My story about Edie Huggins is all about me. And, that is the way it was for most of us who sat at her feet in counsel. It was all about us... We came to her for whatever...She expected it, I believe.
Edie Huggins was the first fruit of the larger struggle for equality in broadcast journalism.
Ms. Huggins had walked the walk and stayed the course for 42 years and racked up treasury chests of firsts and high honors.
She had truly cracked glass ceilings and knocked down many ironclad doors for budding journalists, such as myself, to walk through.
For me Ms. Huggins was my first African American mentor in journalism.
When I arrived at WCAU-TV in the early 80’s as its first black news producer, she invited me to her office and asked, “Are you ready?” I said yes. She said, “I know your are.” Up until then, some seven years into my career, no one had confirmed that I was ready.
When I moved to CNN, she gave my wife Valerie and me her blessings. We stayed in touch. And, when I became Vice President of CNN News Features Programming, the only person I called to tell was Edie...She said simply, “Now sign on with Dr. Frick and Frack because you’re going to need it,” that was her way of saying, stay on track and stay grounded.
We love you Edie. You left us all with a wealth of good stories to tell about your endearing legacy.NewsJReview.
NBC10.com
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Nelson Mandela Remembered at 90
Nelson Mandela’s legacy should include his fight for a free press.
Because of apartheid he saw first hand, in the twentieth century, the perils that result when the voice of every person is silenced and only ideology speaks.
In a speech to the international press Mr. Mandela was emphatic about the role of media and the global fight for freedom’s cause:
"You also lent your voices to those of thousands of our compatriots demanding freedom of expression. South African writers, artists and journalists, who incurred the wrath of the South African government for daring to use their skills against tyranny, have invariably won your support.
The South African media, journalists and publishers alike, will remain in your debt for that sustenance."
Their response is proof that the story of a people is a powerful weapon against injustice. Today as results of Mr. Mandela’s insistence, many more stories are being told and each time the voice of people is shared the world prospers.
Happy Birthday Madiba!
NewsJReview
Because of apartheid he saw first hand, in the twentieth century, the perils that result when the voice of every person is silenced and only ideology speaks.
In a speech to the international press Mr. Mandela was emphatic about the role of media and the global fight for freedom’s cause:
"You also lent your voices to those of thousands of our compatriots demanding freedom of expression. South African writers, artists and journalists, who incurred the wrath of the South African government for daring to use their skills against tyranny, have invariably won your support.
The South African media, journalists and publishers alike, will remain in your debt for that sustenance."
Their response is proof that the story of a people is a powerful weapon against injustice. Today as results of Mr. Mandela’s insistence, many more stories are being told and each time the voice of people is shared the world prospers.
Happy Birthday Madiba!
NewsJReview
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Deft Maneuvering Places Silver Lining In FISA
Speaker Nancy Pelosi allowed the public in on some of the fine print in the FISA bill. This time the devil is not in the details, and there is actually a silver lining in some of the clouds, dusted up by the current administration, that threaten havoc on the Bill of Rights—especially the fourth amendment.
It reads: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.”
Speaking to a gathering of Netroots-Nation Conferees that aired on C-SPAN, Saturday night, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, in answering a question on how to increase accountability of the Bush administration, said “In the legislation for the first time there is a reporting to the judiciary committee and the intelligence committee. This is revolutionary. And of course we have the Inspector General, which was greatly resisted—which is in the Bill to hold them accountable as well.”
Madam Speaker relayed the idea to not have any President undo or infringe upon our rights.
So, the news to us is there are indeed some clear thinkers in Washington that continue to fight, because they know well power relinquishes nothing without struggle, planning and strategy.
NewsJReview
It reads: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.”
Speaking to a gathering of Netroots-Nation Conferees that aired on C-SPAN, Saturday night, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, in answering a question on how to increase accountability of the Bush administration, said “In the legislation for the first time there is a reporting to the judiciary committee and the intelligence committee. This is revolutionary. And of course we have the Inspector General, which was greatly resisted—which is in the Bill to hold them accountable as well.”
Madam Speaker relayed the idea to not have any President undo or infringe upon our rights.
So, the news to us is there are indeed some clear thinkers in Washington that continue to fight, because they know well power relinquishes nothing without struggle, planning and strategy.
NewsJReview
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Bill of Rights Under Attack
I open this talk, by refering to the first paragraph of an tribute I wrote to Tim Russert. It applies.
"My many years of appointment viewing of Meet The Press tells me that Tim Russert was a man who, among other things, would say to his staff do your job. Find the good information, check, double and triple check the facts for accuracy, gather views con and pro and report it to the public, then let the chips falls where they may. That to me is what journalism is all about."
There is no time better than now for reporters to do their jobs and report not just today but for days to come the real news.
The real news is there are dangerous and lethal attacks occurring, at this writing, on the Bill of Rights of the people of the United States.
The latest salvos have suspended Habeas Corpus and have allowed for wiretaps without warrants.
The assumption is that those in power know what they are doing and they are acting for the good of the nation. The thought is, when the threat is over, say “terrorism,” Habeas Corpus will be restored and the illegal wiretaps will cease.
I am reminded that power relinquishes nothing without struggle.
It is the job of the free press to remind us and to tell us what is truly happening; why the assault on the fourth amendment and others are underway. Why now; why this amendment which reads:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.”
The founding writers of the Constitution experienced the tyranny of the then Government, the Monarchy of England, to search their homes and belongings to bring charges against them; especially in cases dealing with customs laws.
These writers knew then what they needed to rely upon and what we journalists need to recapture now; our good judgments, a belief in our own eyes, ears and experience; observations of the willful eroding of the Bill of Rights.
Finally, certain founding writers had the good sense to realize that such assaults on the people would happen without checks on our very own Government. The Ninth Amendment to the Constitution was established.
At a critical time when arguably the life of the individual citizen is under scrutiny for being different, authentic or original James Madison’s writing on why America needed a ninth amendment is extremely important."
Especially when you consider the activity in the United States Senate in 2008. They dismantled the fourth amendment. The reasons, accessible technology, which encryption could handle and terrorism, which diplomacy on many accounts appear the key to resolving issues.
The ninth amendment leaves open in my mind God’s intention for the individual’s right to a life he or she chooses to live freely in peace and unencumbered. The ninth amendment found in the United States Constitution clearly states:The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Madison, who authored the ninth amendment, argued the fallacy in man’s thinking that he could simply list all the innate/inherited rights of a human being. That fete is well beyond our reach. How do you begin to reflect on the enormity of “free will” or “inalienable rights” birthed in the souls of man by the Creator?
I came across this quote by Madison as he moved to have the ninth amendment adopted to insure that the list he and others attempted in the Bill of Rights had breath and depth beyond the stated, and most importantly could not be suspended:''It has been objected also against a bill of rights, that, by enumerating particular exceptions to the grant of power, it would disparage those rights which were not placed in that enumeration; and it might follow by implication, that those rights which were not singled out, were intended to be assigned into the hands of the General Government, and were consequently insecure. This is one of the most plausible arguments I have ever heard against the admission of a bill of rights into this system; but I conceive, that it may be guarded against. I have attempted it, as gentlemen may see by turning to the last clause of the fourth resolution.''
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Madison is clear in his assessments that Government needed to have an impenetrable barrier that protected the rights of citizens, a barrier that would serve to thwart attempts to curb and to limit the true rights, realized and unrealized, of individuals. He was equally clear that the ninth amendment is an important safeguard and today more than ever it is vital that this framer’s intentions and courageous attempts to insure the rights of citizens are strongly protected are emphatically asserted.
It is not about leaving it up to the reader/consumer/viewer to determine whether the "reporter" is making the information up. Journalism is not a game, so stop playing at news and do the job. Mr. Russert did show us that getting at the truth could invoke intrigue and drama, although it need not be manufactured (hype). This is indeed a critical time for serious critique.
NewsJReview
"My many years of appointment viewing of Meet The Press tells me that Tim Russert was a man who, among other things, would say to his staff do your job. Find the good information, check, double and triple check the facts for accuracy, gather views con and pro and report it to the public, then let the chips falls where they may. That to me is what journalism is all about."
There is no time better than now for reporters to do their jobs and report not just today but for days to come the real news.
The real news is there are dangerous and lethal attacks occurring, at this writing, on the Bill of Rights of the people of the United States.
The latest salvos have suspended Habeas Corpus and have allowed for wiretaps without warrants.
The assumption is that those in power know what they are doing and they are acting for the good of the nation. The thought is, when the threat is over, say “terrorism,” Habeas Corpus will be restored and the illegal wiretaps will cease.
I am reminded that power relinquishes nothing without struggle.
It is the job of the free press to remind us and to tell us what is truly happening; why the assault on the fourth amendment and others are underway. Why now; why this amendment which reads:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.”
The founding writers of the Constitution experienced the tyranny of the then Government, the Monarchy of England, to search their homes and belongings to bring charges against them; especially in cases dealing with customs laws.
These writers knew then what they needed to rely upon and what we journalists need to recapture now; our good judgments, a belief in our own eyes, ears and experience; observations of the willful eroding of the Bill of Rights.
Finally, certain founding writers had the good sense to realize that such assaults on the people would happen without checks on our very own Government. The Ninth Amendment to the Constitution was established.
At a critical time when arguably the life of the individual citizen is under scrutiny for being different, authentic or original James Madison’s writing on why America needed a ninth amendment is extremely important."
Especially when you consider the activity in the United States Senate in 2008. They dismantled the fourth amendment. The reasons, accessible technology, which encryption could handle and terrorism, which diplomacy on many accounts appear the key to resolving issues.
The ninth amendment leaves open in my mind God’s intention for the individual’s right to a life he or she chooses to live freely in peace and unencumbered. The ninth amendment found in the United States Constitution clearly states:The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Madison, who authored the ninth amendment, argued the fallacy in man’s thinking that he could simply list all the innate/inherited rights of a human being. That fete is well beyond our reach. How do you begin to reflect on the enormity of “free will” or “inalienable rights” birthed in the souls of man by the Creator?
I came across this quote by Madison as he moved to have the ninth amendment adopted to insure that the list he and others attempted in the Bill of Rights had breath and depth beyond the stated, and most importantly could not be suspended:''It has been objected also against a bill of rights, that, by enumerating particular exceptions to the grant of power, it would disparage those rights which were not placed in that enumeration; and it might follow by implication, that those rights which were not singled out, were intended to be assigned into the hands of the General Government, and were consequently insecure. This is one of the most plausible arguments I have ever heard against the admission of a bill of rights into this system; but I conceive, that it may be guarded against. I have attempted it, as gentlemen may see by turning to the last clause of the fourth resolution.''
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Madison is clear in his assessments that Government needed to have an impenetrable barrier that protected the rights of citizens, a barrier that would serve to thwart attempts to curb and to limit the true rights, realized and unrealized, of individuals. He was equally clear that the ninth amendment is an important safeguard and today more than ever it is vital that this framer’s intentions and courageous attempts to insure the rights of citizens are strongly protected are emphatically asserted.
It is not about leaving it up to the reader/consumer/viewer to determine whether the "reporter" is making the information up. Journalism is not a game, so stop playing at news and do the job. Mr. Russert did show us that getting at the truth could invoke intrigue and drama, although it need not be manufactured (hype). This is indeed a critical time for serious critique.
NewsJReview
Monday, June 16, 2008
Journalists Do Your Job
My many years of appointment viewing of Meet The Press tells me that Tim Russert was a man who, among other things, would say to his staff do your job. Find the good information, check, double and triple check the facts for accuracy, gather views con and pro and report it to the public, then let the chips falls where they may. That to me is what journalism is all about. It is not about leaving it up to the consumer/viewer to determine whether the "reporter" is making the information up. Journalism is not a game, so stop playing at news and do the job. Mr. Russert did show us that getting at the truth can invoke intrigue and drama, although it need not be manufactured (hype). In our farewell to Mr. Russert, we may reflect on his considerable body of work as a journalist, bureau chief, reporter and moderator, and know that he indeed understood his job and he did it well.
NewsJReview
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Passing of Tim Russert
Tim Russert was the only mighty oak in the forest of Television news broadcasters today.
He leaves us at a critical juncture when television news has become splintered along political party affiliations and quite messy.
Mr. Russert practiced journalism. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to get it right.
I will miss his refreshing and stoic approach. I will miss his grace, honesty and integrity.
While listening to the tribute paid to him on MSNBC I heard the General say yes he will be missed and that the country is replete with good journalists who will continue to seek and report the stories Americans need to know. General Colin Powell is correct. I believe the brass of the news industry will have to make a commitment to do so and not just follow the current trend and do only what sells in the market place.
I believe Mr. Russert would not want Meet The Press, which he loved to moderate, to be dumb down or eliminated as a result of his absence. It will take much thought and genuine effort to find that particular voice of passionate, inquisitive reason to continue the journalism legacy of Mr. Russert and to keep us all well informed...
I also believe that would be a tribute to Mr. Russert.
NewsJReview
He leaves us at a critical juncture when television news has become splintered along political party affiliations and quite messy.
Mr. Russert practiced journalism. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to get it right.
I will miss his refreshing and stoic approach. I will miss his grace, honesty and integrity.
While listening to the tribute paid to him on MSNBC I heard the General say yes he will be missed and that the country is replete with good journalists who will continue to seek and report the stories Americans need to know. General Colin Powell is correct. I believe the brass of the news industry will have to make a commitment to do so and not just follow the current trend and do only what sells in the market place.
I believe Mr. Russert would not want Meet The Press, which he loved to moderate, to be dumb down or eliminated as a result of his absence. It will take much thought and genuine effort to find that particular voice of passionate, inquisitive reason to continue the journalism legacy of Mr. Russert and to keep us all well informed...
I also believe that would be a tribute to Mr. Russert.
NewsJReview
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Yours Is A Story To Tell
Dog days of summer lived up to its reputation in Atlanta when temperatures tipped the 100 degree scale; registering 101, 103 and 106 degrees day after day, forcing the curtailing of watering yards and gardens. The hardy jogging and biking communities cut their activities. One activity the heat did not present an obstacle was the 50th anniversary celebration of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the opening of its new Sweet Auburn headquarters building. SCLC was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I had a front row seat for the August 6 celebration which started where civil rights history was born. There I was, sitting in the speakers row of neatly lined folding chairs on the front lawn, facing the front porch of the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King family members, including matriarch Mrs. Christine King Farris and others were sitting on the porch of the Sweet Auburn Victorian style home just to the right of a podium facing out into the yard.
Auburn Avenue slowly filled to capacity with celebrants of all ages and persuasions. A high school drum line on an occasion would tap out a symphonic jazzy beat that the late great percussionist Max Roach would be proud. Freedom singers would strike the courageous cords of song notes and echo poetic harmony bringing to life the real and still so unimaginable history of the hot heat of indifference that the SCLC and its disciples faced in thwarting legal oppression, ungodly attitudes and bondage of the “beloved community.”
I had a front row seat. Then it was my turn to speak from the family porch; to speak a small truth about an incredibly rich and enduring history concerning a band of brothers and sisters whose vary light awakens, energizes and excites non-violent freedom loving people throughout the world.
My message: Yours Is A Story to Tell.
NewsJReview
I had a front row seat for the August 6 celebration which started where civil rights history was born. There I was, sitting in the speakers row of neatly lined folding chairs on the front lawn, facing the front porch of the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King family members, including matriarch Mrs. Christine King Farris and others were sitting on the porch of the Sweet Auburn Victorian style home just to the right of a podium facing out into the yard.
Auburn Avenue slowly filled to capacity with celebrants of all ages and persuasions. A high school drum line on an occasion would tap out a symphonic jazzy beat that the late great percussionist Max Roach would be proud. Freedom singers would strike the courageous cords of song notes and echo poetic harmony bringing to life the real and still so unimaginable history of the hot heat of indifference that the SCLC and its disciples faced in thwarting legal oppression, ungodly attitudes and bondage of the “beloved community.”
I had a front row seat. Then it was my turn to speak from the family porch; to speak a small truth about an incredibly rich and enduring history concerning a band of brothers and sisters whose vary light awakens, energizes and excites non-violent freedom loving people throughout the world.
My message: Yours Is A Story to Tell.
NewsJReview
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