2009: Indianapolis
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Disco maniac on 'Stayin' Alive'
Michael Quintanilla, an award-winning journalist of more than 30 years who used to cover the cops beat at the San Antonio Express-News, had to get something off his chest. Clad in a white suit, black shirt and metallic shoes, Quintanilla leaped on top of an equipment case on stage, bent his knees and pointed to the sky as a disco ball twirled over his head, casting strobe lights on the wall.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Organizers hope for more innovation, less uncertainty at 2010 convention
After a convention spent discussing the uncertainties of their profession, some SPJ members may leave Indianapolis today still in the dark, said newly installed SPJ President Kevin Z. Smith. In Las Vegas next year, Smith hopes for answers.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Harper family accepts Wells Key
Working a job where most people last only about a year, former Society of Professional Journalists Executive Director Terry Harper stayed almost eight. His dedication provided financial stability for the society and turned a deficit into a six-figure surplus, outgoing SPJ President Dave Aeikens said.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Song recalls earlier days of SDX
Theme songs often become embedded in American culture. Think “Star Wars” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” SPJ’s signature tune didn’t work out so well.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Revving their engines
Convention attendees who ventured away from the hotel on Saturday had the chance to watch competitive motorbike freestyle riders in action.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
New officers urged to reduce dues, communicate
Several chapters are calling on new officers to run SPJ with more sensitivity, communication and accountability.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Pulliams keep alive family's century-long media legacy
“Our whole family are newspaper people,” Russ Pulliam said at the conference celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization his grandfather founded. The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation board member said he’s “knee deep in this story” of his family’s history with SPJ, and he tries to compare the times.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Covering journalism's most difficult stories
One of journalism’s most difficult challenges is writing about tragedy. Dart Society journalists, who have received fellowships or awards from the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, gave tips Saturday on covering some of the hardest stories.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Society's longest-serving member: ‘Our job is content’
The man who has been a member of SPJ longer than anyone else was among those honored during the President’s Installation Banquet.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Cost drives some convention-goers to attend Tweetup
From the perspective of a seasoned Tweetup coordinator, the gathering at Alcatraz Brewing Co. in downtown Indianapolis was a success.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Young journalists confront burnout
Aiesha Little’s hair was falling out in her early 20s. Working long hours, Little said she felt burned out from her work as a reporter at an upstate New York daily newspaper.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
The Buzz: jail, jokes, jobs
A surge in journalistic “crimes” — failure to yield to an oncoming editor, dangling participles in public, improperly inverting a pyramid — pumped money into the Legal Defense Fund.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Freelancing: A smart alternative?
The uncertain journalism job market can lead to layoffs and downsizing. For reporters who worry about their jobs but still want to write, freelancing is an option.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
New president seeking greater diversity
SPJ President Kevin Z. Smith wants to see stronger efforts to attract minority journalists to the society.
August 30th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Locals rally against health care reform
The sound of car horns blasted through the Saturday morning lull in Indianapolis as drivers showed support for more than 40-50 protesters opposing President Barack Obama’s health care reform plan.
August 29th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
The buzz about #SPJ100
"I recommend that people not get jailed during lunch time," said Neil Ralston, Legal Defense Fund committee member.
August 29th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Board may choose executive director soon
The Society of Professional Journalists’ new executive director may be chosen by November, an SPJ officer said during the board of directors meeting Thursday.
August 29th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Even after prison, Saberi offers optimism to students
Journalist Roxana Saberi’s message throughout the Mark of Excellence Awards luncheon was to remain optimistic about journalism.
August 29th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Harper remembered for strength, wit
Whether he was serenading staff members with his guitar or upholding his duties as an official Maker's Mark ambassador, Terry Harper never let his illness slow him down.
August 29th, 2009 • 2009: Indianapolis
Music Education
Photo by Nikki Villoria.