop during the panel “How an Upstart Influenced an Industry” on Sept. 17. Executive Editor Kinsey Wilson, Managing Editor of design Richard Curtis, Page One Editor David Colton and Deputy Managing Editor of sports Robert Robinson shared stories on how the paper earned the attention and respect of journalists around the world with moderator Amy Eisman, founding cover story editor at USA TODAY and now current director, AU SOC writing programs. Students were able to get some tips on careers in the industry at a follow-up reception sponsored by AU’s student newspaper, The Eagle, and the university’s Career Center.
