Sizing Up The South

Enjoy your subscription for daily news sent to you in a well-organized newsletter. Our team of journalists is always ready to provide you the fastest updates on current events.

What Does A Journalist Do?

Our

Services

Researchers

A research team focuses on the accuracy and detail in all reports.

Broadcast Reporters

Our broadcast reporters are always available to reach the site of the event and cover the scene.

Presenters

A team of professional and highly experienced presenters will ensure professionalism at work.

About Us

What We Do

We are a news media house that brings the fastest news in the South directly to you. Get your subscription and stay updated with the new trends around you.

Why Career Options

With The Print Media

Reporter

Become a reporter to cover local events.

Feature Writer

Research for new and creative things for reports.

Leader Writer

Manage the team of writers to develop accurate news.

Proof Reader

Analyze the reports and edit them for accuracy.

Editor

Play an important role overlooking the media house.

Photo Journalist

Capture the scene of the event for reports and media.

REPORTER

0 %

WRITER

SOCILA MEDIA

0 +

EDITOR

Our

Tesimonial

A highly informative news platform that works to provide completely clean information.

I have been a member for over a year, and I wanted to appreciate the entire team for their hard work.

It has been a great journey to learn about the roles of a journalist during my career training program.

Characteristics Of A Journalist

Find out what it takes to become the fourth pillar of democracy. Learn about the career options in journalism and more.

Latest Update

From Our Blog

How the future of banking looks like

June 24, 2021

It’s a known fact that banking is not what it used to be. The financial field is going through big changes, almost by the year, and some people have even projected that banking won’t exist at a certain point.

New technology is bringing in the future of banking, and it’s happening faster than we know.

Globalization

Banks around the world are being challenged by global actors’ increasing presence. Payments across country borders are continuing to rise, bank services are becoming limitless, and global actors are elbowing their way into new markets with tremendous force. Global bank and financial actors are now mobilizing for increased customer participation in self-made ecosystems, through open banking and new digital currencies.

Who can provide the most value?

One of the central questions is, should one go to war about the customer base? Will banks be able to win this fight – or more importantly: should they? How will new digital currencies transform the payment infrastructure? It’s becoming increasingly important to understand the future banking customer, and the winner will be the one who can solve their customers’ problems in the most effective way.

With this in mind, it may just be that banks should rather explore how they may make use of local forces and provide increased local value, instead of exclusively thinking about scale.

Adopting the “best practices”

Staying up to date on the “best practices” is a big part of staying ahead of the game in the financial industry.

Modern banks are becoming increasingly good at tailoring their services to their customers’ needs. Some ways they do this is through making banking services available online and on the phone, taking care of individuals’ mutual funds, and letting several people go together to take up loans.

For example, enabling customers to apply for loans with a co-applicant or guarantor, especially for consumer loans, is beneficial both for the banks as they get more security, and for the customer, as they will get cheaper loans (more info about applying with a co-applicant or guarantor: https://lanfordeg.no/forbrukslan/forbrukslan-med-kausjonist-medsoker/ (Norwegian).

These types of win-win situations for both banks and customers is what we especially believe banks will need to create more of when we look into the future of banking.

The time when only the bank “won” is we believe is over, and now both parties have to be happy because the customer simply has so many options.

So to summarize, the banks that can provide the most value for their customers and implement programs that are beneficial for both parties, are in our view the ones that will stand the test of time in the future.

Why health magazines in Norway are experiencing a boom

May 17, 2021

It is now May 2021, and the coronavirus has been raging for over 2 years. The virus is impacting our lives in countless ways, for better and for worse. It reduces the amount of contact we can have with family, friends, and acquaintances, it has forced the government to prohibit certain services like restaurants and cinemas at times, and it has made it much harder to travel.

But covid is also contributing to – if we can say it that way – GOOD things happening. For example, people are getting better and better at washing their hands, covering their coughs and sneezes with their elbows, and keeping up a higher level of hygiene than before. It’s clear that these behaviours will reduce the risk of spreading covid, but what’s fascinating is that they have also reduced the number of people getting infected with any kind of disease like cold or flu.

This increased focus that people have on health is seen clearly in the number of health magazines that are being sold. Health magazines in Norway are experiencing a boom; they are selling in droves, and Norwegians now seem obsessed to get their hands on the newest edition of their favourite magazines. This behaviour was only seen in magazine fanatics in the past, but now the common man and woman have also joined the wave.

Daniel Dyrstad, CEO of Nor Klinikken Sandnes in Sandnes, Norway is hearing much more talk about health in his chiropractor clinic Kiropraktor Sandnes than in the past. His employees are constantly mentioning the interesting topics their customers are sharing, about how they’ve just bought this incredible health magazine which has helped them shine a new light on the value of meditation, relaxation and being in nature.

In a word, the emphasis that people place on health has skyrocketed during the corona epidemic. Staying healthy and learning more about it has become one of the most important things that people spend their time on, and they do it to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill with corona.

People are, to say the least, crazy about health to make it less likely that they will catch covid or, if they do catch it, they will be up for the task to handle it. They are exercising a lot, eating healthy foods, and washing properly each day to stay clean. Multivitamin supplements that help boost immunity are also increasing in sales, and many of them are recommended in health magazines. Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, and “forest baths” (walks out in nature) are also rampant these days.

Some Very Important Journalism Ethics

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021

In today’s society, journalism ethics is definitely one of the most important things that you need to keep in mind, especially if you are in the journalism industry. They are very important, and they can have a huge impact on society. The society is obviously comprised of billions of people and, journalism is something that brings about a lot of awareness in the society.

It has an impact and, it can easily change things from negative to positive.
You should use your journalism powers in a responsible manner. That is why it is crucial that you do your job properly when it comes to reporting on important events. You need to make sure that you are accurate.

Ethical journalism is something that makes it very important to gather very accurate information, and, in a lot of cases, there are some corrupt journalists who trade in a lot of fake news for a decent amount of money. This is something that would hurt the society and something that you should definitely avoid.

In a world where social media has been dominating the interests and the news centre of a lot of people, as a journalist, you need to make sure that your content is made of good quality research. Ethical journalism is something that always strives to ensure the proper exchange of information. You need to see that the information exchanged is fair and accurate. The information must hold its own in a conversation. A journalist who is respected and who is ethical would never act in correct manners, and he or she would never take bribes, to report fake news.

Below, I have listed out some journalism ethics. Keep them in mind.

1. You should always seek out the truth, and you should report whatever you have found. Ethical journalism must always be fair and accurate. The ones who are reporting the information must always be courageous and honest. They should never bend information because of fear or to fulfil a personal agenda. You should report and interpret data, and you should make sure that the information is 100% accurate and genuine.

2. You must also make sure you do everything you can to minimise any harm that may come about for certain people. Ethical journalism will always report whatever it has found. The members of the public always deserve to know what is really going on in the world and, a lot of people will pay a lot of money to make sure that it is kept under wraps. We should not pay heed to such bribes.

3. Make sure you do everything you can to be transparent and accountable. Ethical journalism is something that makes sure that you take responsibility for your work.

AP Mays & Seminole Ridge win High School Newsroom Grants from SPJ Florida

September 23, 2020April 10, 2021

In its second year, the SPJ Florida board is awarding two grants to two high school newsrooms, Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts in Miami and Seminole Ridge Community High School in Loxahatchee, Florida. (Above: members of the APMaysMedia.com)

From SPJ Florida

Both Arthur & Polly Mays and Seminole Ridge newsrooms will receive $500 and will report back to SPJ Florida by the end of the school year on how grant helped them with their student journalism.

“We received double the number of applications in our second year of offering the High School Newsroom Grant, and the scholarship committee had the difficult task of choosing just two schools,” said SPJ Florida President Christiana Lilly.

The first grant will be awarded to AP Mays, a magnet school with a focus on the arts. Dr. Devin Marsh, the adviser for APMaysMedia.com, wrote in his application about how there is just one DSLR camera for all students from sixth to 12th grade to use for projects.

“… My underprivileged students cherish any of the equipment they can use from the program.” – Dr. Devin Marsh
“We are a Title 1 school, so my underprivileged students cherish any of the equipment they can use from the program,” wrote Marsh, a two-time FSPA Teacher of the Year winner (Florida Scholastic Press Association).

“Adding another camera would allow more students the opportunity to create the visions they are creating in their minds and afford them the chance to get one step closer to becoming professionals in the video world,” he said.

The second grant will be awarded to Seminole Ridge Community High’s newsroom, which according to their student adviser is starting from scratch after years of neglect.

“It is a vicious cycle as the lack of funds don’t allow for any way to grow the program for site.” – Eric Jourgensen
“The newspaper program at the school seems to have long become an afterthought. What was once a class is now only a club with only two to three staff members,” Adviser Eric Jourgensen, wrote in the application. “It is a vicious spiral as the lack of funds don’t allow for any way to grow the program or site which then leads to poor visitation of the site which means no advertising.”

Jourgensen wrote that with the money, he hopes to “get our newspaper re-established as a program that the students, school, and community can once again be proud of.”

SPJ Florida has offered scholarships for college students for years, including the newer Molly Turner College Scholarship for women in broadcast, and added its High School Newsroom Grant in 2018 to help at-need high school programs. The chapter believes that early exposure and support of journalism leads to a strong foundation in news reporting and the First Amendment.

“AP Mays and Seminole Ridge are just two stories of how high school journalism programs in our state are in a great need,” said Lilly. “Our board wants to help as much as we can, and we hope these grants can help give them a leg up. We look forward to seeing what these students are able to accomplish this semester.”

Posted in SPJ Florida and tagged APMaysMedia.com, Christiana Lilly, Dr Devin Marsh, Eric Jourgensen, First Amendment, Florida Scholastic Press Association, FSPA, FSPA Teacher of the Year, High School Journalism, High School Newsroom Grants, high school newsrooms, Molly Turner College Scholarship, Seminole Ridge Community High School, SPJ Florida. Bookmark the permalink.

NC Reporter Creates Site So Journalists Can Access Editorial Photos At No Cost

September 23, 2020April 10, 2021

Editor’s Note: SizingUpTheSouth.com and Jaymie Baxley have received an overwhelming critical response about the Q&A about Jaymie Baxley’s free photo collection. We received hundreds of comments on our website and social media platforms, especially from professional photojournalists. While SizingUpTheSouth.com still stands by reporting on what Jaymie Baxley was trying to implement, he has asked to inform our readers that he has reconsidered his free photo collection project and has taken it down on his site. In the meantime, SizingUpTheSouth will be talking to various photojournalists next week to hear their point of view about the state of photojournalism in this country and why they were so alarmed about Baxley’s effort to provide free photos. Watch for an article about our discussion with photojournalists.

By Tori Collins | Reporter, Intern | SizingUpTheSouth.com

Jaymie Baxley

One journalist is trying to give back to the print and online newspaper industry. And it won’t cost journalists a dime.

As recent as April 2019, Jaymie Baxley, a reporter and multimedia journalist from The Pilot newspaper in South Pines, North Carolina, has designed a platform for journalists to access editorial photos, free of charge.

Considering that many newsrooms don’t have the option of hiring a photojournalist, and there is difficulty accessing non-copyrighted photos on the internet, Baxley sees a need to offer editorial photos to journalists, and with the understanding that no one receives compensation in return.

Baxley’s free editorial photos database was recently announced on his Facebook page, and he said other journalists have been sharing the link to his platform at https://jaymiebaxley.com/editorial-photographs/

But he also said he hopes that other journalists will also contribute to the database so other journalists and newsrooms can also benefit from the free editorial photos.

Jaymie Baxley explains to SizingUpTheSouth.com:

SizngUpTheSouth: How can journalists interested in utilizing the editorial photos access your website and submit photos to use be used by other journalists and newsrooms?

Jaymie Baxley: For the access and what’s available now, they [journalists] would simply go to https://jaymiebaxley.com/reporter-resources/ That’s the landing page for this project, which includes other resources I’ve wrangled for working journalists in North Carolina. [Next, click on the hyperlink “Editorial Photographs” at the bottom of the paragraph on the landing page.]

If someone wants to pitch in and donate their photos, they should email JaymieBaxleyNC@gmail.com. If there’s an interest in building a separate site — one without my name on it — [it] will be created to house the contributed content.

At that point, there will likely be a free registration process for journalists who wish to download the photographs, most as a measure to ensure the content is being used by the appropriate people for the intended use. The whole idea is to help fellow journalists in small newsrooms where reporters are increasingly tasked with finding images to accompany their own articles.

Eventually journalists might need to register for the photo service.
There will be some kind of safeguard in place to discourage non-journalists from using the photographs for commercial or personal purposes. Contributors will be registered differently, and they will have the ability to independently upload an categorize their own images and add cutline suggestions.

SUS: What will be the image resolution for the collection of photos?

Baxley: A minimum of 72 dpi seems reasonable for submissions. Larger resolutions are great, but it seems inappropriate to impose standards on contributors who are donating their work.

Many journalists who work in the smaller newspaper market have limited access to professional cameras from their newsroom. Many journalists may have to share a SLR. NicePik photo
SUS: What has been your personal experience with trying to access photos for assignments?

Baxley: Before joining The Pilot, I was one of four reporters; there was not a photojournalist; there was one camera. You had to share a camera and there was no access to any photos because that would take more money, and the publisher of that paper wasn’t willing to split the bill for that, so it was left up to the reporters to figure it out.

SUS: Where did you see a need for the editorial photos to be accessible to other fellow journalist?

Baxley: I know a lot of reporters, especially in rural communities, [that] are expected to find images to accompany their articles. So these reporters, they work in newsrooms where they can’t afford to hire a photojournalist, they can’t afford to subscribe to a photography service, so they kind of have to figure that out on their own.

Another thing I’ve noticed with small newspapers … is sharing articles on social media with images that were clearly yanked from Google Images, [maybe] without the photographer’s permission. And I do think that puts newspapers at risk of being accused of theft — you know, I do think that there is a liability there. Of course there are options for Google free images, but when you’re reporting on something specific, something specific to the state, then I don’t think you have as many options.

SUS: Can individuals outside the journalism profession utilize the editorial photos?

Baxley: No, I’m not cool with that. I should point out that I know it’s really hard to enforce, but if I discover any of that [people outside the journalism profession utilizing the editorial photos], I would politely ask that the images be removed. My goal is to help fellow journalists.

SUS: Are college students studying journalism encouraged to use the editorial photos, to perhaps accompany assignments for college media?

Baxley: Absolutely, that is a great idea. I would include them [student journalists writing for college media] in that group of professional journalists. My student newspaper was filled with clip art and it just didn’t look presentable, so I think maybe this could contribute to that [less clip art].

Student newsrooms may also benefit from this free photo collection service. Wiki photo
SUS: Will you receive compensation from any journalist serving outside of North Carolina, who may be interested in using the editorial photos?

Baxley: No, I really don’t want to do that [receive compensation from journalists serving outside of North Carolina]. I just want it to be free. I think it’s important to keep it free because then anyone [journalist] can access it.

SUS: Can other professional journalists and people working outside of the journalism profession submit their personal editorial photos to be used by other journalists?

Baxley: I actually haven’t put a call out for submission yet, so everything you see there [the editorial photos], it’s all the stuff I’ve taken. I hope to eventually select photographs from other reporters. It also would be good if people [not working in the journalism profession] are willing to submit their images, as long as they understand they will not be compensated for them. I would be ecstatic about that.

“I came up with the idea sometime last year, and I had been considering various ways to execute it, but finally I was like well I have a website. So I dedicated a section of my website to this idea.“

Jaymie Baxley, reporter and multimedia journalist at The Pilot newspaper, NC
SUS: How did you create the collection of Editorial Photos, N.C Datasets and the Reporters Rolodex?

Baxley: I came up with the idea sometime last year, and I had been considering various ways to execute it, but finally I was like well I have a website. So I dedicated a section of my website to this idea. You’ll also notice that in addition to the editorial photographs there is also a collection of data sets [listed on the website as N.C Datasets] that I thought might be helpful for reporters looking for statistics to complete an enterprise project. There is also a directory of sources [listed as Reporter’s Rolodex] that I thought would be very useful to journalists across the state, they’re all sources that are experts on a whole variety of subjects.

Collecting the data sets and the sources were sort of easy, but the editorials [photos] were kind of tricky because some of them were taken from newspapers when I worked there in the past. So I had to make sure that I secured ownership of those images to the news organization before making them freely available.

SUS: Have you received any feedback about the editorial photos from fellow journalists?

Baxley: I announced it [the editorial photo collection] on my Facebook and immediately a lot of colleagues who work in other newsrooms begin praising the idea, also sharing the link to it [editorial photo collection]. I think they certainly appreciated the need for it. I think reporters have had this problem before, where they know they’ve got an article, and they know it’s not going to get any traction unless there is some imagery attached, but they don’t have many options for art.

SUS: Where do you see the editorial photos in 2-5 years from now?

Baxley: I hope at that point (2-5 years from now) it would have gained a reputation of a credible resource that journalist could use, and people are actively contributing to it. I want it to be helpful that’s the main thing, I want it to be a good resource.

For more information about the free editorial photos site, contact Jaymie Baxley at JaymieBaxleyNC@gmail.com.

Throughout Baxley’s time at The Pilot, he said he reports on local news stories, breaking news assignments, and dives deeply into investigative enterprise projects. He also produces online multimedia content for the newspaper. His efforts, along with other The Pilot journalists, has given recognition from the National Newspaper Association and named the best U.S. community newspaper for the past three years.

Along with his duties at The Pilot, Baxley served several local publications throughout North Carolina as a reporter and as an editor. He covered pop culture news, small business news, news concerning higher education, municipal government and rural communities that suffer from extreme poverty conditions.

Jaymie Baxley works for The Pilot newspaper in North Carolina. Supplied photo
In addition to Baxley’s work for print journalism, he also holds experience in multimedia journalism. Since 2014, Baxley has won nearly ten awards and has been recognized by North Carolina Press Association. for his photos. His work has also appeared in national art publications such as ArtSlant, Prefix Institute of Contemporary Art and American Songwriter.

Part of his ability to keep a community informed is leading him to reach for a leadership position for journalists and journalism through the Society of Professional Journalists. In August 2019, Baxley said he plans to continue serving North Carolina by restarting the SPJ North Carolina chapter.

Sharon Dunten, executive editor, contributed to this article.

Tori Collins
Tori Collins is a student at Georgia State University studying journalism. She transferred from Georgia Southern University in May 2019. Ga. ToriCollinsus@gmail.com

© 2016 – 2019 SizingUpTheSouth.com All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or parts of content of this news site requires permission from SizingUpTheSouth.co. Contact the editor at editor@sizingupthesouth.com.

SizingUpTheSouth.com is a nonprofit news organization based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Dunten Media Services LLC produces and publishes SizingUpTheSouth.com.

Posted in Innovation, Photos and tagged cameras, copyright, Editorial photos, free photos, Jaymie Baxley, journalism, journalist, journalists, Newsrooms, North Carolina, photography, small newspapers, student newsrooms, The Pilot. Bookmark the permalink.

SPJ Region 3 Mark of Excellence Award winners announced to move on to National competition

September 19, 2020April 10, 2021

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes the best collegiate journalism in Region 3 with 2017 Mark of Excellence Awards (MOE) winners.

SPJ’s Region 3 comprises Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Honorees received award certificates the weekend of March 24 at the SPJ Region 3 Spring Conference & Freelance Blitz at the College of Charleston.

First-place winners will compete at the national level among other regional MOE winners from the 12 SPJ regions. National winners will be notified in the late spring and will be recognized at the Excellence in Journalism conference in Baltimore.

MOE Awards entries are judged by professionals with at least three years of journalism experience. Judges were directed to choose entries they felt were among the best in student journalism. If no entry rose to the level of excellence, no award was given. Any category not listed has no winner.

School divisions are based on student enrollment, including both graduate and undergraduate: Large schools have at least 10,000 students and small schools have 9,999 or fewer students.

The list below details all Region 3 winners. If you have any questions regarding the MOE Awards, contact Sharon Dunten, Assistant Regional Director, SPJ Region 3 at sdunten.spjregion3@gmail.com or call (317) 410-7217.

This list reflects the spelling and titles submitted in the award entries.

NEWSPAPERS

Breaking News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students

Winner: “Protesters take a stand, outnumber Spencer supporters” – by Ian Cohen, Romy Ellenbogen, David Hoffman and Jimena Tavel, University of Florida

Finalist: Fraudulent agency scams SPC – by Alex Klugerman and Richard Chess, Emory University
Finalist: SGA elections board resigns – by Will Jones, University of Alabama

Breaking News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: University and FarmHouse reach agreement after public backlash to insensitive video – by Sable Riley, Troy University

Finalist: Update on fraternity house fire – by Hillary Taylor, University of North Alabama

General News Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students

Winner: Succession of scandals hits Auburn Athletics – by Chip Brownlee, Sam Willoughby and Will Sahlie, Auburn University

Finalist: Cell phones shed new light on police violence – by Camille Studebaker, University of Alabama
Finalist: Two drivers charged with rape, sodomy of student on university transit bus – by Chip Brownlee and Jessica Ballard, Auburn University

General News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Finalist: New policy affects student refund checks – by Harley Duncan, University of North Alabama

In-Depth Reporting (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: College costs: the CW explores the real price of your degree – by Shahriyar Emami, Will Baggett, Kirstin Carroll and Adam Dodson, University of Alabama

Feature Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Into the void – by Ethan Bauer, University of Florida

Finalist: Freshman’s climate change efforts go from local to national – by Nathalie Mairena, University of Miami
Finalist: Service dog gives mobility to student with visual impairment – by Annie Cappetta, University of Miami

Feature Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: Suffering in silence: Men and domestic violence – by Nadia Holloway, Florida A&M University
Finalist: Troy student wrestles with the pros – by Zach Henson, Troy University
Finalist: Uncovered secrets series – by Tyler Hargett, University of North Alabama

Sports Writing (Large) 10,000+ Students

Winner: Former Miami Dolphins wait and wonder about future health – by Ethan Bauer, University of Florida
Finalist: Best foot forward: UF kicker Eddy Pineiro using football to give his family a comfortable life – by Matthew Brannon, University of Florida
Finalist: Her decision – by Ethan Bauer, University of Florida

Sports Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students

Winner: Rampersad’s journey to Berry – by Haiden Widener, Berry College
Finalist: Women’s lacrosse excited for rule change – by Christopher Ferguson, Berry College
Finalist: Wallace adds honor to legacy – by Jacob Cole, University of North Alabama

Editorial Writing

Winner: Leath’s appointment warrants criticism; For the good of Auburn, Jay Jacobs should go; It’s time for voters to put an end to Moore’s antics – by Weston Sims, Chip Brownlee and The Auburn Plainsman Editorial Board, Auburn University

Finalist: Kneeling is not un-American; Doug Jones for US Senate; UA should have commencement speakers – by The Crimson White Editorial Board, University of Alabama
Finalist: First Amendment flaws in Viking code; Changes needed in chalk policy draft; Use your voice for good – by Campus Carrier and Viking Fusion Staffs, Berry College

General Column Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: DACA decision forced on Congress; Media favor sensation in catering to public interest; Is Christianity a religion or a culture? – by Pradyot Sharma, Troy University

Sports Column Writing

Winner: I get why Jim McElwain should go. But remember he’s human, too; Adversity is the most overused word in sports. Instead, let’s not cheapen it; Don’t make football a priority in times of crisis – by Ethan Bauer, University of Florida

Finalist: In the wake of Spencer controversy, it’s OK to take a break from sports; Nobody should just stick to sports; Take yourselves less seriously, sports teams – by Ian Cohen, University of Florida
Finalist: Earth is flat, obviously, you idiot; Dan Mullen just volunteered to go through hell; UF’s new uniforms are so cool they almost make me forget how bad the team is – by Matt Brannon, University of Florida

Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper
Winner: The Miami Hurricane – by The Staff of The Miami Hurricane, University of Miami
Finalist: The Auburn Plainsman – by Corey Williams, Chip Brownlee and The Auburn Plainsman Staff, Auburn University
Finalist: The Oracle – by The Staff of The Oracle, University of South Florida

MAGAZINES

Non-Fiction Magazine Article
Winner: Drag race – by Theo Willson and Marissa Vonesh, University of Miami
Finalist: Sea of dreams – by Matthew Wilson and Mary Katherine Carpenter, University of Alabama

Best Student Magazine

Winner: Distraction Magazine – by The Staff of Distraction Magazine, University of Miami
Finalist: SCAN Magazine – by The Staff of SCAN Magazine, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta

ART/GRAPHICS

Breaking News Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Hunter sets eyes on governing after SGA presidential win – by Jacob Arthur, University of Alabama
Finalist: ‘You need a heart’: Community protests Emory’s delay of kidney transplant – by Parth Mody, Emory University

Feature Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students

Winner: Words – by The Staff of Distraction Magazine, University of Miami
Feature Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: Finding home from Myanmar – by Katherine Lewin, Flagler College
Finalist: Better diabetes care available, yet few can afford it – by Jessie Rowan, Flagler College

Photo Illustration (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Sex stats – by Staff of Distraction Magazine, University of Miami
Finalist: Cadet Canes – by Sidney Sherman and Marissa Vonesh, University of Miami
Finalist: Cell phones shed new light on police violence – by Kylie Cowden and Jake Stevens, University of Alabama

Photo Illustration (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: Musician Maggie Schneider – by Christian Zubernis, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta

Sports Photography (Large) 10,000+ Students
Winner: Gators lose in Elite Eight – by Grace King, University of Florida
Finalist: Football cover – by Josh White and Marissa Vonesh, University of Miami
Finalist: FGCU men’s basketball versus Weber International’s Warriors – by Zack Rothman, Florida Gulf Coast University

Sports Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
Winner: Junior guard Wesley Person – by Joshua Thurston, Troy University
Finalist: Women’s tennis – by Valerie DeWandel, Berry College
Finalist: Women’s softball – by Bailey Albertson, Berry College

Editorial Cartooning
Winner: The Current State series: Liberty; Tweety; War games – by Richard Goodwin, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta

RADIO

Radio News Reporting
Winner: Irma aftermath – by Staff of WUFT-FM, University of Florida
Finalist: Richard Spencer speech & rally – by Staff of WUFT-FM, University of Florida
Finalist: Mayor of Midland City emerges after difficult election night – by Eriq Roberts, Troy University

Radio Feature

Winner: The high cost of sugar – by Miranda Fulmore, University of Alabama
Finalist: ALS doesn’t stop this artist – by Alexa Lorenzo, University of Florida

Radio In-Depth Reporting
Winner: When the lights go out, and stay out – by Luke Sullivan, University of Florida

Radio Sports Reporting
Winner: A Cuban woman who wants to box – by Caitie Switalski, University of Florida
Finalist: Family travels to Omaha – by Savanna Collins, University of Florida

Best All-Around Radio Newscast
Winner: October 19, 2017 Newscast – by Henry Coburn, Dolores Hinckley, University of Florida

TELEVISION

Television Breaking News Reporting
Winner: Pulse anniversary – by Ryan Roberts, Daniela Hurtado, University of Florida
Finalist: Gators drown out Richard Spencer – by Alexa Lorenzo, University of Florida
Finalist: Fire engulfs East Alabama Mill – by Brandon Etheredge, Auburn University

Television General News Reporting
Winner: 2017 hurricane season begins – by Grace King, University of Florida
Finalist: Santa Fe River flooding lingers – by Grace King, University of Florida

Television Feature Reporting
Winner: The chicken man – by Allen Devlin, University of South Carolina
Finalist: M.I.A. Mia – by Zoe Haugen, University of Florida
Finalist: Painting with a purpose – by Alexa Lorenzo, University of Florida

Television In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Lead in school water – by Daniela Hurtado and Danielle Frew, University of Florida
Finalist: Tale of two cities – by Brian Principe, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Peach crop loss – by Caitlin Mathias, University of South Carolina

Television Sports Reporting
Winner: D’Mauri Jones: Painting inspiration – by David Perez, University of Miami
Finalist: Palatka pride – by Savanna Collins, University of Florida
Finalist: Three coaches, three players, one city – by J.P. Hovey, University of South Carolina

Best All-Around Television Newscast
Winner: WUFT News – by Rachel Trent and The Staff of WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: WUFT News First at Five – by Aaron Abell and The Staff of WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: TROY TrojanVision News – by The Staff of TROY TrojanVision News, Troy University

ONLINE

Online News Reporting
Winner: Flooding leaves refugee family with moldy apartment – by Katherine Lewin, Flagler College
Finalist: Drawing lines: Debate over gerrymandering, political power comes to South Carolina – by Brodie Putz, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Flagler College jury scam: When technology is used for evil – by Katherine Hamilton, Flagler College

Online Feature Reporting
Winner: Two veterans, two wars – by Briana Erickson, University of Florida
Finalist: Artist Tyrone Geter: Searching for a universal language – by Taylor Halle, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Unpredictable weather, breaking buds part of S.C. winemaking life – by Michaela Wendell, University of South Carolina

Online In-Depth Reporting
Winner: Grade expectations – by Molly Donovan, University of Florida
Finalist: Energy burden – by Staff of WUFT.org, University of Florida
Finalist: ‘Feels like an earthquake’: Newberry neighborhood fears damage from limestone mine – by Nicole Dan, University of Florida

Online Sports Reporting
Winner: Vikings football playoffs – by Allie Pritchett, Bruno Rosa and Chris Ferguson, Berry College
Finalist: Beach volleyball player takes familial approach to competition – by Collyn Taylor, University of South Carolina
Finalist: Sara P’s Fast 5 – by Sara Palczewski, Auburn University

Online Opinion & Commentary
Winner: An open letter from a sick and tired Atlanta driver; The first lady is missing; What the new tax plan means for students – by Allison Bolt, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta
Finalist: Life is precious: My sister’s story; Why I’m happy to be financially independent; Logic brings powerful, important performance to the VMAs – by Jared Talbot, Flagler College

Best Affiliated Web Site
Winner: Alpine Living New Zealand – by Jonathan Norris, Taylor Armer, Kaylin Bowen and Hailey Grace Steele, University of Alabama
Finalist: Eagle Eye TV – by The Staff of Eagle Eye TV, Auburn University

Best Independent Online Student Publication
Winner: Flagler College Gargoyle – by The Staff of Flagler College Gargoyle, Flagler College
Finalist: The Connector – by The Staff of The Connector, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta
Finalist: Viking Fusion – by The Staff of Viking Fusion, Berry College

Best Use of Multimedia
Winner: Our Gainesville – by The Staff of WUFT News, University of Florida
Finalist: The 45th President – by The Staff of The Independent Florida Alligator, University of Florida
Finalist: Resilient – by Christopher Chase Edmunds, Taylor Armer, Cara Walker and Thomas Joa, University of Alabama

VIDEOGRAPHY

Broadcast News Videography
Winner: Troy Out of the Darkness Walk – by Lauren Harksen, Troy University

Online/Digital News Videography
Winner: Gainesville residents react to Thursday speech event on campus – by Ramsey Touchberry, University of Florida

Online/Digital Feature Videography
Winner: Beyond gender – by Andrea Cornejo, University of Florida
Finalist: Flagler student tears up the t-shirt business – by Gabrielle Garay, Flagler College

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member,give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

Posted in Awards and tagged Auburn University, Berry College, Emory University, Flagler College, Florida A&M University, Mark of Excellence Awards, Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta, SPJ Region 3, Troy University, University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of North Alabama, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida. Bookmark the permalink.

Is your Quill Magazine cover sexist?

September 18, 2020May 28, 2021

Mouth of the South nameplate
Koretzky mug 5
By Michael Koretzky, SPJ Region 3 Director

When I was first asked that question Saturday, I said, No, but it’s stupid.

The cover story in SPJ’s bimonthly magazine is about journalism training, and the cover photo is a lame stock image chosen by a lazy editor – who quit his job a few weeks ago and obviously didn’t give a damn.

Then I saw this…

Quill sexist mag cover
…and I thought, Sure, it sucks, but “not appropriate”?

Then SPJ member Marie Baca wrote this, in which she said…

I have a feeling that some of you think I am blowing this out of proportion, but I also have a feeling that some of you know that I’m not. Maybe some of you have had some of the same experiences that I’ve had in the journalism industry. You know, the ones that aren’t something worth filing a sexual harassment or discrimination lawsuit over, but the ones that very quietly tell you that you maybe you don’t deserve the same respect or opportunities as your older, whiter, male-r colleagues.

…and I thought, Damn, but does SPJ really look that bad?

Over the weekend, my fellow SPJ board members emailed (too) casually about this. Without asking us, SPJ posted this reply… LINK HERE to read the complete blog.

Read more comments from Michael Koretzky at his blog.

Koretzky mug 2Michael Koretzky is SPJ Region 3 Director and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists national board of directors. He is editor of Debt.com. To read more about Koretzky, link to koretzky.com.

Freelance Work Leads To Busy Career For Florida Journalist

August 11, 2020April 10, 2021

By Natalie Beckerink, SizingUpTheSouth reporter, Auburn University

Carol Brzozowski began her career as a news reporter in 1983 at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, then turned to freelance work in 1991.

“I had two reasons for switching to freelance,” Brzozowski said. “One was that I wanted to have a family, and being a news reporter was kind of the job where you’d just have to up and go. The second reason was that the opportunities for what I wanted to do were drying up, and I felt that I could do more on my own and so I made that move in 1991.”

When she worked as a reporter for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, a daily newspaper, she would have to drop everything and go depending on the situation, even when she was hosting a party, Brzozowski said.

“I remember when I was single and having parties, and the editor would call to say that the party was over,” she said. “We’d all have to go back to the office.”

Carol Brzozowski, freelance journalist and SPJ Florida member
Brzozowski knew it would be difficult to have a family working as a reporter, so switching to freelance helped a lot when she was raising her own two sons, she said.

“I knew it would be hard for me to have a family and do that job,” Brzozowski said. “I did raise two sons eventually as a single mother and raised them on a freelancer’s income.”

During Hurricane Irma in 2017, Carol Brzozowski, along with her dog, was set up in a pet-friendly shelter at the Everglades High School in Miramar, Fla. Supplied photo
Once she started freelance writing, Brzozowski covered environmental and educational issues. This began after writing a cold letter to the editor of Stormwater magazine about 17 years ago, she said.

“The interesting challenge about freelance writing, and this is what people find out when they go into it, is how you get assigned stories,” she said. “That letter led to writing for their five other sister publications which are all in the environmental sector.”

Stormwater is a part of the Forester Media Network, a media company that publishes resources for professionals in infrastructure, engineering and environmental fields. John Trotti, a former editor, met Brzozowski by chance about 15 years ago when she contacted him looking for work. She has been an amazing writer ever since, he said. Photo right: John Trotti

“ She became our primary freelance writer for all of our magazines,” said Trotti. “ She wrote for every one of them and had at least two assignments a month. She is a genuine skilled writer, knows the story and knows how to get it.”

Brzozowski has also written for Human Capital Media. Rick Bell, editorial director, started working with Brzozowski after one of her pitches piqued his interest. It was about the response of the city of Coral Springs’ human resources department in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting Feb. 14, 2018, he said.

Rick Bell
“She pitched me the story idea shortly after the shooting had happened and it was just one of those stories ideas where it’s just like ‘wow, that’s a really fascinating story,’” said Bell. “Carol is just a wonderful person. Very responsive, always very chatty and friendly. We always have great conversations going back and forth.”

Freelancing did come with its challenges, including always being on the look for work. Even during a hurricane, Brzozowski was still working on a piece in her shelter so she could complete it on time and get paid, she said.

“There’s no one way of doing it and it’s probably the most challenging part of the job because when you wake up in the morning, you know, unless you have interviews scheduled or writing to do, the marketing is so important.”

Carol Brzozowki

Brzozowki’s book, “Empty Nest, Single Parent: Moving the Needle Toward a Repurposed Life” was published in 2018.
“You never know when something is going to dry up or when someone is going to get consolidated or merged or acquired. You always have to be looking for work.”

While working as a freelancer Brzozowski simultaneously worked on a book. After a few years of work, she published “Empty Nest, Single Parent” in August 2018, Brzozowski said.

“I had been a single mother and I needed that steady income that magazine writing gave me, so I was just working on that incrementally,” she said.

The inspiration for the book came from seeing so many women who became lost after all their children had left the house, Brzozowski said.

“I wanted to bring them hope,” she said. “I don’t want a life to get used to, I want a life to look forward to.”

Carol Brzozowski
In the book, Brzozowski mentioned many of the hobbies she took up after her children left including swimming, yoga and going to the gym. She even found herself in a long-distance relationship with someone unexpected after attending a high school reunion, Brzozowski said.

“There’s a whole chapter dedicated to a high school reunion where I met a guy I went to school with from kindergarten to 12th grade where I didn’t give him the time of day the whole time,” she said. “ I was very bookish and he was up on the school roof. People change over time though, and now we have a long-distance relationship where he flies from Michigan once a month.”

One of the most important things for a writer is to be passionate and hardworking, especially in a time where the market is competitive, Brzozowski said.

“It’s very competitive now and there are a lot of older journalists losing their jobs, so there are more good people out there competing for a small piece of the pie,” she said. “I love this so much, there’s nothing else I’d rather do, so that’s the big driving factor in my life.”

Natalie Beckerink is the 2019 SPJ Region 3 summer intern and reporter for SizingUpTheSouth.com. She is a junior at Auburn University studying political science and journalism. Beckerink is on the staff of the Auburn University Plainsman student newspaper. nbeckerink.spj@gmail.com

© 2016 – 2019 SizingUpTheSouth.com All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or parts of content of this news site requires permission from SizingUpTheSouth.com editors or the SPJ Region 3 editorial board.

Dunten Media Services LLC produces and publishes SizingUpTheSouth.com

The Press Isn’t “Fake.”

August 15, 2018April 10, 2021

SPJ Region 3 and SizingUpTheSouth.com, along with hundreds of other news organizations throughout the country, will address the President’s dangerous precedent to demonize the press as “enemy of the people.”
From SizingUpTheSouth.com editorial board.

Jim Costa

CNN’s Jim Acosta has been in Trump’s hot seat when he is calling the media “fake.”

Many of the major newspapers and news organizations across the country are using Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, to draw attention to a dangerous precedent President Trump has set in calling the news media “the enemy of the American people.” His threats on freedom of the press began a month after taking office. His belittling of journalists continues today. He has called CNN “the worst.” He has humiliated journalist Jim Acosta for his reporting. He has banned a network pool reporter from a Rose Garden event because he did not like her questions. On Monday, the outgoing United Nations human rights commissioner said Trump’s anti-press rhetoric is “very close to incitement of violence.”

The Society of Professional Journalists-Region 3 and its professional chapters applaud the Boston Globe for organizing a campaign to denounce the President’s incessant attacks on the news media. The SPJ Region 3 leadership, including in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, believes it is equally important for local news outlets to repudiate the onslaught of hostility toward the press. We must stand firm with our brothers and sisters in journalism as a family, supporting our First Amendment right to report accurately on our government.

In the past several months, we’ve seen a series of attacks directly from the President and his administration. Through tweets and rally speeches, this President insists on demonizing the press every chance he gets. He has used damaging words such as “fake,” “dishonest,” and “disgusting” to describe the news media. Former Presidents have not always gotten along with the news media, but none have gone so far as to paint the press as “the enemy of the American people.”

A free press is essential to a healthy democracy. Those in power who attempt to stifle the press from reporting on certain events simply because the reporting is not always positive can be viewed as authoritarian. Our Founding Fathers gave the press the right to report on events, to report on government officials and to uncover wrongdoing. Those who abuse their power in an attempt to reduce the legitimacy of the press most certainly have something to hide.

“He (President Trump) is denying the United States citizens the truth.”
The First Amendment gives freedom to the press to cover and report on stories important to their communities. When the President calls news organizations – and in some case, specific journalists – “fake,” he is committing a serious affront to the rights of reporters and news organizations across the country. He’s also denying United States citizens the truth. Using his words against a right granted in the First Amendment is irresponsible and undemocratic.

First Amendment art 3

Furthermore, if the press reported only positive news about his administration and the President, these news organizations would be nothing more than a White House public relations firm. The press has a job to do – in Washington, in our state and in our neighborhoods. Newspapers and TV stations shed light on corruption and issues to help the American people make informed decisions. Their reporting allows us to make sense of the world around us. We are able to understand issues surrounding healthcare, money matters and social injustices.

“If the press reported only positive news about his administration and the President, these news organizations would be nothing more than a White House public relations firm. The press has a job to do – in Washington, in our state and in our neighborhoods.”
We must work even harder to call out those who demonize our industry, including the President. If the President can get away it, other leaders may see an opening to treat journalists the same way. When the press comes under attack by simply asking questions, our democracy is threatened. Again, it runs counter to what our Founding Fathers intended.

U.S. Supreme Court building

The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court, on numerous occasions, has explicitly expressed in court rulings the incumbent responsibility of the press to be watchdogs of government. It is, after all, a journalist’s job to question authority. Indeed, Justices in the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan case recognized the press must be protected in order to further debate on issues of public importance. In the Pentagon Papers case in 1971, the Justices said that any prior restraint on the press was fundamentally undemocratic. One could take that decision to mean that any tactic to prevent a journalist from doing his or her job – through physical attacks and intimidation – would be unconstitutional.

As citizens, we hope you recognize the important role of journalists. The Society of Professional Journalists – Region 3 and its chapters stand in solidarity with news organizations across the country, demanding our nation’s leaders understand that democracy cannot exist without a free press. We also ask leaders in the Republican Party to denounce President Trump’s assailing of the news media. Journalism is important to our country. It starts at the local level with your mayor and city council. That respect for journalism should extend from your statehouse all the way to the White House.

Unless journalists stand up against these attacks, our democracy is in for a perilous future.

The OpEd was written by David Baxley, president of SPJ South Carolina, and endorsed by the SizingUpTheSouth.com editorial board consisting of Michael Koretzky, SPJ Regional Director – Region 3 and SPJ National board member; Sharon Dunten, Assistant Regional Director – Region 3; Christiana Lilly, president of SPJ Florida; Haisten Willis, president of SPJ Georgia; David Baxley, president of SPJ South Carolina.

SPJ Region 3 supports SPJ members and all journalists in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Pam Huff : The Matriarch Of Birmingham TV News On The State Of Journalism

September 22, 2017April 10, 2021

Column
By David Baxley, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication, Francis Marion University, SPJ South Carolina member

If you know anything about the Birmingham television market, you know it’s a city bustling with news. From government corruption, to high crime rates, to high-impact severe weather events, to national football championships: central Alabama will keep a news department stretched to the limit. The market consists of four competing broadcast news departments, each hoping to garner news consumers’ trust.

Pam Huff 3

Pam Huff, Anchor, WBMA ABC33/40 Birmingham, Alabama
For 40 years, Pam Huff has told the stories of Alabamians while making a difference in her community. In fact, she was the first woman named to a nightly news broadcast in Birmingham. She came to WVTM in 1977. After a brief stint outside of TV in the mid 1990s, she returned to the airwaves in 1997 at rival station WBMA ABC 33/40, where she continues anchoring evenings newscasts. Huff has been an intricate part of shaping the television news landscape and is revered as perhaps the most respected journalist in the market. Some would call her the matriarch of Birmingham TV.

Huff is the longest-tenured anchor in Birmingham, and she has no plans of slowing down. Throughout the years, she’s seen many changes. News consumer habits have undoubtedly changed with the digital transformation. Male dominated newsrooms have declined and more minorities have been hired to provide balance through diversity. But, at its core, journalism seems to be fading at a time when it’s more important than ever for citizens to understand the world around them.

SPJ official logoHuff has been a member of the Society of Professional Journalists since her college days in the 1970s. She’s a journalist who lives by SPJ’s Code of Ethics, and considers the code’s principles the hallmark by which all journalists should strive to achieve in their reporting.

Through the years

Looking back over her illustrious career, Huff visited the White House three times for interviews with Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. “I have incredible respect for the office itself and consider these interviews among the best work I have done,” Huff said.

John Louise prison

John Louis Evans waits for his execution at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama in 1983. Huff covered the story.
She also vividly recalls covering the 1983 execution of John Louis Evans at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama. It was the first execution after the United States reinstated the death penalty in 1976. Her coverage led to viewer feedback. “After our coverage I received dozens of letters (there was no email). I knew I had given a fair report because almost exactly the same number of people said they knew I was in favor of the death penalty as those who wrote to say they knew I was opposed to it,” she said.” It was an important and historic story.”

More recently, Huff was involved in her station’s exhaustive coverage of the April 2011 tornadoes that raked through Alabama. Huff helped lead her news team through swirling emotions amid the miles of devastation: “We talked with leaders who had to have the vision to begin picking up the pieces and starting over. We helped organize groups to go out on the weekends and help with cleanup. These were stories that went to the heart of a hurting community.”

Day to day coverage

Alabama tornadoes 2011 AtlToday
It was an emotional year (2011) for journalists covering tornadoes in Alabama and reporting on these weather disasters took a toll on many Alabama journalists.
Covering the aftermath of those tornadoes – or any emotional story for that matter – can have a toll on journalists. After all, journalists are people trying to find enough details to tell a clear story. Sometimes those details can be too much, even for a veteran journalist.

“I get through it by simply understanding I am there to record a moment of history for my community,” said Huff. “Just like the police and fire fighters, I have a job to do. We sometimes talk about the stories that hurt the most days later in the newsroom, but we do not dwell on them. All of us seek happiness outside the newsroom.”

Attracting younger audiences

Not only is Huff an anchor; she is also an executive producer at her station. She admits each day provides new challenges while attempting to give the audience a “fresh approach” to stories. Most importantly, showcasing stories that make people care about what they are watching can be even more daunting at a time when more people – especially young people – are moving away from traditional television viewing to social media to receive information.

Pam Huff 2

Pam Huff
“If these young people aren’t going to sit down in front of a TV to watch, then we must meet them on their turf. We have to fight the battle to get to be one of their ‘favorites’ online.” Huff continued: “We can still provide news content – but it has to be fresh, up-to-the-minute, and easily accessed on our station websites if we are to stand a chance of bringing up younger generations to understand the importance of fair, balanced, independent journalism.”

She implemented a strategy in her newsroom to hopefully weed out information that’s less than important. She calls it the WIIFM theory, or “What’s In It For Me.” She encourages her news staff to employ the theory for every assignment.

Getting back to good journalism

Huff is aware of the declination in news media trust. Many obstacles are in the way, with the line between news and commentary being blurred. Yet, Huff believes journalists have an obligation to do a better job if they are to ever regain consumers’ trust.

“I do not believe journalists are doing a good job covering impactful stories in the communities they serve. Too much emphasis is given on ‘click points’ – getting people to watch rather than on the content the stations are providing,” Huff said. “Ratings, cable television news, and smart phones have diminished the impact a major, investigative story can have. People want to be entertained – rather than seeking to be informed. Unfortunately, too many newsrooms are giving in to that formula.”
One way to provide quality journalism is to hire the right people. Reporters must connect with the audience to build confidence. Reporters must also strive to give viewers varying perspectives to present a balanced report.

In the 1970s, Huff came into the business to provide perspective. It was hard to find a female in the newsroom, unless she was “tall and blond.” She was even told to have a second career on standby if the television gig didn’t work out.

“I have been blessed that so many people have stood with me through the decades, and I trust that I now serve as a mentor to young women just entering the business,” Huff said.

When asked if she believes more women are needed in today’s newsrooms, Huff provided a candid response:

“I believe it is simply time to hire the best person for the job – male/female, black/white, Asian/Hispanic. I am tired of quotas. I want quality – period.”

Rebuilding trust locally

Despite disappointing numbers in the level of news consumers’ trust in journalists, Huff believes there is a way to turn it around – and that’s at the local level.

“…Newsroom managers have to once again make their reporters seek out legitimate news stories that can have an impact on a community,” she said. “Enough already with feel good stories or simply taking a news release and regurgitating it! Find me some real news – dig deep – make a difference.”

And it doesn’t end there. Broadcast journalists must give their audience a reason to watch rather than just skimming the surface.

“What all journalists must do is look for interesting ways to tell all stories,” she said.

Journalism schools can help

Journalism and communication schools, according to Huff, need to emphasize writing again. Students aren’t going to know everything about the business starting out. Huff believes students need to start small, find a mentor, and hone their craft. And, aspiring journalists need to know broadcast news is not an easy job.

“This is not a nine to five job, but too many young reporters do not want their job to interfere with their life. Stories break at all times of the day and night and we need to be prepared to cover them. Young journalists need to understand that. If not, then perhaps they should consider a different career path.”

Journalism professors should emphasize storytelling and encourage their students to seek out internships. Internships allow students to gain a first-hand account of how a news operation works.

Pam Huff’s legacy

For four decades, people in central Alabama have grown to know Pam Huff as a devoted journalist and a dedicated public servant. When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, Huff said: “The fact is that days after I am gone from television, people will already have begun to forget who I was or what I stood for. However, for those who do someday bring up my name in conversation, I hope they recall that I was determined to tell the truth, that I wasn’t afraid to ask the question ‘why’, and that I cared deeply that my news department got it right.”

Pam Huff 1While Huff says she has been blessed to stay in the news business all these years, it goes without saying that the city of Birmingham and central Alabama is lucky to have such a dedicated journalist working in the market. The Society of Professional Journalists recognizes her outstanding career spanning over four decades. Huff cares about journalism and understands the vital role local reporting plays in communities. Without question, news consumption is changing. Huff will see to it that Birmingham is kept well informed.

“It remains a fascinating career.”
David Baxley
David Baxley
David Baxley is Assistant Professor of Mass Communications, Francis Marion University, and a SPJ South Carolina member. Baxley worked in broadcast news since 1999. He is also a meteorologist. Before entering academia in 2016, Baxley worked as an investigative producer at WIAT-TV in Birmingham, Alabama, for two years. Baxley is a regular contributor to the SPJ Region 3 website, SizingUpTheSouth.com.