Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Red & Black

This blog is usually how about people learn from the media, but I'm hijacking it today for a few brief comments about the controversy surrounding UGA's student newspaper, The Red & Black.

The student staff walked out of the R&B on Thursday.  If you want details, you can read their own site for an explanation, check out this onlineathens story, or find other mentions elsewhere.  Also, the Student Press Law Center has been a factor (its take here).  There is a Twitter feed worth following (@redanddead815).  In fairness, we've heard zilch from the R&B management or board on this issue.  None of them ever ask my advice anyway, so I'm not surprised they haven't called me overnight to make their position clear.

Okay, all that crud out of the way, let me first say I support the students.  I don't know if the Department of Journalism as a whole will issue an opinion, given our chair is also on the R&B board.  Kinda awkward, you understand.

And finally, I have something to add.  The first persons to walk out in this mess should not have been the students.  It should have been members of The Red & Black board.  It's a shame, but perhaps not surprising, when a bunch of 20-year-olds are the ones drawing a line in the ethical sand.

God, I miss Conrad Fink.

In conclusion, I suspect this may get resolved if the R&B board backs off on who has final editorial responsibility, the students or some paid position.  It's the students, stupid.

13 comments:

elli lester roushanzamir said...

Well & clearly said.

Anonymous said...

"It's a shame, but perhaps not surprising, when a bunch of 20-year-olds are the ones drawing a line in the ethical sand."

This is perfect. And the UGA school of journalism should be proud its professors are teaching something about journalistic integrity.

Kimberly Davis said...

Not sure if this will get resolved. Board will most likely replace those who walked. They apparently said as much. Also, one board member has been commenting on the Red and Black alumni Facebook group page.

Josh Katzowitz said...

Well done, Hollander.

Phillip said...

Thanks, Dr. Hollander. Great to hear your voice again after so many years. As usual, just making good sense. Good to know some stalwarts of independent, ethical journalism still exist -- even in Fink's absence.

Phillip said...

Thanks, Dr. Hollander. Great to hear your voice again after so many years. As usual, just making good sense. Good to know some stalwarts of independent, ethical journalism still exist -- even in Fink's absence.

National Freedom of Information Coalition said...

Barry: Thanks for the info. And the perspective. I am following this closely, as of course my heart BLEEDS red and black...

therese7282 said...

Hi Prof. Hollander. Thank you for your comment re: Dr. Middleton ... I thought of the same thing when reading about all the goings-on. I am so surprised Dr. Middleton didn't protest / put a stop to this BEFORE any of these decisions reached the student editors.

Hollander said...

Given the sensitive nature of discussions over the next day or so, I'm gonna work hard to not toss more fuel to the fire. I do want this to work out, but I want it to be worked out to the satisfaction of the student editors and staff.

Jace said...

"God, I miss Conrad Fink."

ctrosecrans said...

hear, hear

Female, 45 said...

Thank you for publicly supporting the students.

lawremc said...

"God I miss Conrad Fink." I think any of us who ever had Fink for a class knows what his reaction and opinion would be of this entire stinking situation. I'm a Grady Grad of '85 and I salute the young journalists who took the correct ethical stand. If Conrad were alive today, he would be standing shoulder to shoulder with them.