photo by Dan Doherty

Professor Ray Fanning teaches broadcast reporting to print, photo and broadcast students.

Changing Courses
Blogs, citizen journalism, RSS, cutbacks, buyouts—journalism in the early 21st century has become a profession defined by change. How does a university prepare students for such a rapidly evolving profession? Starting with this report, we look at how the J-School is adapting its curriculum and craft as professors and students alike start changing courses to meet new demands from the field.

McNellis Critiques Wall Street Reporting
Maryanne McNellis, UM’s 2008 T. Anthony Pollner Distinguished Visiting Professor, will explore the media's influence on the nation's financial crisis when she delivers the annual Pollner Lecture on October 20. McNellis' extensive background as a financial journalist provides fresh perspectives for both the lecture and the seminar she teaches at the J-School.

Scalia's Conservative Views
In an appearance on UM's campus, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia raised eyebrows with his views on Constitutional interpretation. He also raised the ire of journalists by denying broadcasters access to his otherwise public presentation.

RTV Turns 50
UM's Radio and TV program turned an august 50 years old this year. Alumni of all ages flocked to Don Anderson Hall for the celebration. Click here for pictures of the event.

"Biking Beyond the Headlines"

photo by Dan Doherty

On Sept. 25, acclaimed adventure cyclist, author, columnist, and NPR radio personality Willie Weir gave a free presentation to some 200 people gathered in Urey Lecture Hall. In his lecture "Columbia and Venezuela: Biking Beyond the Headlines," Weir detailed his journey to South America with his wife Kat. Venturing far from the beaten path, the two climbed more than 80,000 feet on bicycles as they followed ancient Andean drainages to experience the essence of the nations' culture. Weir, who has received the Lowell Thomas Award from the Society of American Travel Writers, admitted he was initially intimidated by the prospect of leaving the safety of the main highways during his journey. Reflecting on his decision to stray into the countryside, Weir reminded audience members to not be afraid of the unknown. "Caution keeps you aware," Weir said. "Fear keeps you away."