Camilla Gant
MAC Head

A Time for Historical, Critical Reflection & Advocacy 

by Camilla Gant

I’m excited about seeing each of you in Chicago in a few weeks.  As I’m sure you know by now, the conference is slated for Wednesday, August 6^th through Saturday, August 9^th with pre-convention activities scheduled for Tuesday, August 5^th.  While MAC has a history of offering progressive programming that transcends the foci of AEJMC divisions and interest groups, this year’s programming is particularly special.  Our emphasis this year is historical and critical reflection to inform and encourage spirited advocacy for LANA, journalism, and mass communication programs, initiatives, and scholarship.  Below are three convention sessions that I ask you to consider attending during the convention.

Tuesday, August 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
40 Years After Kerner - No Fee, No Registration RequiredPresented by AEJMC, this workshop will focus on developing an action plan to improve diversity within the academy and industry.  Discussions will center on ways to strengthen initiatives for news media to hire and promote journalists of color, and ways to renew the commitment to the fundamental, core mission of journalism — public service.

Wednesday, August 6, 5 pm to 6:30 pm

MAC and AEJMC Council of Affiliates

Lessons from the Past and Fodder for the Future: 40 Years After the Kerner Report & Lee Barrow’s Vision of an Inclusive AEJMC

Friday, 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm

State of the Division & Discipline: Rethinking and Repositioning MAC

The strength of these programs is our intellectual capital, so I extend a special invitation to you all to be a part of the dialogue, which will inform and shape AEJMC and MAC’s strategic plan to be launched following the convention.  Also, I ask that you make plans to attend the MAC business meeting on Thursday, August 7^th, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  In addition to the procession and election of new leadership, the agenda will include consideration of two critical proposals–  a proposal to amend MAC leadership succession; and a proposal to adopt  recommendations that evolve from the Kerner Commission workshop to be forwarded to AEJMC, journalism educators, administrators, news organizations, etc.

Indeed this has been a great year for MAC.  We have an awesome convention line-up thanks in large part to our vice head/program chair, Sharon Stringer, who did the lion’s share of the work (with scant opportunity for training) in collaboration with our second vice-head, Jennifer Woodard; PF&R chair, Frances Ward-Johnson; and teaching chair, Bradley Gorham.  Our research competition was vigorous, and our research chairs, Petra Guerra (faculty research) and Brenda Edgerton Webster (student research), ably navigated year two of the electronic submission process.  We also launched our website and electronic newsletter, thanks to the diligence of Darlene Lee, newsletter editor; and we strengthened our out-of convention programming.  Kudos to Yuiki Fujioka and Jerry Domatob midwinter conference coordinators; E.K. Daufin, Ida B. Wells lecture coordinator and listserv manager; and Diana Rios, Ethnic American Press exhibition coordinator.

Please join me in thanking our colleagues for their sacrificial leadership, and raising the bar of excellence for our division.  I also extend special thanks to each of you for your commitment to MAC, and I look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

Change is in the air. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States, is not the only person highlighting the urgency for change. Dr. Francis Ward, a professor of journalism at Syracuse University, challenges the media to re-evaluate their responsibilities as journalists and their coverage of important news issues.”It’s time for accurate reporting of the Jeremiah Wright story and for news media to take the lead in promoting an honest and open dialogue about race,” he says.  In an opinion piece Ward provides insight as to why he is capable of criticizing the media and then pens his poignant thoughts on the media’s responsibility moving forward.

Francis Ward
Professor of Journalism
Syracuse University

A Challenge to the News Media

by Francis Ward

In 1985, I was an assistant press secretary in the Mayor’s Press Office in Chicago when the late Harold Washington was mayor. He had been elected in April 1983 as the first-ever black mayor of Chicago. During Washington’s first administration (1983 – 87), Chicago was drastically split along racial lines: blacks solidly (almost unanimously) supporting Washington and most, but not all, whites favoring the white majority in City Council that bitterly opposed everything Washington said and did. At the time, Chicago was truly “us and them,” blacks versus whites, with no moderate center. You were either on one side of the other.

          As part of the Washington administration, I strongly supported his goals of openness and reform in city government, but I also strongly believed Harold was open to some criticism.  He spent too much time out of the office, making public appearances, reveling in the celebrity of being the first black mayor, while he should have spent much more time shoring up his political base and running city government. Washington delegated too much authority to his chief of staff, the late Bill Ware, a political moderate who despised the small contingent of ideological pan – Africanists (aka: black nationalists) who were vital in getting Washington elected.

          I wanted to find some way of making my criticisms public by either leaking them to a friendly journalist, or persuading some public figure to speak out. But I also knew that criticism of Washington by a black person at the time would be tantamount to Read the rest of this entry »

Federico Subervi, Ph.D

Professor, School of Journalism & Mass Communication

Texas State Univeristy-San Marcus

Director of Latinos and Media Project

Federico Subervi has had a busy summer:

Attended the National Conference on Media Reform (Minneapolis, MN, June 5-8), where he spoke at a panel discussing Spanish-language media.

Attended a meeting in Chicago (June 18-20) that brought together recipients of McCormick Foundation grants to analyze various issues related to ethnic media. His project is assessing the policies and practices in Texas and Illinois for emergency communications directed at non-English-speaking populations.

From Chicago he flew directly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend (June 21-25) and become a team member of OBITEL, which brings together annually a group of international scholars from 9 Latin American and Iberian countries who are analyzing telenovelas and other fictional television produced and distributed in these region.

From July 22-27, he will be in Chicago to attend UNITY 2008, the conference of journalists of color, where he is one of the authors selected to do a book signing for his edited/authored book:  The Mass Media and Latino Politics (NY:Routledge).

          Federico Subervi, Ph.D.,
Professor, School of Journalism & Mass Communication
Texas State University-San Marcos
Director of Latinos and Media Project

MAC editor, Darlene Lee, caught up with Federico Subervi, MAC member and author, to talk about his new thought provoking book “The Mass Media and Latino Politics: Studies of U.S.Media Content, Campaign Strategies and Survey Research: 1984-2004.” The political climate right now is very exciting and each candidate provides an account of their ability to handle the presidential responsibility. Barack Obama, the first African American male Democratic frontrunner, polarizes the nation with his message of change and experience. Hllary Clinton, the first female Democratic frontrunner, details her 35 years of governmental experience. History is definitely in the making for these two presidential hopefuls. On the Republican side of the fence, John McCain contends his military experience trumps both Democratic contenders. But, not so fast, the media has touted the Latino vote as the decisive factor as to who will be the next Commander-in-Chief. Federico discusses his new book, the Latino vote and the upcoming presidential elections. 

Darlene: Your new book The Mass Media and Latino Politics: Studies of U.S. Media Content, Campaign Strategies and Survey Research: 1984-2004, is very timely. Why was it important for you to write this book?
Federico: An in-depth and historical examination of the relationships between the mass media –in English and in Spanish– and U.S. Latino politics had not been presented in any academic book prior to this one. And although I am the main author and editor of this work, it has been made possible only thanks to the collaboration of many contributors who wrote their own chapters or helped me write some of the 17 chapters of the book.
Darlene: How do you envision the book benefiting its readers?
Federico: This book serves as a benchmark for what will certainly be many more studies of the role of the media in Latino political life in the U.S. The comprehensive literature review, the theoretical and methodological foundations discussed, the actual studies of media content, communication strategies, and survey research, plus the suggestions for future studies in this arena all pave the way for next generation of explorations and analyses of media, politics, and Latinos.
Darlene: The media have reported that the Latino vote could be the deciding factor as to who wins the 2008 presidential election. Why does the Latino vote play a central role in the 2008 election?
Federico: While there are predictions on the impact of the Latino vote (or for that matter of the vote of other segments of society) in the November election, I would say it is premature to confirm that. The impact of Latino voters Read the rest of this entry »

Ethnic Pride Comes to Life in the Pages of the Press
March 17 - May 16

Korean Quarterly
Exhibit Poster

   Looking to take a walk on the culture side? The University of Connecticut offers an exciting cultural exhibit that is sure to peak your interests. The exhibit “Ethnic American Press: Cultural Maintenance and Assimilation Roles” is on display March 17 through May 16, 2008, at the Dodd Research Center Gallery. 
   The ethnic American press has played a significant role in American journalism from the 1800s through the present. This exhibit presents an array of ethnic American newspapers from 1969 to 2008, featuring selections from the Alternative Press Collection at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and the personal collection of Dr. Diana I. Rios, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and the Institute for Puerto Rican and Latino Studies at the University of Connecticut.          
   The newspapers in this exhibit showcase a range of ethnic media, including newspapers in various languages serving immigrants and Americans of a particular cultural heritage. English-language materials in the exhibit demonstrate cultural pride and cover news stories pertaining to ethnic and racial minorities which the mainstream media in the United States does not always convey. Muslim and Jewish presses are also included in the exhibit. The usage of heritage language and the focus on stories that support the ethnic/cultural group are all part of a cultural maintenance media process in the United States.
   Ethnic presses provide space for the assertion of identity distinct from mainstream American culture. The unique content within these newspapers can support the nurturing goals of the ethnic group, which may be otherwise marginalized within American society, and thus be part of a cultural maintenance process. Yet, other types of content in ethnic presses, such as success stories of attaining the American Dream, can support assimilationist ideals. Ethnic press publications provide community information and advertisements from businesses owned and operated by racial, ethnic, and religious minorities to promote their services to others. Ethnic publications provide unique information and analysis that mainstream newspapers are not equipped to provide or are uninterested in reporting, and assist non-English speakers in overcoming barriers of culture and language.  Visit http://www.lib.uconn.edu/ for more information. 
   Diana Rios is a former MAC Head and currently chairs the Elected Committee on Teaching Standards.

AEJMC 2008 Convention Blows into Chicago

     AEJMC will blow through downtown Chicago August 6 to 9 for its 2008 convention. The Chicago Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile, located on North Michigan Avenue, is the headquarter hotel. Room rates are $159 per night, single or double, plus applicable taxes. Phone reservations are available by calling 800-228-0265. Please ask for the AEJMC Block. Online reservations can be made through a special link via the AEJMC website (www.aejmc.org). Find time to mix business with pleasure while in the windy city. Check out cool places to visit at www.choosechicago.com  

     The Minorities and Communication Division invites submissions of original research on any topic related to minorities in communication. Submissions employing all methods of inquiry are invited. Papers should include appropriate literature reviews, methodology, findings and discussion.
     The term “minorities” has been defined to include Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. Thus, papers examining g how these groups present images, news, and information about themselves, as well as those examining how issues related to race and diversity are featured in the media, would generally fall into this division’s area of interest.
     Papers should not be more than 25 pages. Notes references, tables and other graphics are included in that specification. The MAC Division is sponsoring tow “Award Winning Papers” competitions at this year’s convention: Top faculty and the Alan Bussel Award for Top Student Paper. The “Top” three faculty papers and the “top” student paper will be selected from among the refereed papers submitted to the MAC Division’s competitions. Students must identify their papers as such (”Student Paper”) on the title page of their submission.
     A first place winner in the “Top” faculty paper competition will receive $200. The second place winner will receive $100 and the third place winner will receive $75. The student winner will receive a complimentary ticket for the MAC luncheon and $100. Certificates will be awarded to each of the winners. In addition, the winners of the student competition will have the opportunity to participate in a scholar-to-scholar (poster) session.
      Faculty Competition Contact: Petra Guerra, Research Chair, University of Texas Pan American. Phone: 956-318-5330. Email: cielito@utpa.edu.
     Student Competition Contact: Brenda Edgerton-Webster, student Research Chair, Mississippi State University. Phone: 662-325-5808. Fax: 662-325-3210.
Email: BEdgertonwebster@com.msstate.edu.
     Deadline for papers is 11:59 (Central Daylight Time) Tuesday, April 1, 2008. For information regarding paper submission requirements and AEJMC’s 2008 Uniform Paper Call click on http://aejmc.org/_events/convention/papercall/index.php

By Camilla Gant
MAC Head
University of West Georgia

Colleagues, it was good seeing so many of you in Washington, D.C., and though we’re well beyond the mid semester point, I continue to draw on our iron-sharpening conversations to inspire my teaching and research. The 2007 convention was an exciting programming year for MAC. We were lead sponsor for 7 out of 10 joint panel sessions; we inaugurated the Teaching Diversity Excellence: Best Practices & Challenges signature panel to affirm that teaching diversity excellence is a critical and achievable goal; and we successfully launched our first electronic refereed research competition.

Wow!

Another wow achievement for us is the diversity of our joint panel co-sponsors which resulted in an impressive and diverse lineup of scholars and industry professionals. We forged partnerships with Advertising, Commission on the Status of Women, Entertainment Studies, History, Law & Policy, Magazine, Media & Disability, Scholastic Journalism, and Science Communication. This rich diversity of partnerships moves MAC forward in its efforts to diversify its membership and panelists, and to increase its visibility within the association.

As AEJMC celebrates its 95^th birthday, this year is a time of strategic planning for the 21^st Century. It is a time of rethinking and repositioning for the association, and thus for MAC. Who are we? Who should we be in the 21^st Century? What are the barriers Read the rest of this entry »

By Frances Ward-Johnson
MAC PF&R Chair
Elon University

The Minorities and Communication Division has had a strong showing in Professional Freedom and Responsibility programming over the last year, and we want to continue that momentum. The division offered in-convention and out-of-convention programming addressing three of five PF&R areas including ethics, media criticism and accountability, and racial, gender and cultural inclusiveness during 2006-2007, according to Dr. Lillie Fears, past head, during her annual report at the MAC business meeting in Washington, D.C.

To recap in-convention activities, MAC sponsored five joint PF&R panels for the 2007 national convention and served as co-sponsor for two additional panels. Panels featured the expertise of a variety of academic and industry professionals.

As for out-of-convention activities, MAC co-sponsored several events. The issue of racial, gender and cultural inclusiveness was a central topic of a panel co-sponsored by MAC and the Southwestern Education Council in Journalism and Mass Communication at the Southwest Symposium in Baton Rouge, La., last Fall.

The MAC Division was also co-sponsor for the Ida B. Wells Annual Lecture at Alabama State University during Black History Month. The Wells Series is designed to highlight the relationships between the mass media and the African-American community.

Moreover, earlier this year, MAC joined several other national action groups to support the Minority Media & Telecommunications Council’s FCC initiative to preserve and expand minority ownership and equal employment opportunity, prevent discrimination and ensure universal telephone and Internet service.

While last year’s activities were exciting, we want to continue to build on our PF&R work. Once again, MAC will co-sponsor the Ida B. Wells Lecture at Alabama State University in February where the guest speaker will be Rose Afriyie, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Mid-South coordinator for the National Organization for Women.

Thanks, MAC members your continued support of our division’s PF&R activities! If you have other related activities that you would like for MAC to consider sponsoring, contact Frances Ward-Johnson at fward2@elon.edu.

MAC Summer 2007 Luncheon
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cristina Azocar 

In her keynote address at MAC’s summer 2007 luncheon, Cristina Azocar, argued that many times when talking about racism, we make it comfortable so that everyone can leave the room feeling good. Azocar, director of San Francisco State University’s Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism, spoke to a group of about fifty attendees regarding the state of diversity in America’s newsrooms and educational programs. “People of color now makeup about 32 percent of the US population, but account for just over 14 percent of newsroom employment and about 21.5 percent of television news employment,” she said. “Radio fares worse with minorities making up about 6.2 percent of the news workforce.”

She raised a couple of poignant questions. “Why is it that white people believe they are being discriminated against in getting jobs and internships when the numbers do not bear their argument out? Why is it that such arguments become the basis of laws?” In 1996 Proposition 209 was passed in California prohibiting public institutions from discriminating on the basis of race, sex and ethnicity.Ten years later, Michigan voters amended the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative to end race and gender preferences in its public-hiring and college admissions policies. “Last year, the Dow Jones Newspaper fund was sued, because Read the rest of this entry »