After covering the Jussie Smollett case for nearly two years for The New York Times, I had to turn down reporting from the actor’s trial in Chicago recently on charges that he faked a racist, homophobic attack in 2019. I had another assignment that week so couldn’t commit to being in court every day of the trial, which The New York Times wanted when they asked me to cover … [Read more...] about Freelancing during the pandemic: Journalists chase assignments, security as more of them exit the industry
Journalists
Is the Supreme Court’s most famous press freedom ruling at risk?
Ask any 10 journalists to name the most important First Amendment decision ever handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, and at least nine of them will say New York Times Co. vs. Sullivan. If your media law class was long enough ago that you no longer remember the details, the case involved a local official in Alabama who sued the Times over a 1964 ad in the paper that … [Read more...] about Is the Supreme Court’s most famous press freedom ruling at risk?
Kay Drey: Whistleblower for an Atomic Age in St. Louis
Commentary Kay Drey is an activist, environmentalist, a whistleblower and an Earth Mother. Who could argue that there is anyone more passionate than Kay Drey about protecting humanity from the dangers of the atomic age? Humanity means mothers, fathers, children – it’s not just a word. She is the premier whistleblower because she has educated so many journalists to blow … [Read more...] about Kay Drey: Whistleblower for an Atomic Age in St. Louis
Working moms push for flexibility to remain as newsrooms open again
Like many journalists in the early months of the pandemic, Susie An was mostly working from home. Draped in a blanket, her radio equipment propped on a big box of diapers, the education reporter at WBEZ in Chicago voiced her news stories and features from a closet. With schools and daycares closed, her days were hectic working from home with her sons, ages 7 and 3. “My children … [Read more...] about Working moms push for flexibility to remain as newsrooms open again
Media personalities look back
For its 50th anniversary, Gateway Journalism Review asked eight journalists from print, broadcast and online media to share memories of their careers and the stories that they remember most vividly. GJR also asked them where they get their news, where they think the news business is headed, and which reporters and editors from past decades have had the most influence on them … [Read more...] about Media personalities look back