Guest Speakers & the Newseum

As promised, the WSP has already had a few prominent speakers, in the field of journalism, visit our classroom. Not only was it exciting to hear from such an accomplished journalist, but it was also educational in the ethic roles of journalist.

1. The Senate Press Gallery 

• Capitol Building 
• Thomas Ferraro & Joe Keenan, guest speakers

2. Tom Rosenstiel

• Designed the Project for Excellence in Journalism
• Worked at the Los Angeles Times, a correspondent for Newsweek Magazine, Vice Chairmen of the Committee of Concerned Journalist
• Author of 'The Elements of Journalism'

Not only did Mr.Rosenstiel take time out of his busy schedule to visit our classroom, but he also spoke with us about our role as journalist in the new technological era and the problems that journalism faces today. He compared the elements of print: narrative, headlines, pictures, graphics, sidebars and quotes  vs. the web: unlimited space, interactivity, videos and polls. One thing in particular stood out to me as he spoke, "Speed is the enemy of accuracy." When Mr. Rosenstiel said this, I instantly knew what he meant in the era of technology. Everyone is in such a rush to be the first to report the story that they aren't really stopping to fact check their information. Anyone can create a blog and post their opinions, but it is more important to get the information correct; not only for the public but for the credibility of the organization. He also spoke about his book, which is required reading for our seminar course. I really enjoyed reading the book and then having the author of the book speak to us and answer our questions in person.

3. Vaughn Ververs

•  Currently works as political editor at MSNBC.com
•  Has worked at The Hotline, CBS, Politico

Mr. Ververs spoke to our class about the paradox of the internet age, something that Mr.Rosenstiel also mentioned. He emphasized the importance of asking yourself, as a journalist, "Why am I thinking this way? Am I being cynical? Is this a false assumption?" The media plays a vital role as an informant for the public. It is important to educate and inform. 

4. The Newseum

The Newseum serves a greater purpose than just seeing the interesting and life changing impact of journalist. It also taught our class a lesson in Media Ethics.

• The First Amendment (and the most important for all journalist): the freedom of speech, religion, press and the right to assemble.
• Law vs. Ethics
• Society of Professional Journalist

With each guest speaker the core values of journalism are being instilled. It is important for journalist to be ethical, fair, accurate, and clear. It is what journalist should strive for.   

AND if had a lot of really interesting things to see: 

a real piece of the twin towers