Bob Sharpe's Blog

Ken Paulson of the Newseum, photo courtesy of "Google Images"

Ken Paulson of the Newseum, made an appearance on C-SPAN to discuss First Amendment issues and the state of journalism today.

Paulson, who is the president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum at the Newseum and former editor at USA Today, joined students from George Mason University, Pace University, and the University of Denver via video conference for the discussion.  Steve Scully, the political editor of C-SPAN, proctored the discussion.

The first issue discussed was where Paulson felt journalism is in a new, digital world, and where it is going.  Upon seeing the newly released iPad shown by George Mason’s own, professor Steve Klein, he offered his opinion on the iPad’s impact.

“I think it will help (the newspaper business),” Paulson said.

Paulson then went on to say he believes that 10 years from now, newspapers will still be sold.  However, he said something must be done in order to gain profit from all the free online platforms many Americans get their news from.

“Free is a very good price,” he said.

Paulson also gave a very unique proposition where the students had to imagine the digital age was the previous form of gaining news, and this new invention, the newspaper was sweeping everyone off their feet.

Following the intriguing technological reversal, students then started to ask Paulson about his area of experty, the First Amendment.  Paulson responded by saying the “Land of the free has become the home of the easily offended.”  However, Paulson feels the First Amendment is still intact and has been quite flexible throughout history.

At the end of the discussion, Paulson told the students that it is still a great time to be a journalist in a time when the newspaper business is not doing particularly well.  He emphasized that being objective was critical and that despite viewer criticism of network news being biased, news outlets today are more objective than ever.

“It’s not only good journalism, it’s good business,” he said.

Students walked away with a professional opinion on First Amendment issues and encouragement that in a troubled market, they could succeed as a journalist.

Anne Kornblut Courtesy of "Google Images"

Anne Kornblut of The Washington Post made an appearance on C-SPAN to answer questions about her book on the 2008 election.

Kornblut, a staff writer for the Post and author of Notes from the Cracked Ceiling, joined students from George Mason University, the University of Denver, and Pace University via video conference.  Steve Scully, the political editor of C-SPAN, proctored the discussion.

The start of the discussion was a background on the book specifically how the landscape and media coverage has changed for female politicians in.

“In the span of one year, I reported on two of them (female candidates),” she said.

Kornblut then went on to explain that male presidential candidates are being much more cautious when taking on a female candidate.  This led to the students asking about the future for female presidential candidates.

“People think they’re ready for a female candidate,” Kornblut said.  However, Kornblut went on to say that there is no guarenteed female candidate that has swept the American public off its feet.

The progress made for female presidential candidates and the issue’s unclear future made the session very intriguing for all the students and faculty involved.

Bob Schieffer of CBS, image courtesy of "Google Images"

Bob Schieffer of CBS made an appearance on C-SPAN to answer questions about political journalism and his career over the years.

Schieffer, the host of Face the Nation, joined students from George Mason University, the University of Denver via video, and Texas Christian University via the Internet.  Steve Scully, a professor at the University of Denver, proctored the discussion.

It just so happened that everyone involved got to help celebrate Schieffer’s 73rd birthday with him as well.

The first issue that was brought up was where the healthcare bill stood in his mind.

“It’s a long shot if it’s going to get passed,” he said.

Schieffer and the students then went on to discuss the televised meeting of President Barack Obama with members of Congress earlier in the day to try and make progress on passing healthcare legislation.

Schieffer then went on to discuss his career over the years.  When asked what he felt his purpose was in the profession, Schieffer had a simple response.

“To get news,” he said.

Schieffer told the students the biggest story of his life was covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The conference was the most anticipated of the semester for the students to have a chance to meet and talk to one of the best in the journalism profession.

Schieffer’s final words of advice were about conducting an interview.

“Always ask the obvious question,” he said.

After a well deserved round of applause, the students joined together to sing happy birthday to Schieffer and conclude a fantastic student experience.

Chuck Todd of NBC appeared on C-SPAN to discuss current political trends and issues.

Todd, the NBC News Chief White House correspondent for Meet the Press, joined students from George Mason University, Pace University, and the University of Denver.  Steve Scully, the political editor for C-SPAN, served as prompter for the discussion.

The main focus of the discussion revolved around the recent election of Sen. Scott Brown R-M.A. Todd indicated that Brown’s election could be foreshadowing the mid-term elections in November.

“Anybody is vulnerable at this point,” he said.

Todd believes there are several factors that could lead to a Congressional shift:

•    The American public feels change is not happening quickly enough under a united government.
•    Parental fear that their children will be worse off than they are.
•    Independents are tired of the constant radical politician rather than one that is more moderate.

Todd then addressed media roles and coverage of politics.  He feels that the constant amount of coverage has lead to a portrayal of a constant game of tug-of-war between Democrats and Republicans.

Todd said that too many politicians and media members believe that the voters are unintelligent.

The video conference certainly has brought more attention to this year’s mid-term elections to the students in attendance.