[AEJMC Newspaper Division list] News-list Digest, Vol 22, Issue 19

[WBE1955 at aol.com]

Our division chair has unleashed a sleeping tiger.  To rename or not  to 
rename has stirred us all out of our summer somnambulance.  Which isn't  a bad 
thing at all.
 
Given the spirited back-and-forth, let me impose my second round of  
opinion...which is also a kind of summary of what I've read.
 
--There's no consensus on this matter.  
 
--There's no compelling reason to make a decision at this year's  convention, 
or even the next for that matter.
 
--While the discussion is healthy, we risk alienating large constituencies  
in and outside of The Academy if we act with unnecessary haste. 
 
Perhaps we should...
 
--Postpone a decision for at least next year, after  some debate in Chicago.
 
--Review the mission of the division.  I've never seen a  mission statement, 
now that I think of it.
 
--Launch a 21st century  Hutchins Commission composed of  professionals, 
citizens and journalism educators to formulate the role of  journalism and 
journalism education in our democracy in the age of new news  delivery forms. 
 
My thinking has been broadened by all these exchanges, but my personal  
position has not changed. Don't change the name. The newspaper industry and  
journalism education have been through times of upheaval before.  A college  
education is the foundation for a life of learning, not a program where  mastering 
the latest technology is worth three credits.  
 
Ever your curmudgeon...in good company...
 
Wally Eberhard
Georgia (Emeritus)
Former Newspaper Division Head
 



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