NPC Update-1 Podcast

NPC President Talks About Leading the Club

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:54:58 +0000

Mark Schoeff says he now understands the many responsibilities that go with being president of the National Press Club. Schoeff was elected in December as the club's 119th president. In the latest edition of Update-1, he talks with Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Adam Konowe about his first months in the position and his goals and objectives for the rest of the year. They also discuss changes that have been implemented at the club, and how he intends for it to remain as the place where news happens.

Former CBS Radio Anchor Sam Litzinger Discusses the End of an Era

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:56:04 +0000

A broadcast era comes to an end this Friday. CBS News Radio will shut down following the last national newscast Friday night, after nearly 100 years of broadcasting. In the latest Update-1 podcast, former CBS Radio anchor and reporter Sam Litzinger, a press club member, talks with Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about his nearly 20 years at the network, its history and tradition. Sam discusses the legendary Edward R. Murrow and the Murrow Boys and offers thoughts on the future of radio news.

Berlin-based Media Outlet Views Major American Space Event Through a European Lens

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:24:18 +0000

The Space Symposium, hosted annually by the non-profit Space Foundation, features senior leadership from commercial and military space organizations, creating a concentration of newsmakers and mediagenic topics every April at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. It also attracts more than 100 journalists from around the world. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with is Torsten Kriening, CEO and publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, a Berlin-based digital media outlet. Recorded on the sidelines of the Foundation's annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Kriening explains why his team made the transatlantic trip to Space Symposium and provides a European perspective on the week's news flow.

Space Foundation Comms Chief Highlights Importance of Industry Journalism and PR

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:09:46 +0000

From weather alerts to precision agriculture, not to mention GPS guidance and internet connectivity, the benefits of space utilization have become ubiquitous around the world. Yet the industry behind these and other life-enhancing technologies is often less well understood. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Rich Cooper, vice president of strategic communication for the non-profit Space Foundation. Recorded on the sidelines of the Foundation's annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Cooper addresses the organization's mission and flagship event, as well as the importance of journalists and communicators in the space ecosystem.

Veteran Journalists Discuss the Biggest Press Freedom Threats in the U.S.

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:56:07 +0000

Press freedom in the United States faces unprecedented challenges, ranging from government pressure to financial stresses. In the latest edition of Update-1, Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Tom Young speaks with two veteran journalists and free press advocates -- former NPC President Myron Belkind and Katherine Jacobsen, with the Committee to Protect Journalists, an organization that provides free safety training and other resources for reporters facing threats and intimidation. They offer their views on the state of press freedom in the U.S. in 2026.

National Security Correspondent Authors New Book About Disinformation

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:40:17 +0000

Fighting disinformation is nothing less than a civic duty, according to JJ Green, the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning national security correspondent for WTOP Radio. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe talks with Green about his new book, “The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find Truth When Everything is Lying to You” (available on Amazon). The conversation includes insight on what attracted Green to the beat, why he's stayed on it for decades, and how the book can serve as a "field manual" for those who seek to prioritize truth in an era where disinformation has been weaponized domestically and internationally.

A Military Newspaper Under Editorial Control of the Pentagon

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:55:57 +0000

The Pentagon recently announced it would take over editorial content of Stars and Stripes, a newspaper for the U.S. military community. That's despite a congressional mandate that requires the paper to remain independent of the military chain of command. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Tom Young speaks with Stars and Stripes Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin and ombudsman Jacqueline Smith about the role of Stars and Stripes and the importance of its ability to report freely.

Norwegian Startup Helps Media Outlets Identify Disinformation

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:59:16 +0000

At a time of record-low trust in the media and government, paired with seemingly unmanageable amounts of text-based and multimedia content, new tools are emerging to help identify and counter disinformation in real time. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with former technology journalist Maria Amelie, the CEO and co-founder of Norway-based Factiverse. The service, built by a team of data scientists and journalists, provides media outlets and others with details on narratives, keywords and other elements so journalists, fact-checkers and others can easily access what is most pertinent for their audiences. As an example, Amelie explains how the system played a useful role in identifying a thousand checkable public statements related to last year's Czech parliamentary election.

Award-Winning Reporter Who Became a Diplomat Chronicles Life in New Memoir

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:09:33 +0000

National Press Club member Mahtab Farid was born in Tehran and moved to the United States as a teenager, settling in California. After learning a new language and culture and graduating from college, she became an international journalist and diplomat. In this episode of Update-1, Farid talks with Broadcast Podcast Committee Co-Chair Mike Hempen about her new memoir, "Serving Without A Uniform: Reporting Truth In Defense Of Freedom." She discusses growing up in Iran, the decision to move to the U.S., the obstacles she faced, her years reporting for VOA, serving as a diplomat in Afghanistan and the challenges she met after returning to the U.S.

Proactivity And Outreach Key To Museum PR Success, Says New Book Author

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:24:32 +0000

Museums have become lightning rods in an increasingly polarized society, exposing often underdeveloped relationships with key stakeholders, from the media to community members. On this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Steve Lott, a former journalist turned public relations practitioner and university lecturer. Lott's new book, "Museum Flack: A Public Relations Guide for Museums," uses the fundamentals of story mining and telling as the basis for helping museum executives recognize the difference between marketing and PR. From embracing the journalistic practice of "bottom line up front" to measuring success, Lott's book serves as both a clarion call and how-to guide.

Crowd-Checking Online Misinformation Might Actually Work, Research Shows

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:53:33 +0000

The decision by X, formerly known as Twitter, to implement Community Notes, a peer-based system for flagging misinformation, met with initial skepticism and even suspicion. On this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe speaks with Huaxia Rui, the Xerox professor of Information Systems and Technology at the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School. A study by Rui and his peers suggests that so-called “crowd-checking” does have a chilling effect on authors' intent on misleading the public. And that in turn has implications for journalists, communicators and the general public.

Press Club Member Discusses New Crisis Management Book, Issuing A Wake-Up Call For Business Leaders

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:49:55 +0000

Surveys show most business leaders say their companies are not prepared to handle a major crisis when one arises. In this episode of Update-1, NPC member Edward Segal discusses his new book, "The Crisis Casebook: Lessons in Crisis Management from the World’s Leading Brands," which offers a roadmap for organizations, leaders, and public figures who want to be prepared for the inevitable. Segal says many executives prepare for crises by denying them, thinking they will never happen to them until they do. In an interview with Broadcast Podcast team member Gemma Puglisi, Segal talks about how media companies have addressed their own crisis situations. He also offers advice on how managers of all companies should prepare for and handle crises.

Bestselling Novelist Discusses Plot Development, Literacy

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:25:19 +0000

How does a globally recognized novelist weave thrillers out of reality? In the latest Update-1 episode, New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci joins NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee co-chair Mike Hempen to discuss using real-life situations in fiction.

Defense Editor Explains Opposition to Controversial Pentagon Reaccreditation Process

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:57:44 +0000

October 14 marked a deadline set by the Pentagon for accredited members of the media to sign a controversial pledge to retain access rights to the building. Dozens of outlets, including right-leaning Fox News and the Washington Times, refused with only a couple agreeing to unprecedented and arguably unconstitutional restrictions. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Aaron Mehta, editor-in-chief of Breaking Defense and a Pentagon Press Association board member. Mehta explains how journalists had worked previously under administrations of both parties, the fundamental problems associated with the new pledge, why it was important for the defense trade media to unify under a single statement of opposition, and how reporters covering the Pentagon will continue to do so - albeit from a distance.

Former Post Reporter Talks About Impact of January 6 Riots

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:35:54 +0000

Former Washington Post reporter Kate Woodsome was at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and saw firsthand the riots that occurred that day. Her life was forever changed, and now she helps others deal with stress and trauma. In this edition of Update-1, Woodsome talks with NPC Board of Governors member Debra Silimeo about the stress of newsroom life even before January 6, what happened to her in the Capitol when she was confronted by insurrectionists, and how that experience led her to re-evaluate her life and dedicate herself to helping others through her trauma work. She also discusses how reporters are affected by the tragedies and disruptions they cover and provides resources and contact information.

California Wildfire Photos Featured in NPC Annual Photo Exhibit

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:27:17 +0000

Documentary photographer Ben Sarao is no stranger to drought, having experienced the weather condition up and down the western United States. That drove him to self-publish a book titled "Drought" and then to photograph the devastation caused by California's Palisades Fire in January 2025. In this edition of Update-1, Sarao speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe about what drew him to photography, the impact of AI and other technology, sensitivities associated with covering the loss of life and property and the photos on display at the NPC. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of organizations like the American Red Cross in recovery and renewal.

Former BLS Commissioner Discusses Trust In The Financial System

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:52:34 +0000

The financial system depends on robust and credible economic data. But some observers say the credibility of that data took a blow when President Trump fired Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Without evidence, Trump said July job numbers from the BLS were rigged against him. On the latest Update-1, Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Tom Young, along with former NPC President and Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick, speak with former BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen about job numbers and trust in the financial system.

Mideast Observer Doesn't See Israel-Hamas Conflict Ending Anytime Soon

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:51:26 +0000

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City, escalating its 22-month war with Hamas and drawing a dismissal from the militant group. Israel's intentions have renewed international calls to end the conflict and have stirred fears for the hostages still in Gaza. Karim Elsammak has been involved in Mideast affairs, working for the Trump campaign in the Arab American community in New York and Michigan. In this episode of Update-1, he talks with Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about the feedback he's getting regarding the situation in Gaza. He also offers thoughts on the worsening humanitarian crisis, the possibility of a truce and what he believes is the long-term solution for peace in Gaza.

Press Club Member Tom Young Discusses New Novel in Latest Update-1 Podcast

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 14:27:16 +0000

National Press Club member Tom Young has made a successful transition from journalism to fiction writing, leveraging his journalistic skills to craft compelling narratives. In the latest Update-1 episode, Young talks with Broadcast Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe about a new book he has coming out, "The Mapmaker," a World War II novel set within the French Resistance. Resistance fighters Charlotte and Phillippe, an American woman and a Frenchman, brave death or worse to evade the Gestapo and get critical information to the Allies. Young also talks about his career, beginning as a journalist and later becoming a pilot and an author. "The Mapmaker" is the eleventh book he has written.

Aviation Reporter Discusses the Human Toll of Midair Collision at Reagan National

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:52:20 +0000

It will still be several months before the National Transportation Safety Board issues its final report as to the cause of January’s deadly midair collision between a passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan National Airport. Sixty-seven people died in what was the deadliest U.S. plane crash in more than two decades. In this episode of Update-1, CNN aviation and transportation correspondent Pete Muntean, who reports from Reagan National on a regular basis, talks about what it was like covering that accident. In an interview with Broadcast Podcast team member Gemma Puglisi, Munteam, who's a pilot and flight instructor, talks about using airplane models to explain to the viewers the technicalities of what happened. He also discusses the human toll the accident is having on the families of the victims.

Aerospace Media Awards Recognize Journalistic Excellence in 22 Categories

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:52:08 +0000

Held on June 15 at the Aero-Club de France, this year's Aerospace Media Awards highlighted excellence in journalism across the industry. The event attracted approximately 200 attendees to celebrate the winners of 22 categories from best new journalist to three lifetime achievement winners. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-chair Adam Konowe interviews event organizer Peter Bradfield on the sidelines of the biennial Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport about honored journalists, corporate sponsors and the Defense Media Awards this fall in Washington, D.C.

Fighting Back Against Government Secrecy

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:55:22 +0000

Independent journalist and National Press Club member Miranda Spivack details the underreported rise in secret dealmaking between local governments and corporations and how these agreements are a threat to our health, safety and democracy in her new book that was just released. Spivack discusses "Backroom Deals in Our Backyards: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back" with Broadcast Podcast member Bill Loveless in the latest Update-1 podcast. They talk about "accidental activists" who combat secrecy around poisoned drinking water, dangerous roads, failing sewers and tainted firefighter protective gear. They also discuss ways people can take action against secret dealmaking.

Shining Light on the Writings of John McPhee

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:24:59 +0000

He's 94 years old and has been a writer for more than 70 years, winning many awards during that time, including a Pulitzer Prize. But many people are not familiar with John McPhee. This edition of Update-1 features NPC member Noel Rubinton, who has written a new book, "Looking for a Story: A Complete Guide to the Writings of John McPhee." Rubinton talks to Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about why he wrote the book, the many books and articles McPhee has written, and why much of McPhee's work is not recognized by the general public. They also discuss the writing seminar McPhee taught for 50 years and how many of his students went on to successful editing and writing careers.

Navy Veteran Discusses Effort To Get More Vets Into America's Newsrooms

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:14:54 +0000

Navy veteran and journalist Zach Baddorf is the co-founder of Military Veterans in Journalism. With a focus of building community, supporting career growth and advocating for Vets, one of MVJ's main goals is to place more veterans in America's Newsrooms. In this episode of Update-1, National Press Club Broadcast/Podcast Team member Lincoln Smith talks with Baddorf about his own career and the 2019 founding of Military Veterans in Journalism.

Space Industry Content Editor Talks Event Coverage, Journalism and PR Trends

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:48:46 +0000

The Space Symposium in Colorado Springs is the one of the industry's largest annual events, attracting a global mix of corporate executives, civilian and military officials, non-profit organizations, plus an increasing number of mainstream and trade media outlets. In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Mike Gruss, chief content and strategy officer for Space News, on the sidelines of the 40th Space Symposium. Space News produces a special "show daily" at the event, in addition to its regular print and digital content. Gruss also shares his perspective on the news value of events, developments at this year's show, plus trends in journalism and media relations more broadly.

VOA's Chief National Correspondent Leads Effort To Revive Network

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:18:10 +0000

A legal battle seeks to put Voice of America back on the air after its silencing by the Trump administration. VOA Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman serves on the National Press Club's board of governors, and he's taking part in the court action. In the latest edition of Update-1, Steve speaks with Broadcast Podcast Committee member Tom Young about the effort to revive VOA and protect other outlets such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Searching for Accountability in Lebanon Attack That Killed One Journalist and Wounded Others

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:36:55 +0000

Gaza could soon reopen to international news organizations, but what is the policy of the Israel Defense Forces toward working journalists? That's one of the questions surrounding the investigation into the tank shelling in October, 2023 that killed one journalist and wounded six others. This edition of Update-1 highlights the March 12 Press Freedom Center panel discussion on why no one has been held accountable for the deadly attack. Multiple investigations indicate an Israeli tank crew almost certainly was responsible. The panel includes two reporters who survived the attack and a colleague of the reporter who died.

NPC Freelancer Team Co-Chair Talks Career Path And Prospects

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:52:37 +0000

Andrea Murad came to journalism through the unconventional route of finance in New York. Now, as a successful, D.C.-based freelance reporter and co-chair of the NPC's Freelance Team, she helps other members in an increasingly competitive market. In this episode of Update-1, Murad speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe about the lessons she has learned, the rise of artificial intelligence and the realities of making a living in journalism.

Arrests of Journalists in U.S. Surged in 2024

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:21:11 +0000

The number of journalists arrested in the U.S. last year surged, exceeding the previous two years combined. That's according to The Freedom of the Press Foundation, which keeps a running total of such incidents with its U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a database of press freedom incidents in the U.S. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Gemma Puglisi talks with Kirstin McCudden, the vice president of editorial at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. They discuss are why more journalists were arrested in the U.S. last year, the circumstances surrounding a majority of the arrests, where most occurred and the consequences of such arrests on a free press.

McCarren, Rezaian Discuss Club's New Press Freedom Center

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 13:23:54 +0000

The National Press Club's new Press Freedom Center officially launched in late November, with the first event involving 17 members of the family of Austin Tice, the American journalist who was kidnapped while reporting in Syria on August 13, 2012. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast Team co-chair Mike Hempen talks with Bill McCarren, the center's director, and Jason Rezaian, the director of press freedom issues for The Washington Post and a consultant for the center, about how it will be used in the club's press freedom initiatives. They also discuss why there's a need for the center, how it will be funded, and the ongoing challenges to press freedom.

NPC Member's Book Provides Insider’s Look At Coverage Of Nuremberg Trials

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:06:19 +0000

The journalists who were in the courtroom covering the Nuremberg Trials, sharing details about Nazi war crimes, are the focus of a new book by NPC member Noel Marie Fletcher. In this edition of Update-1, Fletcher discusses "Reporting the Nuremberg Trials: How Journalists Covered Live Nazi Trials and Executions," with Broadcast Podcast team member Tom Young. Among the topics they talk about are how the news was gathered and reported, how reporting such as event today would compare, and the well-known reporters who covered the trials.

Coalition Leader Envisions Museum of The American People

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:26:51 +0000

One day as he walked on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Sam Eskenazi had a flash of inspiration, one that motivated his journey to create a new museum in the capital dedicated to the people who have made America over thousands of years.

In this episode of Update-1, Sam, the director of the Coalition for the National Museum of the American People, describes this vision to Bill Loveless, a member of the Broadcast Podcast Team at the National Press Club. They talk about ways in which this museum would tell the story of the American people, how it would differ from other museums in the capital, and what it will take to build such an institution.

Quoting from a 2024 report to the White House and Congress from the coalition, Sam explains its statement that “our nation needs this museum now as a vehicle to bring all Americans together.”

Conflict Journalist Discusses the Impact of the Russia Ukraine War on Religious Freedom

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 15:00:11 +0000

As the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates in hostilities, with the U.S. granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles and Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon, often overlooked is the impact the conflict has had on Ukraine's Orthodox Church. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast co-chair Mike Hempen talks with conflict journalist and NPC member Flavius Mihaies, who visited the country and talked to Ukrainians to find out how the war has affected the church. They discuss the interplay between faith, nationalism and state power and how it has been a challenge for Ukrainians to maintain religious freedom. Mihaies also talks about an article he wrote for The American Conservative magazine about what he learned while he was in Ukraine.

NPC Author Applies Japanese Journalism Experience To Write Historical Novel Set There

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 14:45:03 +0000

Natalie Jacobsen's journalism career began at age 13 writing Harry Potter book reviews for local newspapers. A fascination with Japan in college led to an opportunity to work in the country as a photographer and then journalist. In this edition of Update-1, Jacobsen speaks with NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-chair Adam Konowe about her career path in journalism, including how the profession in Japan differs compared to here in the U.S. The interview covers how Jacobsen's experiences there as a westerner and a woman influenced how she researched and wrote "Ghost Train," a historical fantasy novel set in 19th century Japan.

An NPC Member's Book Details Virginia's Cold War History

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:31:49 +0000

What were the origins of the Cold War? What was the Cold War?

In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Team member Lincoln Smith talks with Cold War historians Gary Powers Jr. and Christopher Sturdevant about the recently released book,"Cold War Virginia," which outlines the storied history of the Cold War decades in Virginia. They discuss in detail how the Commonwealth of Virginia was geographically and situationally central to the Cold War.

NPC Member Uses Photos To Illustrate Life in North Carolina

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 18:54:07 +0000

More than 200 photos were on display at the National Press Club as part of this year's members photo exhibit. Four of them belonged to Susan Dickenson, who lives in North Carolina. In this edition of Update-1, Dickenson talks to Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about the ways in which her photos depict life in Jamestown, where she lives.

She also discusses her role as editor of The Jamestowner, all-volunteer news and information site for the people and by the people of Jamestown. Dickenson says the site seeks to provide accountability for government officials who allegedly have colluded with developers and other businesses to destroy the quality of life there. Her exhibit was as much about community journalism as it was about photos.

NPC Author Discusses Biography Based on WWII Family Diaries and Letters

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:00:06 +0000

NPC member Jody Beck has always had a strong interest in her family history, but it was the discovery of World War II-era diary entries and family letters about Madsen Cobb Kokjer, nicknamed Ty, that led her to write “Your Loving Son, Ty: A World War II Story of Hope and Horror in the Pacific.” In this episode of Update-1, Beck speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team co-chair Adam Konowe about the plethora of documents made available to her, as well as what she pieced together about Ty's life before and during the war. Postscripts to this poignant family story were revealed through visits to Asia by Ty's parents in 1958 and Beck herself in 2023.

Helping Homeless Veterans in the Nation's Capital

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 18:14:29 +0000

The focus is on veterans in the latest episode of the Update-1 podcast. Gemma Puglisi talks with Veterans on the Rise Executive Director, David Kurtz, who shares the work the 30-year-old nonprofit has done to help homeless veterans in our nation's capital.

From the launch of the organization back in 1989 by four veterans who took a stand against veteran homelessness, through today, including the Supreme Court ruling on homelessness, Kurtz shares how Veterans on the Rise has helped vets through a range of services from physical and mental health, life skills and employment training. More importantly, what can we do to help Vets.

Aviation Editor Reflects on Trends, Career Path and Journalism Business

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 19:59:25 +0000

From humble beginnings as a blogger in trade media to noteworthy stints at the Wall Street Journal and CNN, Jon Ostrower has covered the aviation industry with an unrivaled passion. Now as founder and editor-in-chief of The Air Current, he's built an award-winning, subscription-based media outlet that continues to grow. Yet fundamental challenges persist for him and other publishers. In this edition of Update-1, Ostrower explains to NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team co-chair Adam Konowe why companies and individuals must do more to support legitimate journalism, as well as his approach to covering everything from the Farnborough International Airshow to a recent NTSB hearing in Washington.

Staying Cyber Safe in 2024

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:59:33 +0000

How secure is your data? In this episode of Update-1, Press Club member and cybersecurity industry analyst Richard Stiennon speaks with NPC Broadcast Podcast team member Shannon Fisher about the dynamic nature of the IT industry and his annual security yearbook. Stiennon's book, "Security Yearbook 2024: A History and Directory of the IT Security Industry," is an in-depth look at the ever-shifting world of cyberthreats and the industry experts trying to stop them. Stiennon offers practical suggestions for newsrooms, journalists, companies, and individuals to keep their data secure.

Meteorologist Talks About Being Harassed for His Work on Climate Change

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:52:57 +0000

Weather forecasters and climatologists have received pushback for their work on climate change. But for meteorologist Chris Gloninger, the harassment became extreme. He discusses his experience with NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee member Tom Young in the latest edition of Update-1. Gloninger says newsrooms fail to do their jobs if they let extremists dictate what they will and will not cover.

NPR Producer Discusses His Career, Offers Advice To Aspiring Journalists

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:40:44 +0000

How do reporters remain professionally composed while covering stories of great emotion? That's one of the topics Broadcast Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith discusses with NPR's Casey Morell on this edition of Update-1. Morell, a producer of NPR's Politics Podcast, highlights his career, including his previous work for Nevada Public Radio, and talks about how Peter Jennings was a key influencer in his career. He also offers advice to aspiring journalists.

Senior Journalist Discusses His New Book About Covering the President

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:35:16 +0000

You hear and see them all the time -- White House correspondents covering the president of the United States. But what is it really like to report on the president on a daily basis? On this edition of Update-1, senior journalist Steve Herman talks with Broadcast Podcast team co-chair Mike Hempen about his new book, "Behind the White House Curtain," which explains the inner workings of the White House press corps. Herman, the chief national correspondent for Voice of America, was VOA's White House correspondent for the Trump administration and the first eight months of President Biden's term. He talks about the relationship between the president and the press, the challenges he faced and why the job isn't as glamorous as many people think.

NGPA Executive Director Advocates for Equality on the Flight Deck

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:36:30 +0000

Aviation has struggled for years to recruit and retain pilots, mechanics and others, despite the allure of participating in a vital industry moving millions of passengers and tons of cargo safely every day. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Justin Ellixson-Andrews, executive director of the National Gay Pilots Association, which represents aviators and other like-minded professionals and enthusiasts from the LGBTQ+ community. Topics covered include the organization’s founding, current services offered, advocacy strategy including events, DEI-related challenges in an increasingly polarized political climate, as well as the opportunity to attract and retain a new generation of aviators.

Exiled Foreign Journalist Tells Story and Hopes To Return Home

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 01:46:02 +0000

Juan Lorenzo Holmann lives in suburban Washington, D.C., but hopes to one day return to his native Nicaragua. He's the general manager of La Prensa, a newspaper started by his grandfather and the oldest in Nicaragua. On this edition of Update-1, Holmann talks to Broadcast Podcast co-chair Mike Hempen about being charged with money laundering and spending nearly two years in prison before being forced into exile and stripped of his citizenship.

NPC Member Discusses His Experience with Clogged Arteries in New Book

Mon, 27 May 2024 19:58:56 +0000

National Press Club member Will Driscoll discusses the risks of clogged arteries and the medical procedures that are available to check your arteries in his newly released book, "Your Arteries: An Owners Manual." In this edition of Update-1, Driscoll talks with NPC Broadcast Podcast member Bill Loveless about his own experience with clogged arteries, why he decided to write the book and the list of medical journals he reviewed in the process.

Defending Press Freedom in South Asia

Thu, 09 May 2024 18:17:37 +0000

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization focused on safeguarding the right to freedom of information. Headquartered in Paris France, RSF "defends the right of every human being to have access to free and reliable information," As of April 2024, RSF reports 503 journalists and media workers around the world have been unjustly detained. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith talks with Celia Mercier, the head of RSF’s South Asia desk, about RSF and her work, including her focus on press freedom in South Asia.

Space Reporter Offers Glimpse Into His Beat and Event Journalism

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:34:13 +0000

Trade shows and other industry-specific events have experienced a post-pandemic renaissance and the Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs is no exception. The annual event attracts a dynamic mix of established and emerging companies, non-profit organizations, civilian government agencies, plus U.S. and allied military staff. In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Garrett Reim, space and emerging technologies editor for the Aviation Week Network, about his path in journalism, differences between coverage for mainstream media and the trades, as well as trends he’s tracking at the event. Reim also offers tips for professional communicators, as well as his perspective on the impact of increasing environmental advocacy on perceptions of the aerospace industry.

Gary Powers, Jr. Discusses 1960 U-2 Incident Involving His Father

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:10:09 +0000

On May 1, 1960, American pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down in his U-2 Spy plane over Sverdlovsk in the former Soviet Union. After being captured, sentenced and imprisoned, Powers was later exchanged for Soviet Spy Colonel Rudolph Abel. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Team member Lincoln Smith talks with Gary Powers Jr. about his father's story, his dad's destiny as an American hero of the Cold War era, and the ensuing media coverage of this international incident.

NPC Member Edward Segal Discusses Political Campaigning from a Bygone Era

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:03:42 +0000

Campaign trains were a major part of political campaigns years ago. Covering whistle-stopping candidates was considered one of the hardest jobs of journalism. In this edition of Update-1, NPC member Edward Segal talks to Broadcast Podcast team member Irv Chapman about his new book, "Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them." Segal discusses what it was like for reporters to live and work on trains for days and weeks at a time, how campaign train tours could be hazardous to one's health, and how one reporter impersonated a whistle-stopping presidential candidate.

Former NPC President Judson Discusses Press Freedom, Gaza War

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 15:04:08 +0000

Award winning journalist Jen Judson, the 115th president of the National Press Club, is the land warfare reporter for Defense News. Before that she was a reporter at Politico and Inside Defense. In this edition of Update-1, Jen talks with Broadcast Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith about her career and advocacy for press freedom around the world. She also discusses why the Israel Hamas war has been so deadly for the journalists covering it.

Emily Wilkins Details Priorities as 117th NPC President

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:44:04 +0000

CNBC Washington correspondent Emily Wilkins looks forward to progress on numerous fronts during her upcoming year as president of the National Press Club. In this edition of Update-1, Wilkins speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team co-chair Adam Konowe about planned enhancements to the Club’s services and physical infrastructure, as well as its relentless commitment to press freedom, including the release of captured journalists around the world. Other topics included media literacy, the rise of generative AI and its impact on journalism, as well as the importance of vigorous, accurate reportage covering all levels of government, not just the White House and Congress.

Israel Hamas War Beyond Compare for Media Deaths

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:53:57 +0000

Dozens of journalists have been killed covering the Israel Hamas war, resulting in what the International Federation of Journalists says is the deadliest conflict ever for media deaths. The Committee to Protect Journalists says so far 85 journalists and media workers have died while covering the war. Why has this war been so deadly for members of the media, and which group has had the most deaths? In this edition of Update-1, Jessica Jerreat, the press freedom editor at Voice of America, talks to Broadcast Podcast Committee co-chair Mike Hempen about why journalists in Gaza face high risks while covering the conflict. They also discuss what can be done to make their jobs safer in the conflict zone.

Didier Saugy Discusses Member-Centric Approach as New NPC Executive Director

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:11:20 +0000

Swiss-born Didier Saugy took the reins as National Press Club executive director in June 2023, following a five-year stint as general manager of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Hong Kong. Since then, the accomplished private club manager, food and beverage director, and executive chef has been considering how to best serve club members and encourage them to spend more time in the facility. In this edition of Update-1, Saugy speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-chair Adam Konowe about what drew him to Washington, expansion of food service for members, opportunities to make better use of the NPC's space, as well as the importance of media literacy and press freedom during the upcoming election cycle.

A Military Veteran Who's Also an Author Talks About His Time in Ukraine

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 14:49:49 +0000

Iraq war veteran and author Matt Gallagher has traveled to Ukraine as both a military trainer and as a journalist. That background provides a unique perspective to his reporting. In this edition of Update-1, Gallagher talks with Tom Young of the NPC's Broadcast Podcast Committee about the war in Ukraine and some of the volunteer soldiers he met there.

Are Some Journalists the Targets of Raids Because They're Doing Their Jobs Too Well?

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 12:58:26 +0000

Is it possible that journalists can be the targets of police raids because they do their jobs too well? That's one of the questions some freedom of the press advocates are asking after an FBI raid in May on the newsroom home of journalist Tim Burke. The FBI raided Burke’s home after he obtained outtakes of Tucker Carlson’s interview with Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) in which Ye made antisemitic and other offensive remarks. The raid prompted more than 50 organizations, including the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute, to sign a letter that has been sent to the Department of Justice demanding answers about why the government believes Burke's newsgathering broke the law.

In this episode of Update-1, Caitlin Vogus, the deputy advocacy director for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, talks with Broadcast Podcast Committee co-chair Mike Hempen about the details of this case. Since this podcast was recorded, Burke has appealed the decision of the trial court denying his motion for the return of his equipment.

A Presidential Candidate Talks About the Media's Coverage of the 2024 Race

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:00:09 +0000

The paramount role of the press in presidential elections is to inform the public about the issues and their voting options, and to act as a watchdog over government officials and candidates for public office. When one candidate for a major political party’s nomination is an incumbent president, do the other candidates in the race fade into the background of press coverage? What happens when a challenger comes from outside the political establishment?

One 2024 presidential candidate has been vocal about the lack of mainstream news coverage her campaign has received, and we invited her on to Update-1 to talk about it. Marianne Williamson joins National Press Club Broadcast Podcast member Shannon Fisher to discuss the specific responsibilities of the news media in covering the Democratic Primary race, how Williamson’s candidacy has been handled in the press, and what she thinks needs to change moving forward in terms of how presidential candidates are treated by the media.

War Correspondent Talks Craft and Challenges in New Book

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 14:31:52 +0000

Sean Carberry has covered conflict in more than 20 countries, including Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Pakistan, the DRC and Colombia. But it’s his time in NPR’s Kabul, Afghanistan bureau that takes center stage in the new book, Passport Stamps: Searching the World for a War to Call Home. In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-Chair Adam Konowe asks Carberry what drew him from the comfort of WBUR’s studios in Boston to many of the world’s hottest war zones. Related topics include journalistis competition and camaraderie, working with local fixers, the shock of returning home, mainstream versus trade media, challenges associated with PTSD, plus a commitment to organizations that promote mental and physical health.

Remembering James Foley Nine Years After His Death

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:54:16 +0000

In August of 2014, James Foley, a young videographer and journalist with GlobalPost, was killed by ISIS. Foley was covering the conflict in Syria and held hostage for two years before he was beheaded by the terrorist group who brutally showed his murder on video.

Shortly after their son’s death, as a tribute to him, Diane and John Foley started the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, to “advocate for the freedom of all Americans held hostage” and wrongfully detained.

Gemma Puglisi, a member of the National Press Club’s Broadcast Podcast Committee, interviews Diane Foley and the work of the foundation as the ninth anniversary of her son’s death approaches. They also discuss Americans still being held hostage overseas including Austin Tice, Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich, as well as others in Iran.

Analyzing the Russia-Ukraine War's Impact on Non-Western Countries

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:26:59 +0000

The war in Ukraine has been a major global event for the past 18 months, with far-reaching implications for the future of Europe and the world. But how do non-Western countries see the conflict?

In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee co-chair Mike Hempen talks to National Press Club member Flavius Mihaies, an investigative journalist and food security consultant, about the war and its impact on non-Western nations. They discuss how non-Western countries have been responding to the war, why they’ve taken a more cautious approach to economic and financial sanctions against Russia, and potential long-term effects of the war around the world.

A Chaplain for Virginia's Death Row Recounts Some of What He Saw

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 01:43:01 +0000

Rev. Russ Ford witnessed 28 executions during his time as chaplain for Virginia's death row. The experience challenged his own faith--but also demonstrated the potential for spiritual growth among the most hardened criminals. Ford's new book, "Crossing The River Styx: The Memoir of a Death Row Chaplain," is a moving work of reportage. Ford and co-author Dr. Todd Peppers discuss the book with Broadcast Podcast Committee member Tom Young in the latest edition of Update-1. This podcast contains graphic descriptions of electrocution and other aspects of prison life. Listener discretion is advised.

Aerospace and Defense Analyst Identifies Trends, Explains Editorial Role

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:25:52 +0000

Industry analysts often serve multiple roles, providing unique insight to institutional investors, as well as journalists in business and trade media. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team co-chair Adam Konowe speaks with Sash Tusa of Agency Partners LLC, a London-based firm that provides independent equity research. The interview, recorded on location at the biennial Paris Air Show, also captures trend-related civil and military news from the week-long event, the aviation’s largest industry-focused gathering.

Aerospace Media Awards In Paris Recognize Excellence In 22 Categories

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:04:15 +0000

On the eve of the biennial Paris Air Show, the first one in four years due to the pandemic, Peter Bradfield held the 11th annual Aerospace Media Dinner and Awards to recognize excellence in journalism across the industry. The June 18 event attracted approximately 200 attendees to celebrate the winners of 22 categories, including new ones for best space submission and best advanced air mobility submission. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-chair Adam Konowe interviews event organizer Peter Bradfield about honored journalists, corporate sponsors and an all-new event planned for 2024 in Germany.

Analyzing America's Global Competition with China

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 02:49:31 +0000

In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club Broadcast Podcast team member Lincoln Smith talks to Dr. Jonathan Ward about Ward's latest book, "The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy for Triumph Over China." The book is a call to action for the U.S. in terms of its economic, diplomatic and military actions and ideas. Dr. Ward discusses the role of the free press and media in this modern day contest.

Dr. Ward has advised the U.S. Department of Defense, and has led American companies in the technology, manufacturing and finance sectors. Through his company Atlas Organization, Dr. Ward helps Fortune 500 Companies understand the U.S.-China global competition.

CNN’s Pete Muntean Talks Transportation Journalism

Wed, 10 May 2023 17:30:41 +0000

Pete Muntean was born into aviation but a tragic airshow accident that took his mother’s life forced him to consider his future as a pilot and journalist. In this edition of Update-1, Muntean speaks with NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-vice chair and aviation industry communicator Adam Konowe about that fateful day and the coverage that followed. Muntean also addresses his approach to journalism as a certified flight instructor, challenges associated with covering aviation and other transportation modes, the value of aviation trade media, as well as working with communicators and sources.

Photojournalist Talks About Documenting Democracy

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 01:39:11 +0000

Sue Dorfman is a photojournalist who has traveled more than 45,000 miles visiting polling sites and watching activities that promote voting. In this edition of Update-1, she talks with Broadcast Podcast member Debra Silimeo about how attending a "Don't Vote" rally in South Africa convinced her of the importance of people exercising their right to vote. She discusses driving to more than two dozen states to document the 2020 presidential election, saying "What could possibly happen in a normal election cycle?" Her takeaway from that unusual election is that democracy works. Dorfman says she's committed to social justice, which is why she is interested in whether Americans are using or abusing the right to vote.

NPC Executive Director McCarren Reflects on His Tenure

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:20:14 +0000

After more than 15 years of distinguished service to the National Press Club, Bill McCarren has announced his upcoming retirement. On this edition of Update-1, McCarren speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-vice Chair Adam Konowe about what drew him to the club, what he found when first hired as general manager, the business transformation that followed, the challenges of integrating broadcast and digital media into the club’s membership and operations, as well as the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic closures and threats to press freedom.

NPC’s 116th President Prioritizes Press Freedom, Media Literacy and In-Person Events

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:35:54 +0000

Eileen O’Reilly, managing editor of standards and training at Axios, recently began her one-year term as the 116th president of the National Press Club. In this episode of Update-1, O’Reilly speaks with Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-Vice Chair Adam Konowe about her priorities in office. Not surprisingly, press freedom and media literacy top the agenda, but so do in-person events to help journalists and communicators derive maximum benefit from their membership. O’Reilly also discussed the importance of demystifying and humanizing journalism to help stem a slide in trust not just here in the United States, but in other democratic countries around the world.

Covering the Newest Lawmakers on Capitol Hill

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:20:16 +0000

How can reporters do a better job covering Congress? What do advocates need to consider to communicate effectively with members of Congress? With the 118th Congress underway, the Congressional Management Foundation is working with members to improve their operations and make Congress more effective.

On this edition of Update-1, CMF President Brad Fitch talks with Broadcast Podcast team member Debra Silimeo about what he has learned about the newest lawmakers, tips for reporters covering Congress, and how advocates and communicators can open doors on Capitol Hill.

MVJ Advocates For Diversifying Newsrooms By Hiring And Promoting Vets

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:54:52 +0000

Military Veterans in Journalism is a professional association that works to get more veterans into newsrooms. According to Census data, about seven percent of Americans have served in the Armed Forces, but only two percent of media workers have military experience. The group has recently launched an initiative to fight the disinformation aimed at military members and veterans by extremist groups. MVJ founder Zack Baddorf discusses these issues on the latest episode of Update-1.

Maury Povich Discusses Being Successful In A Changing TV Industry

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:20:51 +0000

Longtime talk show host Maury Povich says these days a niche audience is needed to have a successful daytime television show. Povich, whose syndicated show Maury ended a record 31-year run in the fall, also discusses the advice he offers young journalists trying to launch a TV news career in the latest Update-1 podcast. In the second of a two-part interview with Broadcast Podcast member Gemma Puglisi, Povich explains the pressure he felt to succeed during his years as a talk show host and why playing golf became so important to him.

After 60 Years in TV, Maury Povich Discusses His Career, Future

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:00:24 +0000

The 2021-22 television season marked the end of an era. The daytime syndicated talk show Maury wrapped up its record 31-year run, ending the 60-year TV career of host Maury Povich. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast member Gemma Puglisi talks to Povich about his career, which began in Washington and included stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York. They discuss his early days as a news reporter, how he became the longest serving daytime talk show host in television history, and his future plans, including his desire to get involved in print journalism.

Global Study Shows Online Violence Against Women Journalists Increasing

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:01:21 +0000

A three-year study published by the International Center for Journalists shows online violence against women journalists has reached an all-time high. In this edition of Update-1, ICFJ Research Director Julie Posetti talks with Broadcast Podcast team member Irv Chapman about the study, which documents alarming trends. Dr. Posetti describes the internet as a "sea of toxicity" for women journalists, who she says are now exposed to more online violence with worse impacts. Dr. Posetti discusses the study's findings, including 20 percent of women responding to a survey saying they experienced offline abuse, harassment or attacks that they attribute to online violence.

The New Commander of the NPC's American Legion Post 20 Discusses History, Future Of The Organization

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:36:10 +0000

American Legion Post 20 at the National Press Club was chartered more than a century ago, and a new commander took the reins this year. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast team member Shannon Fisher talks to the new Commander of American Legion Post 20, Tom Young. Young is a decorated Air National Guard veteran flight engineer who carries his military experience throughout all aspects of his life. They discuss the history of the veterans’ organization and the services the American Legion provides to veterans and communities at large.

The Latest Podcasting Statistics and Trends

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:29:47 +0000

The number of Americans listening to podcasts has risen dramatically since 2006, when listenership was first measured. What has led to the steady increase over the years? Which podcasts are most popular? Do men and women prefer different subject matters when listening to podcasts? And what caused last year's slight drop in podcast listeners?

These are some of the topics discussed in the latest edition of Update-1. Broadcast Podcast Team Chair Mark Hamrick interviews Melissa Kiesche, a senior vice president at Edison Research, who was a guest at the committee's monthly meeting in October.

Assault On Press Freedom Intensifies In Latin America And Beyond

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:49:43 +0000

From Asia to Latin America, journalists are increasingly being harassed, imprisoned and even killed for pursuing the truth wherever the story takes them. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast/Podcast Team Co-vice Chair Adam Konowe interviews Rachel Oswald, chair of the National Press Club’s press freedom team, and Dagmar Thiel, team member and head of the Latin American press freedom advocacy group Fundamedios. They provide updates on the cases of Austin Tice in Syria, Maria Ressa in the Philippines, Frantzsen Charles and Tayson Lartigue in Haiti, plus numerous others covering the full length of Latin America from Mexico to Chile.

NYU Report: Social Media Amplified False Claims of Election Fraud

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 18:56:41 +0000

With a Congressional election only weeks away, social media companies want to avoid a repeat of 2016, when according to the U.S. intelligence community, Russia used social media to interfere in the U.S. presidential election. The companies have since adopted policies and hired personnel to prevent a repeat. On this edition of Update-1, longtime Press Club member Irv Chapman interviews Paul Barrett, the deputy director of the New York University Center for Business and Human rights and an adjunct professor of law. He's also the author of a new report about the ways in which social media is being used to spread falsehoods about election fraud. They discuss the policies social media companies are using in an attempt to protect the 2022 midterm elections.

How Free Are Journalists In Africa?

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:28:50 +0000

As journalists around the world face challenges in the line of duty, this edition of Update-1 examines the state of press freedom in Africa. NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith interviews African journalist Oral Ofori, an award-winning Ghanaian-American digital media producer, blogger, freelance journalist, entrepreneur, and writer, based at the Ghana Embassy in D.C. Ofori, the founder of the U.S.-based communication consultancy The African Dream, highlights his journalism career and discusses which countries in Africa have the highest and lowest levels of press freedom. He also spotlights changes that have occurred over time in both print and broadcast media in Ghana and Africa.

“Back to School” with AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:06:07 +0000

The head of the American school superintendent’s association shares the concerns of school leaders as students head back to school. Dan Domenech, who leads the American Association of School Administrators, the school superintendents’ association, talks about the enormous challenges school leaders face as students head back to school. In this edition of Update-1, he says his 13,000 members are worried about a lot more than test scores. He spoke with Broadcast Podcast team member Debra Silimeo about school safety, the teacher and staff shortages, students’ mental health needs, COVID, and the culture wars that have found their way into classrooms.

Photojournalist Linda Tirado Talks About Perils And Responsibilities Of Covering Conflict

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 03:25:15 +0000

Photojournalist Linda Tirado, winner of a National Press Club 2020 John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award, recently visited the club to accept her award in person. Coinciding with that trip, she agreed to speak with NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-vice-chair Adam Konowe for this edition of Update-1. The wide-ranging interview covers Tirado’s early days reporting on American civil unrest, why she chose to cover the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, how she lost an eye due to a non-lethal round fired by police, her subsequent recovery and lawsuit, how police and journalists can play their respective roles in society without fear and intimidation, the particular challenges faced by freelancers, as well as the future for her and those who might follow in her footsteps.

Tenth Annual Aerospace Media Awards Recognizes Excellence In Journalism

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:16:12 +0000

During the week of July 18, the world’s aviation industry reconvened in Europe for the first time since before the pandemic. The biennial Farnborough International Airshow, aviation’s largest event for 2022, attracted tens of thousands of exhibitors and visitors, not to mention more than a thousand accredited journalists. On the eve of that event, the 10th annual Aerospace Media Awards held in London recognized excellence in journalism across nearly 20 categories. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast Team Co-vice Chair Adam Konowe speaks with AMA principal Peter Bradfield about the event, the airshow and the changing nature of aviation journalism. He also addressed the Defense Media Awards, scheduled to be held at the Club on October 9.

D.C. Councilmember Pinto Discusses Helping Business Recover From COVID-19

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:48:16 +0000

In this edition of Update-1, Washington, D.C. Ward 2 councilmember Brooke Pinto has ideas on how to help businesses that have suffered as a result of COVID-19. She also discusses why she thinks legislation she has introduced could help not only in the district but throughout the country and why she believes flexible work schedules will become more popular in the future.

A Former Moscow Correspondent Discusses Putin and The Ukraine Invasion

Sun, 15 May 2022 21:23:47 +0000

What motivates Russian President Vladimir Putin? In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Lincoln Smith discusses Putin and the Russian people with David Satter, a former Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times and a former special correspondent on Soviet affairs for The Wall Street Journal. They talk about the challenges of reading Putin's mind and whether he's an enemy or a friend to the Russian people. Satter offers his thoughts on why Russia invaded Ukraine and Putin's long-term goals. He also talks about Russia having a history of underestimating enemies, with the Ukraine resistance being no exception.

Why Media Literacy Is A Key Skill For Students To Learn

Wed, 04 May 2022 15:51:34 +0000

The group Media Literacy Now works to ensure that students learn the literacy skills they'll need to function as productive adults. The efforts of MLN in several states could impact more than 10 million children. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee member Gemma Puglisi interviews former journalist Erin McNeill, the founder of Media Literacy Now, about what media literacy is, why it's so important in the 21st century and how the organization came to be. McNeil also explains why media literacy is considered a key communication skill by business leaders and why it's important for students to begin learning about it at a young age.

Why Murrow Still Matters

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 00:55:03 +0000

A National Press Club Zoom event in early April that examined the career of broadcast legend Edward R. Murrow, who set the standard for broadcast journalism with his reporting from London during World War II, is the focus of this edition of Update-1. Murrow's son Casey Murrow, an honorary NPC member, along with Marvin Kalb, the last correspondent hired by Murrow at CBS, talk about Murrow's life and legacy. They're joined by former NPC Presidents Mike Freedman and Mark Hamrick, National Press Club Journalism Institute President Gil Klein and NPC Board of Governors Chair Kimberly Adams in discussing Murrow's impact and influence on 21st-century reporting.

New NPC Press Freedom Chair Highlights Threats Globally

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 12:32:52 +0000

Syria, Mexico, China and Russia are just a few of the countries where press freedom is already severely curtailed or under increasing threat, according to new National Press Club press freedom chair Rachel Oswald, who is also a reporter at CQ Roll Call in Washington, D.C. In this edition of Update-1, Oswald discusses the myriad challenges to a free press and related democratic institutions. In her conversation with Broadcast Podcast Committee co-vice chair Adam Konowe, Oswald also highlights potential legal challenges to the landmark case New York Times vs. Sullivan, especially in light of a more conservative Supreme Court and multiple lawsuits related to false claims of 2020 election voter fraud and other cases of disinformation.

Putin's Control of Russia's News Media

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:45:56 +0000

Lucian Kim has covered Russia and Eastern Europe since 1996 for the Christian Science Monitor and other publications. He recently moved to Washington after five years as Moscow correspondent for National Public Radio, receiving a fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson Center. Interviewed by longtime National Press Club member Irv Chapman, in this edition of Update-1 Kim traces how Vladimir Putin tightened the screws over time on Russia's news media as he faced critical coverage of popular discontent, notably over rigged elections a decade ago, and now has eliminated independent media entirely. And Kim says until last month, correspondents for foreign media could work freely, though sources dried up as Putin cracked down.

Journalism Institute President Gil Klein Discusses Press Freedom and Goals For This Year

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:48:39 +0000

The National Press Club Journalism Institute benefits not only club members but journalists and non-journalists throughout the country. The institute offers a variety of programs that enhance journalists' ability to inform the public and the public's ability to better understand what constitutes quality journalism. In the latest edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee co-vice chair Mike Hempen talks with JI President Gil Klein about the impact of the institute outside of Washington and his goals for this year. They also discuss the institute's board, its non-profit status and its 2022-2024 strategic plan.

115th NPC President Reports On Club Operations And Priorities

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:57:14 +0000

Highlighting press freedom, increasing media literacy and countering anti-democratic propaganda top the priorities list for Jen Judson, the 115th president of the National Press Club.

Afghan Refugees Resettle in the U.S.

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 15:23:37 +0000

Tens of thousands of Afghans have been flown to the United States since the U.S. pulled its last troops out of Afghanistan at the end of August. The co-founder and chair of the Peace Corps Alliance for Cultural Understanding thinks the use of Afghan advisory groups is essential for the well-being of Afghan refugees. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast group member Lincoln Smith talks with Tony Agnello, the president of Friends of Afghanistan, a committee working with veterans’ organizations to ensure all eligible Afghans receive immigration clearance. Agnello, who previously served in Afghanistan while in the Peace Corps, discusses the Afghan refugee resettlement camps and why he thinks public-private partnerships and faith-based coalitions should be part of the process of relocating Afghans into American communities.

"House of Gucci" Author Discusses Her Book And Gucci Movie

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:13:52 +0000

The movie House of Gucci is off to an impressive start at the box office, taking in more than $33 million in North America in the two weeks since its release. It's based on a book written by Sara Gay Forden, the guest on the latest Update-1 podcast. Forden talks with Broadcast Podcast team member Gemma Puglisi about the challenges of writing her book, "The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed." Forden recounts living in Italy and covering the Italian fashion industry and how Maurizio Gucci, the grandson of the company's founder who was brutally murdered in 1995, drew her to "write the story." She also discusses how her book became a movie, the excitement of meeting members of the cast and the need for good content.

Veteran Correspondent Discusses Afghanistan, Poland and The VOA

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:04:42 +0000

David Ensor spent three decades as a news correspondent for NPR, ABC, and CNN then turned to public service with a year at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan and then four years as director of the Voice of America. Among his overseas posts was that of ABC News Bureau Chief in Warsaw, when a Polish cleric became pope and helped his native land turn away from Communism. On this edition of Update-1, Ensor comments on all three of those experiences which remain in the news--the rightward turn of the current Polish government, the end of America's "forever war" in Afghanistan, and the efforts of the last administration to refashion the Voice of America, He spoke with Press Club Broadcast Podcast team member Irv Chapman.

National Capital Radio & TV Museum Curator Discusses Collection Highlights And Lessons

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:03:43 +0000

The National Capital Radio and Television Museum (https://ncrtv.org/), located just east of the Capital Beltway in Bowie, Maryland, opened its doors in 1999 and contains an impressive collection of radio and television equipment, some roughly a century old. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-vice Chair Adam Konowe interviews museum curator Brian Belanger about the genesis of the museum, who it attracts and why it has earned five-star status on TripAdvisor. Belanger highlights a number of the museum’s most noteworthy artifacts, as well as other educational features of the museum, such as its comprehensive library and hands-on technology classes.

Two Recent NPC Honorees Remain Imprisoned

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 18:35:42 +0000

American journalist Danny Fenster has been imprisoned in Myanmar since May, while Chinese journalist Haze Fan has been detained in China since December. Fenster and Fan are the NPC’s most recent John Aubuchon Press Freedom Award winners.

In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Lincoln Smith interviews veteran reporter and long-time Press Club member John Donnelly, who discusses the two Press Club honorees and another detained journalist, Austin Tice. Donnelly also highlights his own career and offers thoughts on the state of press freedom around the world.

Update-1 Highlights NPC Annual Photo Exhibit On Display Through September 30

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:54:16 +0000

The National Press Club’s 22nd annual photo exhibit is on display in the Club’s lobby and virtually at https://technewslit.com/npc/photoex2021/index.html. In this edition of Update-1, broadcast/podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe spoke with photo team co-chair Alan Kotok about the exhibit in a time of ongoing pandemic and social unrest. Konowe also interviewed two photographers whose work is part of this year’s exhibit. Arizona-based new member Ben Sarao submitted four panoramic nature images, while the work of long-standing member Aretha Williams from Washington D.C. mostly benefitted from painstaking retouching, colorizing and other editing techniques.

How Free Are Reporters in Russia?

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:30:35 +0000

Russian independent journalists have faced increased government pressure ahead of the country's parliamentary election this Sunday. In some cases that has meant Russian police raiding their homes and seizing cellphones, laptops and tablets. This is widely seen as an attempt by President Vladimir Putin to cement his rule before the 2024 presidential election.

In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee member Irv Chapman talks with Michael Smeltzer, a Russian analyst at Freedom House, about the state of press freedom in Russia. They discuss how Putin quickly gained control of the broadcast media within a few years after becoming president and what the impact has been of the Russian government designating some news organizations and journalists as "foreign agents" leading up to this month's election.

What's The Future Of Afghanistan?

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 15:47:12 +0000

How reliable was the intelligence the U.S. received as it planned its withdrawal from Afghanistan? And what is the future of Afghanistan after the U.S. and its allies pull out? Those are some of the issues covered in this edition of Update-1.

Pew's 2021 State of the News Media

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:31:36 +0000

Increasing audiences for network news, cable television news, online radio and podcasts, a revenue decline for all-news radio stations and a circulation decline for newspapers. Those are just a few of the findings in this year's State of the Media report by the Pew Research Center. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Board of Governors member Debra Silimeo talks to Katerina Eva Matsa, the associate director of journalism research at Pew, about the key findings in the 2021 report. Among the issues they discuss are the role that TV plays in news coverage, the change that occurred in newspaper revenue and an employment shift within the journalism industry.

The Future Of Newspapers In The Digital Age

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:00:18 +0000

"People want and need our journalism more than ever." That's how the President and CEO of News Media Alliance, David Chavern, describes the current state of the newspaper industry. The NMA previously was the Newspaper Association of America. It's the news industry's largest trade organization, representing about 2,000 publishers in the United States. In an Update-1 interview with Broadcast Podcast member Gemma Puglisi, Chavern talks about the record number of readers last year as local news became vitally important during the coronavirus pandemic. He also discusses how digital editions are allowing newspapers to reach subscribers well beyond their geographic boundaries, and explains the challenges of monetization and distribution.

The Dangers Journalists Face While On The Job

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:37:17 +0000

The International Federation of Journalists says 65 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide last year while doing their jobs. The killings occurred in 16 different countries during targeted attacks, bomb attacks and crossfire incidents. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Lincoln Smith talks with IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger about the ongoing global challenges to press freedom. Bellanger discusses the deaths and imprisonment of journalists in Asia, Africa and Europe, summarizes the IFJ mission, and compares and contrasts the current-day freedom of the press with that of 50 years ago.

NPC Member Susan Page Discusses Significance Of Club's All-Female Leadership Team

Mon, 24 May 2021 13:39:40 +0000

For the first time in National Press Club history, the leadership team is all-female, with President Lisa Nicole Matthews, Vice President Jen Judson, Secretary Gillian Rich, Treasurer Eileen O'Reilly, and Membership Secretary Emily Wilkins at the helm. In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast Team member Shannon Fisher speaks with USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page, a longtime NPC member who has served as president of the White House Correspondents Association and the Gridiron Club. This conversation marks the milestone of the National Press Club’s historic 2021 leadership team by examining the impact of female leadership in the field of journalism.

The Club Highlights The Ongoing Struggle For Press Freedom

Fri, 14 May 2021 12:31:27 +0000

The National Press Club has always stood for press freedom, and this edition of Update-1 features a couple of journalists who have been honored by the club in the past but are struggling for their freedom. Maria Ressa and Austin Tice were among the journalists remembered during events on World Press Freedom Day. Ressa, the founder of the digital news site Rappler, delivered a powerful statement about the need for press freedom, while Tice's 11-year old niece talked about some of the memories she has of her uncle, who has been held in Syria for more than 8 years. Both Ressa and Tice have received the club's Freedom on the Press Award, named after former NPC President John Aubuchon.

NPC to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3

Mon, 03 May 2021 13:04:13 +0000

On Monday, May 3, The National Press Club will host a virtual event for World Press Freedom Day highlighting the cases of three journalists in need: Austin Tice, Maria Ressa and Emilio Gutierrez-Soto, all past recipients of the Club’s John Aubuchon Award for press freedom. In this episode of Update-1, Press Freedom Team chair John Donnelly speaks to Broadcast/Podcast Team co-vice chair Adam Konowe about the upcoming event and the plight of these and other journalists. He also addresses the state of press freedom more broadly, including specific incidents at home and abroad that demonstrate the danger posed not merely to journalists, but to truth and civic society at large.

Southern Poverty Law Center President Discusses Extremism, White Nationalism

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 16:19:35 +0000

Southern Poverty Law Center President and CEO Margaret Huang says the U.S. is facing a crisis of "far-right extremism and deep threats to our democracy." This episode of Update-1 features part of NPC President Lisa Matthews' recent interview with Huang at a Headliners event. The issues they discuss include the increase in domestic terror attacks, why there has been a surge in white nationalist groups and how parents should talk to their children about rejecting hate.

114th NPC President Lisa Matthews Talks Club Operations And Diversity

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:02:40 +0000

In January, Lisa Matthews, an Associated Press assignment manager for video, was inaugurated as the 114th president of the National Press Club. In this edition of Update-1, Matthews talks with Broadcast/Podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe about the Club’s pandemic-driven challenges and opportunities during the past year, as well as what’s to come. She also addresses the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion as the Club’s third black president and one of only 14 women to hold the position in more than a century.

The Killing Of Journalists On The Rise Worldwide

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:45:28 +0000

The number of journalists killed on the job has been on the rise as reprisal murders more than doubled last year worldwide. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Tom Young talks to NPC member and Committee to Protect Journalists' advocacy director Dr. Courtney Radsch about the most dangerous countries for journalists, and why 80 percent of the people responsible for their murders never face charges. Dr. Radsch also discusses the alarming rate at which journalists have been jailed in retaliation for their work.

Aviation Editor Opines On Safety Issues, Post-COVID Travel And Technical Journalism

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:48:43 +0000

Veteran aviation editor, pilot and flight instructor Joy Finnegan has seen and experienced a lot, from the cockpit to the editor’s chair. But, arguably, nothing in her extensive training could have totally prepared her for the events of the past 18 months. In this edition of Update-1, she speaks with NPC Broadcast/Podcast Co-vice Chair Adam Konowe about the challenges of editing three print and digital trade media titles, covering travel-related events from the Boeing 737 MAX grounding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prospect for the aviation industry to recover as vaccines become more plentiful.

Remembering Larry King

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 01:46:55 +0000

Millions of people heard the late Larry King hosting either his national call-in radio program on the Mutual Broadcasting System or his nightly interview show on CNN. But what was it like working with him? This edition of the Update-1 podcast features Pat Piper, King's producer for 10 years at Mutual, speaking to the Broadcast Podcast Committee earlier this month. In an interview with committee chairman Mark Hamrick, Piper discusses what King was like off the air and talks about his memories of taking the show on the road before live audiences all across the country. Piper also was a ghostwriter on four of King's books. King died last month at the age of 87.

CPJ Calls For Strong Statement About Press Freedom

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:30:32 +0000

The advocacy director for the Committee to Protect Journalist, Dr. Courtney Radsch, believes the Biden administration has the opportunity to restore U.S. press freedom leadership after what she says has been an abdication of that role over the past several years. In this edition of Update-1, she talks to Broadcast Podcast team member Tom Young about what steps CPJ would like President Biden to take. Dr. Radsch says they include the president delivering a major speech recognizing the role journalists play in providing the public with accurate information "at a time when it has never been more important." CPJ also wants the U.S. to make press freedom a foreign policy priority and appoint a press freedom envoy.

Pivoting To Success During The Year Of The Coronavirus

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 22:12:48 +0000

The NPC's 2020 President Michael Freedman had the daunting challenge of leading the club during the coronavirus pandemic. In this edition of Update-1, Freedman discusses with Broadcast Podcast Committee member Irv Chapman how the club suspended all in-person services in March and then successfully pivoted to virtual newsmaker and headliner interviews, conducting more than 40 virtual events and in the process booking guests who normally would not have been available. He also talks about how the club's virtual inaugural this Saturday, when Lisa Matthews will be sworn-in as the 114th president, is also a charity event, and why maintaining the club's morale and membership during the pandemic have been top accomplishments.

Photographer Discusses The Dangers Of Being At The U.S. Capitol During Deadly Attack

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:00:19 +0000

National Press Club member Christy Bowe says she was in a "dangerous situation" when Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 realized she was a member of the media and began chanting insults directed at news organizations. In the second of a two-part series featuring journalists who were on duty that historic day, NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee member and American University assistant professor in communications Gemma Puglisi interviews Bowe, a photojournalist who was on the East side of the Capitol. She says she noticed the atmosphere becoming more intense as the size of the crowd swelled. She talks about losing her cellphone and then miraculously getting it back and calling people to find out what was going on. She discusses what she learned and offers advice to journalists covering protests and rallies.

Photojournalist Recalls Her Experience At U.S. Capitol During Deadly Attack

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:02:49 +0000

The January 6 deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol endangered not only lawmakers but also journalists who were on duty for what turned out to be a direct attack on a hallowed democratic institution. In the first of a two-part series featuring journalists who were on the scene, NPC Broadcast Podcast Committee member and American University assistant professor in communications Gemma Puglisi interviews photojournalist and NPC member Cheriss May, who was working as a freelancer on that historic day.

Radio Making A Difference In Developing Countries

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:52:43 +0000

Despite huge advances in communications technology, radio remains one of the most effective media--especially in developing countries. Radio can help farmers with better growing practices, encourage the use of clean water, and promote free elections. A nonprofit organization called Developing Radio Partners works to boost useful radio programming in poor countries. In the latest Update-1 podcast, Broadcast Podcast Committee member Tom Young speaks with the president and CEO of Developing Radio Partners, Chuck Rice.

Increasing Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Within Broadcast Companies

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 13:58:11 +0000

Earlier this year the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center, a website dedicated to helping media companies and industry professionals create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are designed to help companies embrace unique perspectives and voices.

In this episode of Update-1, the NAB's Chief Diversity Officer and Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke talks with Broadcast Podcast team member Sarah Dolezal about the role the NAB plays in improving DEI initiatives at radio and television stations and networks throughout the country. She discusses the "journey" that broadcast companies are on, the successes she has seen with their DEI efforts, and what organizations still have to do to impact change.

Report for America Helps Local Newsrooms Fill Gaps

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:39:51 +0000

Local news across the U.S. continues to struggle as the pandemic adds to the financial losses that newspapers, radio stations and other media have suffered for years. With declining revenue from advertising and subscriptions, news outlets have resorted to cutting deeply into the personnel in their newsrooms.

In this episode of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Bill Loveless talks to Steve Waldman, the president and co-founder of Report for America, a nonprofit program that puts journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America placed 226 reporters in 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in 2020, and aims to increase that number to 1,000 by 2024. It will begin accepting applications for its 2021-22 class in December.

Steve crafted the plan for Report for America after authoring a Federal Communications Commission report “Information Needs of Communities,” which NPR described as “one of the most comprehensive overviews of the U.S. media ever produced.” An experienced entrepreneur, he co-founded the multi-faith religion website Beliefnet.com and LifePosts.com, a platform for online memorials. Earlier, he was national editor of U.S. News & World Report and national correspondent for Newsweek.

Report for America is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, an award-winning nonprofit media organization.

Election 2020 through the lens of a political analyst, historian and communicator

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 18:19:55 +0000

Every election cycle is rich in political communication with numerous lessons not just for ordinary voters, but also journalists and communicators. In this edition of Update-1, recorded while the final votes were still being tallied, NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe speaks with American University School of Communications professor and History Affiliate professor Leonard Steinhorn. Steinhorn has published numerous books and articles on politics, race and other enduring issues. He currently serves as a political analyst for CBS Radio News and also has worked as a political consultant and speechwriter. This episode covers factors behind the rise of Donald Trump, his challenge by former Vice President Joe Biden, lessons from down-ballot races, and how disruption manifests itself in society well beyond politics.

Remembering Chadwick Boseman And His Connection To D.C.'s Howard University

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:07:43 +0000

The late actor Chadwick Boseman left a void not only in the entertainment industry but for many young people in the country. Boseman died from colon cancer in August at the age of 43.

In this edition of Update-1, Gemma Puglisi, a member of the National Press Club's Broadcast Podcast Committee, interviews Dr. Wayne Frederick, the president of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Boseman's alma mater.

Dr. Frederick, an oncologist, discusses Boseman's impact at Howard as well as his colon cancer diagnosis and the rise of the disease in young people. He also talks about the great commencement speech Boseman gave in 2018 at Howard and what the actor leaves behind.

NPC Annual Photo Exhibit Displays Online

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 17:58:14 +0000

The National Press Club’s 21^st annual photo exhibit is on display virtually at https://technewslit.com/npc/photoex2020/. In this edition of Update-1, broadcast/podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe spoke with photo team co-chair Alan Kotok about the evolution of the exhibit in a time of pandemic and social unrest. Konowe also interviewed two photographers whose work is part of this year’s exhibit. Dianne Stamm submitted two of her close-up photos of subjects in the Middle East: a female beggar in Jerusalem and a street vendor in Petra. Ron Hoffer’s four photographs on exhibit are a subset of 85 included in a new photo memoir, “From the Bronx to Berlin and Beyond.” Kotok hopes the online exhibit will return to the Club’s lobby once operational conditions permit.

It's Not Easy Winning An NPC Scholarship

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 17:42:16 +0000

As part of the National Press Club’s efforts to support the careers of future journalists, the club awards three annual scholarships to college students who plan to study journalism. Two of the awards, the Richard G. Zimmerman Journalism Scholarship and the Julie Schoo Award for Diversity in Journalism, are awarded to freshmen, while the Feldman Fellowship for Graduate Studies in Journalism is awarded to first year graduate students.

In this episode of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast member Sarah Dolezal interviews the co-chairs of the NPC Scholarship Awards Committee, Alicia Mundy and Gillian Rich. They discuss the competitive nature of the awards, the process of choosing a winner and the impact these awards have on the winners' careers.

An Inside Look at Ike's Leadership Style

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 20:44:20 +0000

President Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House during a transformational time, and his granddaughter says his goal was to unite the country with "middle road" ideas that would allow people to resolve their differences and compromise. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast Podcast team member Irv Chapman talks to Susan Eisenhower about her latest book, "How Ike Lead." She discusses how the president always listened to dissenting points of view and took responsibility for his decisions. She also talks about the closeness of her family allowing her to get to know her grandfather very well but also being taught to "compartmentalize" her relationship with him from his role as president. And she elaborates about her desire to become a journalist early in her career before her pivot into strategic communications.

Retired AP Reporter Discusses Covering More Than 400 Executions

Sun, 30 Aug 2020 13:31:53 +0000

Retired Associated Press reporter Michael Graczyk may have witnessed more executions than any journalist in American history. Working at the AP’s Houston bureau, one of Graczyk’s assignments was to cover the Texas Department of Corrections. As part of his job, he witnessed hundreds of executions over his nearly 46-year AP career. In this edition of Update-1, Graczyk talks to NPC Broadcast Podcast member Shannon Fisher about the manner in which he approached his unique and heavy role as a reporter, sharing stories of his interactions with the families of the victims, the inmates and the loved ones of inmates who watched as the death penalty was carried out.

Remembering The Journalist Who Was The First American Killed By ISIS

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:43:31 +0000

Diane Foley, president and founder of the James Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses the mission and work of the organization started in memory of her son, James Foley, on this edition of Update-1. James Foley was a freelance correspondent, videographer, and conflict journalist covering the Syrian war when he was killed by ISIS in August of 2014, the first American citizen killed by the Islamic state.

Diane Foley also discusses the recent report released by the nonprofit on the state of hostages, those still missing, and the work ahead. She also shares with Gemma Puglisi, a member of the National Press Club's broadcast team, the recent honorees of the Freedom Awards in memory of her son.

J-School Trends And Their Impact On the Journalism Industry

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 16:27:59 +0000

Trends in journalism education and in the profession have steadily changed over the last 10 years. One of the big changes is the increasing number of women who are pursuing degrees in mass media or communications. Their enrollment numbers have increased at both the undergraduate and graduate levels compared to male students. In this episode of Update-1, Dr. Tudor Vlad, the director of the James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research at the University of Georgia, discusses gender trends at colleges and universities and in the journalism profession with Broadcast/Podcast team member Sarah Dolezal.

Dr. Vlad also highlights the challenges in reopening college campuses amid the coronavirus outbreak. Adjusting to online learning while balancing career aspirations is tricky for students studying mass media and communications, and remains a hot topic for staff, faculty, and industry experts.

Global Strategy Expert Discusses China's Ambitions And Their Impact On U.S.

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:58:02 +0000

The relationship between the United States and China is fast emerging as the number one American foreign policy priority. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Team member Lincoln Smith speaks with Dr. Jonathan Ward, an internationally recognized expert on Chinese Global Strategy. Earning his PhD at the University of Oxford and undergraduate degree at Columbia University, Dr. Ward is the founder of Atlas Organization, a Washington D.C. and New York-based consultancy. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense and American companies on China's long term strategy. In this interview, Dr. Ward discusses the state of press freedom in Hong Kong, China's objectives, how China intends to get what it wants and how the U.S. should respond.

CPJ Advocacy Director 'Shocked' By Incidents Against Reporters During Protests

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 17:07:15 +0000

The national protests following the death of George Floyd proved to be at times a hostile environment for journalists. Some reporters were arrested, while others were targeted with tear gas, shot at with rubber bullets and pepper-sprayed. The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating hundreds of reports of violence against journalists covering the protests.

On this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Mike Hempen talks to CPJ Advocacy Director Dr. Courtney Radsch, who says she was “shocked” by what she saw. Dr. Radsch discusses the updated safety advisories CPJ issued to reporters covering the protests, and what news organizations, journalists and the public can do in response to these incidents.

Toronto-Based Podcast Host Reflects On COVID-19, Journalism, PR And More

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 12:46:11 +0000

Award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist Scott Simmie knows a thing or two about back-story and his new podcast “BMO Inside Stories” provides the forum to share insightful, motivating and even surprising stories from a cross-section of North American guests. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast team co-vice chair Adam Konowe interviews Simmie about the genesis and lessons of his podcast. They also discuss recent developments in journalism and PR, from the divergent paths taken by the U.S. and Canada to cope with COVID-19 to the future of emerging technologies and how PR professionals should communicate about them to build and maintain trust.

Media Watchdog: COVID-19 Is Worsening Threat To Global Press Freedom

Tue, 26 May 2020 10:21:32 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing healthcare and economic woes around the world, and some governments are using the global crisis as an opportunity to seize control of information flowing from and within their borders. With press freedom increasingly under attack, many journalists find it difficult to collect and provide details about COVID-19, especially in nations that have been hot spots for the virus. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast team member Shannon Fisher speaks with Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (a.k.a. Reporters sans Frontières, or RSF) USA Dokhi Fassihian about the challenges journalists face during this global pandemic and the work RSF is doing to protect journalists who encounter severe interference in the course of gathering details about COVID-19.

NewsGuild President Discusses Unusual Bid to Aid Reporters

Mon, 11 May 2020 00:07:55 +0000

Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, the NewsGuild has represented reporters and other employees at news operations through good and bad times, bargaining for improved wages and working conditions and promoting honesty in journalism. Now, amid a pandemic and another extraordinary economic downturn, the NewsGuild is pushing hard for measures to aid its members as newspapers and other news media in the U.S. and Canada lay off and furlough reporters and cut their salaries to compensate for lost advertising revenue. Among the steps sought by the NewsGuild is one that is extraordinary for a union representing journalists: financial aid from the government. In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club Broadcast Podcast team member Bill Loveless talks to Jon Schleuss, the president of the NewsGuild, about this and other steps the union is taking to protect its members. “It’s a concern,” Schleuss tells Update-1. “And what we’re looking at potentially is an extinction-level event where we could lose the entire news industry.”

Coronavirus Poses New Challenges for Reporters, News Organizations

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 21:20:33 +0000

Timely and reliable news reporting is more important than ever now as the coronavirus pandemic spreads rapidly across the world. The challenge is a daunting one for journalists faced not only with the task of sorting through complicated and often contradictory information but also the risk of contracting COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the new virus. And even as people turn to the news media for information on the crisis, many U.S. newspapers are letting go of reporters and editors as advertising all but disappears. In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast Podcast Committee member Bill Loveless talks to Jon Allsop, who writes a newsletter called “The Media Today” produced by the Columbia Journalism Review. Jon is tracking reporting on COVID-19 in the U.S. and globally as well as the pandemic’s devastating financial impact on newsroom staffs.

Learning and doing PR via PRSSA

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:57:14 +0000

Many professional communicators, including National Press Club members, learned their craft in schools of communication here in Washington and beyond. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Committee co-vice chair Adam Konowe speaks with fellow committee member and American University School of Communications Professor Gemma Puglisi. Joining them is Jolene Levesque, an AU undergraduate majoring in public relations, to discuss AU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and its activities for PR majors like her.

A Former National Security Council Director Discusses The Current Strategic Environment

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 17:05:17 +0000

National Security is the focus of this edition of Update-1. Broadcast Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith speaks with Dr. John Lenczowski, founder and president of the Institute of World Politics, which is dedicated to teaching the art of statecraft. They discuss some books and lectures relating to the state of today's global strategic environment, including Eric Hoffer’s book "The True Believer; Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements," and the Kuklinski Museum Discussion Series, “Poland, the U.S. and NATO: Confronting the Russian Threat." Dr. Lenczowski also comments on the state of press freedom in China.

CNN’s John King Breaks Down 2020 Election Coverage

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:18:31 +0000

With a field of primary candidates as large as the Democrats’ in 2020, keeping up-to-date with election news is challenging. The process is even more daunting for political journalists who gather ever-changing data from candidates, pollsters, strategists, and voters across the country. Effectively analyzing and organizing this information into an easily digestible package for the public is a skill that takes years to develop. CNN’s John King, host of Inside Politics, has spent his career covering elections from nearly every angle. King talks to NPC Broadcast/Podcast team member Shannon Fisher about capturing the of-the-moment essence of elections, finding the pulse of America, and the manner in which media coverage of general elections differs from that of crowded primaries.

International Women’s Day and other news from New Zealand

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:24:37 +0000

On Sunday, March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day with the theme of #eachforequal, promoting that an equal world is an enabled world. New Zealand women will join millions of other women around the world participating in events marking the day. NPC Broadcast/Podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe discusses this topic with NPC member and freelance reporter Victoria Gaither, now based in New Zealand, and Heather Hutchings, chair of the Porirua Chamber of Commerce near the capital city of Wellington. Both women address upcoming IWD events, reelection prospects for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, last year’s deadly mosque shooting and volcano eruption, and other developments.

Analyzing Media Coverage Of The Impeachment Of President Trump

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:51:20 +0000

What did you think of the media coverage of the impeachment process involving President Trump? Was it fair, or did it lean left or right? Broadcast/Podcast team member Bill Loveless discusses these topics and more with Jason Mollica, a professorial lecturer in the American University School of Communication. Mollica talks about news outlets he relied on for updates, the various perspectives different news organizations provided and how the reporting of the Trump impeachment differed from previous impeachment coverage.

Nonprofit News And The Vital Role It Plays

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:31:07 +0000

Nonprofit newsrooms provide necessary services to communities across the country, and they are the focus of this edition of Update-1. NewsMatch Project Director Jason Alcorn talks to NPC Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Shannon Fisher about the role of nonprofit news and the struggle independent news organizations have funding local watchdog journalism.

Disinformation And The 2020 Presidential Election

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 17:34:32 +0000

How much of a factor will disinformation be in the 2020 presidential election? In this edition of Update-1, Paul Barrett, the deputy director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, talks to Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Irv Chapman about the spread of disinformation that already has occurred, the different forms of disinformation and some examples of how it has played out. Barrett also discusses what social media companies have done and still can do to limit the impact of disinformation, and offers some advice to social media users who encounter what they consider to be questionable information.

Veteran Broadcaster Irv Chapman On What We Have Learned From Vietnam

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:25:26 +0000

With a broadcast journalism career spanning over 50 years, Irv Chapman has reported for Radio Press International and ABC News and now is with Bloomberg News. During his time with ABC, Irv was assigned to cover the Vietnam War. In this edition of Update-1, NPC Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith talks to Irv about his time in Vietnam and how what he reported on might apply to a current conflict, such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. They also discuss the differences between the media coverage of Vietnam and that of current wars and whether the United States learned anything from the Vietnam War.

A Sponsor For In-Depth Reporting On Critical Global Issues

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:33:10 +0000

With fewer newspapers still in business, and constrained budgets of those that remain, foundation and donor-supported organizations are seeking to fill the gap by sponsoring reporting trips to far-away places, producing stories that even top news media welcome. On this edition of Update-1, longtime Press Club member Irv Chapman interviews the executive editor of one prominent journalism organization, the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Indira Lakshmanan reported for the Boston Globe from Bosnia, China, Afghanistan and Latin America and still writes a foreign affairs column for the Globe. For eight years she was diplomatic correspondent for Bloomberg News. She describes the work of the Center, including its role in boosting the public trust in serious news media, and her own experiences, both at home and abroad.

Washington Post Humor Columnist Alexandra Petri Is Primed To Defend Her Championship at the Club's Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 14:35:58 +0000

Can you spell the scientific name for bedbugs? You can bet Washington Post humor columnist Alexandra Petri (pronounced Pea’-try) can. Not only did she write a recent column taking on the persona of a bedbug incensed at being dragged into the muck of U.S. politics, she’s also a champion speller. In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Viola Gienger has a fun conversation with Petri about her sense of humor, her championship last year in the NPC Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee and her pending return this year, on Sept. 17, to defend her title.

Other previous winners have included U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in 2013 and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) in 2015. Art Swift of Gallup won in 2016, and Todd Gillman of the Dallas Morning News orthographed his way to the championship in 2017

Bee There or Bee Square! For more information about the event and to buy tickets, see the NPC website or the Eventbrite page.

NPC Members Display Photos At Annual Club Exhibit

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:57:36 +0000

The NPC’s annual photo exhibit is on display in the Club’s lobby through September 27. Broadcast/podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe spoke to photo team co-chair Alan Kotok about the evolution of the exhibit and its relevance in today’s critical society. Konowe also interviewed Aileen Schlef about her photos at a Washington, D.C. church, as well as Molly McCartney, who captured life in Syria before the civil war. Both photographers discuss how the photos were taken and the stories behind them.

Former NPC President Mark Hamrick Discusses The State Of Journalism, Technology And What You Can Do To Support The First Amendment

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 15:32:06 +0000

The Internet is a global distribution platform, but along with such unprecedented technology and capability to instantly communicate, there area many overarching questions. What is the state of press freedom? How often is the First Amendment observed? What is the status of Freedom of Information? And how have the media changed from the 1960's to today? In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith interviews former National Press Club President Mark Hamrick, who addresses these questions and more.

Comparing Joe Biden's 1988 Presidential Campaign With His 2020 Run For The White House

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:40:41 +0000

With the 2020 election campaign well under way, the Democrats have a front runner, thanks in part to the name recognition Joe Biden acquired as senator, vice president, and a previous presidential candidate. On this edition of Update One, longtime Press Club member Irv Chapman interviews Larry Barrett, a veteran journalist who covered Biden's short-lived campaign in 1988, when Senator Gary Hart was a competitor and Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis won the nomination and ran against Republican Vice President George H.W. Bush. Barrett, who covered campaigns, elections and the White House for Time Magazine, and before that reported for the New York Herald Tribune, looks back at the strengths and weaknesses Biden displayed back then, and how they are impacting his performance so far this year.

A Memorial To Honor Fallen Journalists

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:43:01 +0000

In the wake of the deadliest assault on journalists in U.S. history, a permanent memorial is being planned to commemorate America’s commitment to a free press and honor news reporters and photographers who have sacrificed their lives in service to that cause.

In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club member Bill Loveless talks with David Dreier, the chairman of Tribune Publishing Company and the chair of the newly formed Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation. Tribune Publishing is the owner of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Md., where five members of the newspaper’s staff were slain by a gunman in their newsroom in June 2018.

Joining Bill and David is Barbara Cochran, the president of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation and the Curtis B. Hurley Chair in Public Affairs Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism. She’s also the president of the National Press Club Institute.

Museum Of PR Features Harold Burson Exhibit

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 16:51:12 +0000

The Museum of Public Relations, founded by veteran communications practitioner and lecturer Shelley Spector, recently added an exhibit of 50 items from Harold Burson, founder of Burson-Marsteller. The legendary PR executive, now 98, attended the unveiling with more than 100 young communicators present. Spector talked by phone from the museum to NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team co-vice-chair Adam Konowe about the artifacts on display and the lessons that can be derived from a pre-digital world.

Looking Back On The 100-Year History Of The NPC's American Legion Post 20

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 16:55:37 +0000

Did you know the National Press Club has an American Legion post embedded within the club? On this edition of Update-1, the commander of that post, NPC member Jim Noone, talks with Broadcast/Podcast Team member Tom Young about the long and colorful history of the Post 20, which this year is celebrating its centennial. They discuss how the post began, its notable members both past and present, the support Post 20 and the American Legion offer to veterans, and how you can become a member of Post 20.

Students Learning To Determine What's True and What Isn't

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 16:58:35 +0000

America’s young people are learning how to separate fact from fiction in the information avalanche that hits them every day. The National Association for Media Literacy recently held its annual conference in Washington, D.C. National Press Club member Irv Chapman interviews three of its leading participants on this edition of Update-1. Belinha de Abreu of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut chairs the annual conference, Jeff Share teaches new teachers at UCLA, and Natasha Casey teaches at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. They discuss helping elementary school students learn how the news media work by recording their own podcasts, interviewing family members; how college students can use social media to improve social conditions; and how they all benefit when teachers go beyond the dos and don'ts of web surfing.

Congressman Cicilline Discusses Legislation To Help Local News Outlets

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 17:00:51 +0000

Congressman David Cicilline is a strong believer in the importance of a free and diverse press. In this edition of Update-1, the Rhode Island Democrat sits down with National Press Club member Bill Loveless to discuss legislation he introduced to allow local news outlets to negotiate collectively with large online platforms like Facebook and Google. From his office on Capitol Hill, Cicilline discusses how the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act would provide a lifeline to publishers facing increasingly difficult economic conditions. The bill is the opening salvo in a larger antitrust investigation of the online market by the House Judiciary Committee. Their conversation took place just days after a hearing by the committee on the measure, which is cosponsored by Cicilline, the chairman of the antitrust subcommittee, and Georgia Congressman Doug Collins, the top Republican on the full committee.

America's Wars And What Sustains Them

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 17:28:28 +0000

Although President Trump says he abruptly called off military strikes on Iran last month, American troops are involved in conflicts around the world. In this edition of Update-1, National Press Club member Mike Hempen talks with Emily Manna, a policy analyst for Open the Government, a nonpartisan coalition that believes in a stronger democracy and a more open, accountable, and responsive government. They discuss America's hidden wars, what keeps them going and how public knowledge of what is happening on the battlefield has waned.

Aerospace Magazine Editor Summarizes News From The 2019 Paris Air Show

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:31:25 +0000

Tim Robinson, editor-in-chief of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Aerospace magazine, spoke with NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team co-vice chair Adam Konowe about developments at the 2019 Paris Air Show. The biennial event, held in odd-numbered years, saw sales of existing products from Airbus, Boeing and others; the introduction of new products; progress on efficiency and environmental technology; and the impact of geopolitical trends on the aerospace and defense industry. Robinson also discussed his editorial approach to covering a massive, weeklong exposition featuring thousands of exhibitors and the evolution of his team’s coverage during the past decade.

Aerospace Media Dinner In Paris Recognizes Journalistic Excellence

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 17:43:42 +0000

Peter Bradfield, founder of the Aerospace Media Dinner held annually on the eve of the biennial Paris and Farnborough Air Shows, talks to NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team co-vice chair Adam Konowe about this year’s event. Held on June 16 at the Aéro Club de France, nearly 20 journalists were recognized for aviation-related coverage, including civil and military sectors, plus business and technology. American Barb Zuehlke and Briton Elfan Ap Rees garnered lifetime achievement awards for four and six decades of trade media service, respectively. Bradfield also organizes the Defence Media Dinner, held at the National Press Club in October.

Free Press: Power To The People

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 17:35:46 +0000

The founding fathers of American democracy felt strongly about the need to hold the new government accountable and prevent tyranny. They embraced the free press as a watchdog to expose corruption and provide a safeguard to keep power in the hands of the people. Do Americans today still share those views, or has the evolution of technology left us vulnerable to malicious influence that has undermined those original ideals? The National Press Club's David Melendy reaches out to a broad spectrum of society to listen to the people and gives them a voice in this Update-1 podcast, "Free press: power to the people."

An Early Look At The 2020 Presidential Race

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 18:20:16 +0000

On this edition of Update One, veteran political journalist Larry Barrett, who covered campaigns, elections, and the White House, notably for Time Magazine and the New York Herald Tribune, looks at the early stages of the 2020 campaign, and the lessons learned--or the lessons that should have been learned--by the media. Interviewed by longtime Press Club member Irv Chapman, Barrett compares the Trump style and his policies with those of the dominant Republican personage of recent years, Ronald Reagan, and he talks about the experience of covering a campaign from the early stages to the White House.

A Leadership Institution Advocating For A Free Press

Wed, 22 May 2019 18:24:47 +0000

In this edition of Update-1, Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith interviews Ambassador Stuart Holliday, the president and chief executive officer of the Meridian International Center, a non-partisan diplomatic and global leadership institution that strengthens U.S. engagement around the world.

Ambassador Holliday has served an ambassador to the United Nations, as a Naval intelligence officer, as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush. Along with providing unique insight into Meridian’s international mission, Ambassador Holliday discusses its advocacy for freedom of the press and its efforts to counter disinformation.

Senate Historian Discusses Upcoming Celebration Of The 19th Amendment

Sat, 11 May 2019 18:32:42 +0000

Senate Historian Betty Koed talks about the many resources her office offers journalists to help them cover current events and put their stories into a historical context. In an interview with Broadcast/Podcast team member Janice Law, she also discusses the importance of being the institutional memory of the Senate and an oral history project planned for the centennial celebration of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. This is a two year celebration of the amendment, which was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920. Besides listening on Press.org, Update-1 can be heard on iTunes, Stitcher and TuneIn.

Former State Department Negotiator Joel Wit Discusses North Korea

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 18:35:18 +0000

On this edition of Update-1, a former State Department negotiator with the North Koreans offers background on the current efforts to promote nuclear disarmament. Joel Wit directs a project at the Stimson Center called 38 North, a reference to the 38th parallel of latitude that has divided North and South Korea since 1953. Interviewed by Broadcast/Podcast member Irv Chapman, Wit recalls the attempts to reach out to the North Koreans dating back to the Reagan administration, the intensified negotiations brought about by the North's development and testing of nuclear weapons during the Clinton presidency, and the stops and starts related to the change of governments in both countries. Besides listening on Press.org, Update-1 can be heard on iTunes, Stitcher and TuneIn.

Trade Journalist Celebrates 40-Year Career With Same Publisher

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:38:10 +0000

In an era when journalists change employers often out of necessity, Barb Zuehlke has broken the mold. On the cusp of retirement later in 2019, Zuehlke, now senior editor at Aircraft Maintenance Technology, is celebrating a 40-year career for the same publishing company. She spoke with NPC Broadcast/Podcast Committee co-vice chair Adam Konowe on the floor of an aviation maintenance convention to discuss her career and the evolution in journalism and public relations during the past four decades.

Previewing The "Night Out For Austin Tice"

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:40:16 +0000

Austin Tice is the only American journalist currently being held overseas, and the National Press Club is spearheading an effort to bring him home. In this edition of Update 1 NPC Executive Director Bill McCarren and Austin's parents, Marc and Debra Tice, join Broadcast/Podcast Committee co-Vice Chair Mike Hempen to discuss the "Night Out For Austin Tice." The May 2 event will raise reward money for information leading to the safe return of Austin, an award-winning reporter who was taken hostage in August, 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war.

Press Freedom and China’s Influence in Ghana, With Journalist and Lawyer George Sarpong

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:47:36 +0000

The murder in January of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale-Divela in Ghana, one of Africa’s most stable and democratic countries, shocked the country and journalists around the world. The National Press Club called for a thorough investigation, and urged Ghanaian officials to ensure that journalists can work without the threat of violence. Journalist and lawyer George Sarpong, executive secretary of Ghana’s National Media Commission, spoke with National Press Club broadcast/podcast team member Viola Gienger about that case and the state of the news media in Ghana, including the influence of China. Sarpong just completed a five-month fellowship at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington DC, where he researched Africa’s transition from analog to digital broadcasting and the implications for freedom of expression and access to information.

NPC Press Freedom Chair Discusses Challenges from the Pentagon to the Philippines

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:50:50 +0000

The National Press Club has redoubled its efforts to highlight injustices resulting from multiple verbal, legal and even physical attacks on the media. John Donnelly, chair of the club’s Freedom of the Press team, spoke with Broadcast/Podcast co-vice chair Adam Konowe about a range of domestic and international initiatives intended to reinforce the vital role journalism plays in ensuring transparency in a free society. Examples include fundraising for missing American journalist Austin Tice, support for arrested Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, as well as calls for more newsmaker access at the Pentagon and elsewhere in government.

The Complexities Of American Foreign Policy

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 20:22:59 +0000

U.S. foreign policy can be complex and difficult to understand. In this episode of Update-1, George Washington University political science professor Dr. Henry Nau discusses his book, "Perspectives on International Relations," with NPC Broadcast/Podcast team member Lincoln Smith. Dr. Nau provides an understandable synthesis of the world of foreign policy, and talks about the approaches used by Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump. He also offers predictions about American foreign policy in the future.

Efforts To Educate The Public About Misinformation

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 15:18:49 +0000

The task of helping people of all ages glean the facts and screen out the exaggeration, bias, and misinformation from their sources of news requires a variety of targeted approaches. Dr. Belinha De Abreu is a member of the leadership council of the American Association for Media Literacy Education. She assisted the American Library Association in developing programs for adults in public libraries. On this edition of Update-1, she tells Broadcast/Podcast team member Irv Chapman that Facebook is regarded by the coming generation as their parents' social medium, while they switch to other favorites. She believes all these internet sources have to come to grips with the transition from their founding precept that they are not news media.

A New Digital News Publication Focusing On Political Reform

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:22:39 +0000

After three decades as a political reporter, editor and columnist, National Press Club member David Hawkings has become an entrepreneur. He's now the editor-in-chief of The Firewall, an editorially independent digital news publication dedicated to covering political reform at the national, state and local levels. In this episode of Update-1, Hawkings talks with Broadcast/Podcast team member Mike Hempen about the journalistic and business sides of this new initiative, how it came about and what it will take to be successful.

A Podcast About Newsletters With The Creator Of A Newsletter About Podcasts

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:26:22 +0000

In the latest episode of Update-1, National Press Club members Michael Yessis and Molly McCluskey discuss everything newsletters - which ones they read, what they’ve learned by starting their own, and advice for future newsletter creators. Michael is the founder and editor of This Week in Podcasts (@WeekinPodcasts), which offers a weekly roundup in all of the best and latest podcast episodes you might have missed, and Molly is the creator of Diplomatica (DiplomaticaDC), which is a multimedia exploration into the hidden histories of diplomatic properties in Washington, D.C. and around the world.

The Challenges Faced By An Award-Winning Filipino Journalist

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:39:11 +0000

Maria Ressa, one of the journalists Time magazine honored as it's "Person of the Year" in 2018, also is a co-founder and editor of Rappler, a news website that was ahead of the curve in her native Philippines by offering hard news and video via internet and mobile. Before being recognized by Time, she was interviewed for Update-1 by Irv Chapman, a longtime member of the National Press Club, during her visit to Washington to accept the International Center for Journalists award for her fearless coverage of the blood-stained war on drugs conducted by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now trying to put her website out of business. Maria was previously CNN's bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta and the head of news for a major Philippine network. She worries about the loss of editorial control of information by serious news organizations, and the retrogression to authoritarianism in countries whose democratic evolution she has covered.

The Rise Of Fake Videos

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 15:45:17 +0000

Fake videos are a new form of digital media manipulation, and the former president and chief executive of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is warning about their dangers. In this edition of Update-1, Thomas Kent talks to Broadcast/Podcast team member Tom Young about technology being used to create video of events that never happened, or video of people making statements they never made. Kent describes video as the "ultimate verifier" for news consumers, but now he says they may no longer be able to believe what they see.

Cybersecurity For Journalists

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 15:49:11 +0000

Journalists are especially vulnerable to hackers trying to access sensitive, confidential data. With growing threats against press freedom around the world, reporters are frequent targets for both public and private sector snooping. It is more important than ever to protect data, drafts, and sources from prying eyes. In this Update-1 podcast, Dr. Andy Yen, CEO and co-founder of ProtonMail, speaks with NPC Broadcast/Podcast team member Shannon Fisher about cybersecurity for journalists. From Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to self-destructing email, there are many options available to journalists who seek to protect their sources, communication, and work. These services and programs, many of which are free to use, make it virtually impossible for outsiders to hack into device storage and email accounts. They provide peace of mind to both journalists and their sources that sensitive discussions will remain private.

NATO's Past, Present And Future

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 12:28:06 +0000

For nearly 70 years, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has provided a system of collective defense for North American and European Nations. Known as NATO, the alliance has grown from 12 nations when it came into existence in 1949 to 29, but it has maintained a system of collective defense in which independent member nations subscribe to mutual defense. NPC Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Lincoln Smith talks with Jeff Rathke, the president of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., about the history and meaning of the alliance.

NPR's "All Things Considered" Co-Host Talks About Reporting From North Korea

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 12:30:02 +0000

What challenges do journalists face when reporting from a secretive regime like North Korea? National Public Radio's Mary Louise Kelly recently visited North Korea to cover the 70th anniversary of the country's founding. She referred to her official guide as a "one-man journalism prevention service." Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Tom Young spoke with her about practicing journalism in a country that tries to place strict controls on all information going in and out.

The International Center For Journalists In The Digital Age

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 12:31:52 +0000

The International Center for Journalists was founded in 1984 by three veteran editors who sought to help jump start an independent press in emerging nations, including those emerging from home-grown dictatorship. Joyce Barnathan, the organization’s president for the last 12 years. is a former Moscow correspondent for Newsweek, and Hong-Kong-based Asia editor for Business Week. Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Irv Chapman interviews her on ICFJ's work around the world, from South Asia to South America. They discuss how the organization has changed its focus since the digital age dawned, how digital resources enable international investigative reporting, and the heroic journalists that ICFJ recognizes for doing their work under dangerous conditions.

First Defence Media Dinner Presents Journalism Excellence Awards At NPC

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 12:39:42 +0000

The inaugural Defence Media Dinner (Defence with a C due to the event’s British organizer) was held this year at the National Press Club on Sunday, October 7, the eve of the annual Association of the U.S. Army trade show at the Washington Convention Center. NPC Broadcast/Podcast Team member Adam Konowe, head of the judging panel, was at the event founded by aerospace and defense industry veteran Peter Bradfield. Konowe interviewed Bradfield, along with journalism judge and communications executive Chris Stellwag of CAE, right after the awards concluded.

Journalism Lessons From A Civil Rights Reporter

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:41:57 +0000

New York Times correspondent John Herbers was born to a white family in the segregated South, but he went on to earn praise for his pivotal coverage of the civil rights movement. Broadcast/Podcast Committee member Viola Gienger speaks with his daughter, journalist Anne Farris Rosen, about the personal and professional journey Herbers chronicled – and the lessons for journalists today -- in the memoir he wrote with her help before he died in 2017. Published this year, the book traces landmark events Herbers covered, such as the 1955 trial for the murder of Emmett Till, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the death of four black girls in a 1963 bombing of a church in Birmingham, Alabama. Rosen has worked for the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Pew Research Center and now teaches at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism.