There is a need for industry unity, cooperation and collaboration leaders from 16 journalism organizations agreed at an industry summit at the Society of Professional Journalists today.
The leaders from the various groups discussed their organizational problems, shared various solutions and ideas to deal with them, and ways they could come together to affect broader industry changes and promote journalism advocacy and ethics.
The groups pitched ideas and plans for research ventures, cross-conference partnerships, journalism lobbying and advocacy.
The meeting was initiated by American Copy Editors Society President Teresa Schmedding, Society of Professional Journalists President David Cuillier and SPJ Executive Director Joe Skeel as a starting point for future collaboration and cooperation among journalism’s many organizations.
“I’m excited about the future of journalism,” Schmedding said. “Knowing there are so many other people and groups out there working toward something bigger than themselves is inspirational and energizing. It’s not just about numbers or surviving; it’s also about coming together to achieve our higher journalism goals.”
After several hours of discussion, the group agreed to establish some sort of shared communication and look for more ways to work together to promote journalism. The group hopes to begin meeting regularly to further develop plans.
“Something like this really does remind you that journalism is a calling,” Schmedding said.
Attending the summit were representatives from American Copy Editors Society, American Society of Business Press Editors, American Society of News Editors, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, Associated Press Media Editors, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Journalism and Women Symposium, Native American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Online News Association, Organization of News Ombudsmen, Radio Television Digital News Association, Religion Newswriters Association, Society of American Business Writers and Editors, Society for News Design, Society for Professional Journalists, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Poynter Institute and UNITY.
