Spring 2008 • Volume 42, Number 3

among the media

Newsletter of the History Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

tory history class I’d taken since 1976, when I finished the core re- Taking Notes: quirements for my bachelor’s de- gree. This was an 800-level class on Teaching Jour- “State and Local History.” I was ex- pecting a class about how to study nalism is More From state and local history by looking specifically at the antebellum- pe than Training the Chair riod in South Carolina – that’s what the catalog description led me to Journalists expect. Instead, I got a whole new By Traci Griffith Book History world opened up for me. St. Michael’s College Oh, we still read everything ever written about South Carolina in the Meets Teaching in a journalism and mass antebellum period (I’m convinced communication department requires of it! It seems like I never didn’t an interdisciplinary approach. Luck- Journalism have my nose in a history book in ily I’m an interdisciplinarian at that semester. They were stacked, heart. The intersection of media and piles of them, five and six deep, all History law became clear to me while sitting along my kitchen wall). But what I in my Media Law and Ethics class By Debbie van Tuyll, was expecting to be a course about in graduate school. Thanks to Pro- Head and Program Chair sources and historical themes ended fessor Philip Keirstad, now retired up being something very different. from Florida A&M University, I re- Just about 10 years ago, I walked It was an introduction, for me, any- alized that I could pursue both areas into the first non-journalism-his- continued on page 5 of interest. After attending law school I found On the inside that I couldn’t ignore the siren call of journalism and searched for a way • Write Well and Be Read pg. 2 to combine the interests. Memories • Noteworthy Books in Journalism History: Biographies pg. 3 of that graduate school media law • Fresh Methodologies Could Invigorate Journalism class flooded back and I launched a History pg. 6 new career as a journalism profes- • Book Blurb pg. 9 sor. I like to say “I’m a journalist • The National Women and Media Collection pg. 10 continued on page 4 Write Well and Be Read By Patrick S. Washburn Roosevelt Hotel in New York or is the first 90 pages of Practicing Ohio University March 15, where I will be joined History by two-time Pulitzer Prize by Maurine Beasley and Jean winner Barbara Tuchman. She I have frequently surprised Palmagiano (St. Peters College.) covers everything from the value colleagues, as well as graduate While the subject is broad, covering of anecdotes to the importance of students, by saying: Isn’t it interesting everything from how to get organized writing for a wide audience. Then, that we are in a communication field before you write to setting writing read her book, The Guns of August, and about 80 percent of the faculty deadlines to how to make the best which is about the start of World members can’t communicate very written arguments, one thing that War I. Next, go to Western Writing, well. Sure, they usually write in a will be touched upon (at least by me) which was edited by Gerald W. grammatically correct fashion, but will be the importance of writing in Haslam, and read “On the Writing keeping readers interested in what a way that furthers learning instead of History” by Wallace Stegner, they write is not something that of merely adding to our knowledge. which discusses the importance they can do—or care about doing. I worked for more than 10 years of playing up drama in historical Instead, they mainly pay attention to as a reporter and columnist on daily writing. Follow that by reading explaining their research method or newspapers, as well as another his book, Beyond the Hundredth the significance of what they have five years part time, and there was Meridian, which discusses John examined or talking about what one maxim that I heard in every Wesley Powell’s two explorations of they have found. While all of this newsroom: Keep the reader turning the Grand Canyon. Finally, I would is important, does communication the page. In other words, if people do suggest reading Stephen Ambrose’s really occur if readers are bored or not finish reading an article because Undaunted Courage, which is about lose interest? I don’t think so, and I you did not keep their interest, you the Lewis and Clark expedition. think that is a major mistake. have wasted your time writing it. In reading the three books that I What I am suggesting is that it Historians have been saying the have suggested, I am reminded of is important to spend just as much same thing for a long time. Samuel something that I tell our doctoral effort on the writing of history as Eliot Morison, who authored two students: In every course you take, the researching of history. Because books that won Pulitzer Prizes, pay careful attention to not only what most mass communication graduate said: “Journalists, novelists and is being taught but how it is being programs ignore the value of good free-lance writers are the ones that taught. You can learn a lot about writing, this prompted me to put extract the gold, and they deserve good and bad teaching by doing this, together a panel for AEJMC in every ounce they get because they but you have to make an effort to Chicago in August on “The Art of are the ones who know how to write watch someone teaching or you’re Writing History.” Joining me on histories that people care to read. likely to ignore it. The same applies it will be three widely published What I want to see is a few more to reading the three books above historians in our field: Maurine Ph.D.’s in history writing book-of- by master story tellers. Instead of Beasley (University of Maryland), the-month adoptions and reaping reading them just for the knowledge W. Joseph Campbell (American the harvest of dividends. They can they impart, pay careful attention University), and Mike Sweeney do it, too, if they will only use the to how each person mesmerizes the (Utah State University). A similar same industry at presenting history reader. Stegner’s book may surprise panel will be held this spring at the as they do in compiling it.” you the most because it reads like AJHA-AEJMC Joint Journalism For those interested in writing a novel even though it is hard-core, Historians conference at the history well, a good place to start continued on page 4

2 Clio Spring 2008 Noteworthy Bo o k s i n Jo u r n a l i s m Hi s t o r y : Bi o g r a p h i e s

Compiled by Donna Harrington- materials at the Library of Congress, Examiner and his Hearst syndication Lueker, including 1,200 recordings of service allowed her to reach more Salve Regina University, McBride’s programs. than six million readers a day, and Jhistory Book Review Editor for more than thirty years she ruled Myra MacPherson. All as “The First Lady of Hollywood.” A media maverick who spent four Governments Lie: The Life and Barbas uses an impressive array of decades under FBI surveillance. Times of Rebel Journalist I.F. sources, including divorce records, A media mogul whose empire Stone (Scribner; reviewed by oral histories, and archived private straddled two centuries. An on-air Matthew Dallek, Alicia Patterson and professional correspondence. host from the days of early radio Foundation Fellow) whose show took women beyond the A former reporter for the Washington Ben Procter. William Randolph domestic sphere. These personalities Post, Myra MacPherson offers a Hearst: The Later Years, and others have been the subject of detailed and deeply researched 1911-1951. (Oxford University noteworthy biographies reviewed biography of media maverick I.F. Press; reviewed by David R. for Jhistory in 2007 and archived Stone. The biography often reads Spencer, The University of on HNET. Brief descriptions of five like a paean to Stone, and at times Western Ontario) of these books follow; full reviews lacks the nuance and balance found In beautifully written prose, author can be accessed at http://www.h-net. in other biographies of journalists Ben Procter takes readers through msu.edu/~jhistory/. of the period. But MacPherson one of the most productive and successfully shows Stone as an most turbulent periods in the life Susan Ware. It’s One O’Clock and influential media critic and strong of media tycoon William Randolph Here Is Mary Margaret McBride: progressive voice. The book covers Hearst—the years in which the A Radio Biography. (New York Stone’s work for such liberal media titan has to cope with the University Press; reviewed by publications as The Nation and death of his mother and in which he Maurine H. Beasley, University of New York’s PM and for his own meets and falls in love with actress Maryland) publication, I.F. Stone’s Weekly. Marion Davies. It is during these Little noted today, Mary Margaret years as well that he becomes the McBride was a household word in the Samantha Barbas. The First subject of the drama-documentary 1930s and 1940s, with her popular Lady of Hollywood: A Biography Citizen Kane, which premiered in daytime radio show attracting of Louella Parsons (University 1941. Procter’s portrait of Hearst millions of listeners and exerting of Press; reviewed by reveals the man’s complexities. enormous influence on her audience, Steven T. Sheehan, University of most of whom were housewives. -Fox Valley) Ralph L. Crowder. John Edward McBride was so popular that her Samantha Barbas’s book offers a Bruce: Politician, Journalist, fans filled Madison Square Garden comprehensive look of the infamous and Self-Trained Historian of for a broadcast that celebrated her Hollywood gossip columnist who the African Diaspora (New York tenth anniversary on air and one of played a central role in the rise of University Press; reviewed by the key note speakers for the event America’s contemporary celebrity Calvin L. Hall, Appalachian State included Eleanor Roosevelt. Ware coverage. Parsons’ columns University) has based her biography on archival for William Randolph Hearst’s continued on page 8

Spring 2008 Clio 3 Write Well and Be Read “Robinson was the cynosure ball players were white. Suddenly continued from page 2 of all eyes. For a long time he in Ebbets Field, under a white shocked people seeing him for the home uniform, two muscled arms non-fiction history. first time simply by the fact of his extended like black hawsers. Black. My final suggestion is to read color: uncompromising ebony. Like the arms of a janitor. The new Roger Kahn’s The Boys of Summer. All the baseball heroes had been color jolted the consciousness, in Half of the book discusses his years white men. Ty Cobb and Christy a profound and not quite definable of covering the Brooklyn Dodgers Mathewson and John McGraw and way. Amid twenty snowy mountains, in the 1950s, and the other half Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth and the only moving thing was the eye consists of individual, magazine- Dizzy Dean were white. Kenesaw of a blackbird.” style articles of the famous players Mountain Landis and Bill Klem and That’s great historical writing. and what had happened to them after Connie Mack were white. Every That’s something to aim for, and the they left baseball. Again, pay careful coach, every manager, every umpire, way to start to get there is to read attention to the writing. For example, every batting practice pitcher, every those who write well. The bottom at one point he discusses what it was human being one had ever seen in line is that scholarly writing does like when Jackie Robinson became uniform on a major league field was not have to be dull—and if you the first black in the modern major white. Without realizing it, one had write well, you will get a lot more leagues in 1947. It is worth quoting become conditioned. The grass was of your writing published as well as the entire paragraph: green, the dirt was brown and the read.

Notes on Teaching multiple platforms, textually, visu- much more. Interdisciplinary peda- Journalism ally and with multimedia. She does gogy is aimed at developing multi- continued from page 1 the math, develops statistics and is ple skills and providing our students able to interpret them for her audi- with many different ways to think with a law degree and I teach media ence. She appreciates the role adver- through and reason out problems. It law and ethics.” tising has on our business and on our gives them a sense of ownership. In reality I teach much more than economy. She understands the busi- Interdisciplinary teaching allows that. Teaching journalism is more ness of media, the role of the FCC, students to study and understand the than just training future journal- and the impact convergence and interconnection between various ists. In journalism schools and mass consolidation have on the industry. disciplines. They use what they’ve comm departments all over the She knows her history and acknowl- learned from their studies to solve country we are creating savvy me- edges the influence of the past on the life’s problems using the resources dia consumers, critics and creators. future. She recognizes the enormous of all the disciplines. Who knew This isn’t just journalism. It’s his- responsibility journalists have to the the study of journalism would give tory and science and math and eco- public (Katrina coverage, documen- them tools for life? nomics and business and languages. tary films, presidential debates) and Traci Griffith is an assistant pro- This is the complexity of life with to maintaining a well functioning fessor at St. Michael’s College. She intersecting and competing themes democracy. So our students study has worked as a national editor and understandings. More than any journalism, history, economics, sci- for The Associated Press broad- other major, we are the ultimate in ence, business, education, law and cast division and is a 1999 gradu- interdisciplinary study. many other disciplines in pursuit of ate of Notre Dame Law School. She A good journalist is a generalist. their degrees.. earned a master’s degree in jour- She knows a little bit about every- Whether you teach journalism nalism from Florida A&M Univer- thing and conducts research and history or media law or advertising sity in Tallahassee in 1995. Traci interviews to gather additional in- or documentary film or radio news currently serves as a board member formation. She is able to think on production, you actually teach so for Vermont Public Radio.

4 Clio Spring 2008 Book History Meets journalism history, and David Nord, American media matters in the his- Journalism History well known not only for his schol- tory of America. continued from page 1 arship but also as a former History As I thought about programming Division chair, lead the pack of jour- for the 2008 convention, it occurred way, to a new way of thinking about nalism historians who also work in to me that all members of the His- history and historical research. book history. tory Division might benefit from We had two research and writing Both Nerone and Nord have pro- knowing a little more about book assignments in the class. The first duced histories that deal with the history, so I invited David Nord to was to study what a particular dia- cultural influence of news media, do an introductory session. Nord is rist wrote about what she read dur- studies of newspaper readers, how the ideal choice. He is a respected ing the Civil War in order to analyze media has been used to disseminate scholar in both journalism history the effect of the war on women. Lo! particular ideas, and business values and book history, so respected, in And Behold! She read newspapers! of newspapers. They have, in their fact, that he (along with John Ner- The second project asked students work, examined the influence of the one) has been asked to lead a sum- to look at evidence of how South press on American society, and of mer history-of-the-book seminar at Carolinians became secessionists. American society on the press. It is the American Antiquarian Society We were to do that, the professor impressive work that really gets to on newspapers in the Early Repub- told us, by reading newspapers from the heart of why the press is an in- lic. He is also editing the latest vol- the period. tegral component of American soci- ume in an impressive series on book Essentially, what he was teaching ety. That, I think, is why journalism history from the University of North us through these assignments was historians need to be familiar with Carolina Press, The History of the to borrow techniques from an inter- book history. So much of our work Book in America, Volume 5. Each disciplinary field known as “book as journalism historians starts and edition covers a particular time pe- history.” Book history is a relative- stops with questions of “how the riod and includes several chapters ly new field that emerged in France press covered this really important that deal with topics related to jour- in the late 1950s as a study of how event.” Those are useful studies that nalism history. Volume 5 includes books have affected the progress can provide the historical basis for several journalism-related chapters of civilization up through the 18th evaluating press performance in a written by authors like David Abra- century. Since then, the field has particular time or place, but press hamson, another former History Di- spread to Great Britain and North performance is only a small part vision head, Jim Baughman of the America, broadening as it moved to of the history of American journal- University of Wisconsin-Madison, focus today on the social influence ism. Book historians go far beyond and Carol Polsgrove of Indiana Uni- of the printed word in all its forms coverage and content questions in versity. So far, only volumes 1 and and through all times. their efforts to understand how the 4 are in print, but a read-through of Most book historians are in Eng- printed work has changed and influ- those two volumes would provide a lish and history departments, which enced society. In addition to issues great foundation for Nord’s conven- is unfortunate. The themes and re- of text, they examine questions of tion session. search methods that characterize authorship, censorship, copyright, If you’re intrigued, you might also that field offer so many opportuni- publishing, production, economics, check out the Web site for the Soci- ties for richer, deeper analysis of the design, typography, printing, criti- ety for the History of Authorship, impact of printed texts – including cism, reading, and literacy – vir- Reading and Publishing (SHARP), journalism – that I have been as- tually any of which offers fertile the scholarly organization for book tounded to find so few journalism ground for journalism historians. historians: www.sharpweb.org. Not historians represented in that lit- Book history focuses on pathways only does the site tell about the erature. John Nerone, a name well that can lead to strong, vibrant ex- organization, it has links to other known to scholars of 19th century planations of why the history of sources of information.

Spring 2008 Clio 5 Fresh Methodologies Could Invigorate Journalism History (This article is based on remarks to the field of journalism history.My and others. make by W. Joseph Campbell of talk will draw on my most recent It needs a tonic because journalism American University at the dinner book, a single-year study called history too often is not seen as session of the 2007 Symposium on The Year That Defined American relevant or useful or pertinent in the 19th Century Press, the Civil Journalism: 1897 and the Clash of the curricula of the digital century. War, and Free Expression held Paradigms. 1897 was the first full I find such claims misguided and in Chattanooga last fall. It was year in which Ochs was at the helm short-sighted. But there are some excerpted by Elliot King.) of the New York Times. And 1897 troubling numbers that force one I was here once before—many was the year in which he introduced to wonder about relevance and years ago, in my undergraduate the newspaper’s famous slogan, pertinence of the field. The number days at Ohio Wesleyan. A couple “ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO of papers submitted to AJHA has of buddies and I were passing PRINT.” fallen from a record of 79 papers in through Chattanooga en route from In the spring of 1974, James 2005 to 58 this year—a dropoff of Delaware, Ohio, to Ft. Lauderdale, Carey addressed what he called more than 25 percent. Even more and we had a flat tire. I remember “The Problem of Journalism revealing and troubling, perhaps, picking up a copy of the local History.” Writing in the first issue is that membership in AEJMC’s newspaper, the Chattanooga Times of Journalism History, Carey History Division is down more and thinking, “Gees, what a cheap wrote that the “study of journalism than 20 percent over the past 10 ripoff.” This looks just like The New history remains something of an years—despite periodic attempts to York Times. “That’s pretty cheap,” embarrassment” and he argued that reverse the trend, and despite some I thought. “A local paper trying to scholars in the field “have defined of the lowest membership dues in look like The New York Times.” our craft both too narrowly and too all of AEJMC. In a much-remarked Little did I know as a snotty, know- modestly and, therefore, constricted column published early this year in it-all undergraduate that t the range of problems we study the newsletter of the Association The New York Times took its and the claims we make for our of Schools of Journalism and Mass inspiration from the Chattanooga knowledge.” Communication, Loren Ghiglione Times—that there was this short guy More recently, Peggy Blanchard addressed the “pressure” that many from Chattanooga who gambled big, of UNC-Chapel Hill addressed schools and departments face “to who went from the Chattanooga what she called “The Ossification add courses on digital multimedia Times to New York and ultimately of Journalism History.” Peggy skills,” which sometimes are turned The New York Times into criticized the field for its “restrictions added at the expense of courses in the standard-bearer of American on methodological approaches,” for journalism history. Fred Blevens, journalism. being resistant to “new and better the immediate past president of Adolph Ochs, that short guy who ways to study the past” in journalism AJHA, probably put it best in saying gambled big, and succeeded, 110 history. Too often, research in that journalism history courses years ago, will figure in my talk journalism history strikes me as are a risk of being eliminated “to this evening which, more broadly, too predictable, too risk-adverse. make room for yet another tools will poke at an issue that has been Unimaginative, even. I submit that and toys course”—a digital-based lurking in journalism history for the field needs a tonic—for lots of “tools and toys” course. And in her years—namely, the imperative of reasons, for reasons that go beyond first column as chair of the AEJMC bringing methodological freshness the critiques of Carey and Blanchard continued on next page

6 Clio Spring 2008 History Division, Debbie Van Tuyll important or decisive moment in the Year studies are not without risks, referred to Ghiglione’s essay and field. of course—and the most acute of declared: “Journalism history has Year studies have been popular which is the reductive fallacy—that reached a tipping point.” enough in other subfields of history. of claiming too much significance So the need for a tonic—a Recent year studies have focused for a single year, while ignoring bracing tonic—is there, and the years 1000, 1215, 1759, 1776, broader, evolutionary contexts. But increasingly recognized. There is, 1777, 1912, 1919, and 1968. An the reductive fallacy need not impair of course, no single cure-all. But important reason for their popularity year studies. It can be managed by as Carey and Blanchard suggested in that year studies are very flexible recognizing, as good historians will, years ago, there is considerable and inclusive—“durational and the broader evolutionary patterns that room for more imaginative ways punctual at the same time.” They converged and combined to make a to approach journalism history. I are narrow—yet inclusive. Yet to year, like 1897, so important and think the field must break out of succeed, a year study must recognize so memorable. 1897 was the year what sometimes appears to be a and embrace multiple trends, and when American journalism came methodological straitjacket. I mean multiple issues. face-to-face with a choice among not to be snide about this, but if you The single-year study is three rival and incompatible visions, examine research papers presented additionally attractive in that or paradigms, for the profession’s at AEJMC and AJHA over the it offers “a manageable way to future. The emergence of these rival years, a good many of them are narrow the scope, deal in specifics, visions is central to understanding the about bringing to light biographies yet still work with a beginning, exceptionality of 1897. The choices of previously obscure local or middle, and end.” Year studies, that materialized then were to set a regional journalists, or biographies moreover, can clarify trends, issues, course for American journalism in of local and regional newspapers. and developments that otherwise the twentieth century and beyond. Some of these journalists are truly might be obscured in the sweep of The most dramatic of the three fascinating characters. But I have historiography. Year studies can paradigms was the self-activated, to say that most of the long-ago bring insight into what are regarded participatory model of Hearst’s journalists rediscovered by recent as familiar and mundane topics. Take yellow journalism. Hearst called research are not all that fascinating, that famous motto Ochs developed it the “journalism of action” or the or intriguing, or pivotal. Their for The New York Times—“All the “journalism that acts.” It was a contributions to the field were News That’s Fit to Print.” Most paradigm of agency and engagement modest at best. Their relevance historical treatments of the Times that went beyond gathering and to journalism historiography is and of Ochs ignore or overlook publishing the news. Hearst’s New likewise modest. And they aren’t the fact that the slogan was, first, York Journal, the leading exemplar widely remembered. an advertising and marketing tool of the activist paradigm, argued that I think we, as journalism for the Times— an advertising and newspapers were obliged to inject historians, can be more ambitious, marketing tool before Ochs turned themselves, conspicuously and more intellectually creative, it into the most famous motto in vigorously, in righting the wrongs and more relevant in a digital American journalism. In February of public life, and in filling the century. We owe it to ourselves to 1897, he assigned it to a prominent void of government inaction and seek freshness—methodological and permanent place on the front incompetence. freshness—in the field. And we page. The in-depth quality of a The antithesis of Hearst’s can borrow one approach that has year study can identify and bring “journalism of action” was the proven quite popular, and effective, depth and fresh understanding to conservative, counter-activist in popular history. And that what is often regarded as familiar paradigm represented by the New approach is the single-year study— and commonplace--such as the very York Times and its commitment to the in-depth study of a particularly familiar New York Times slogan. continued on page 8

Spring 2008 Clio 7 Fresh Methodologies in detail. It seems to me that the me a little company. More important, Could Invigorate candidates for year studies abound. they would likely stir fresh interest Journalism History And they may well include 1802, in journalism history. They would the year James Callender printed his bring a keen dose of methodological continued from page 7 infamous accusations about Thomas freshness to the field. They would be Jefferson and Jefferson’s supposed expected to offer useful and relevant “All the News That’s Fit to Print.” sexual liaison with a slave, Sally lessons to contemporary journalists, The Times model emphasized the Hemings. No single allegation in in that year studies would likely detached, impartial, yet authoritative journalism history has resonated identify patterns and challenges and treatment of news. The most through the decades as Callender’s issues reminiscent to those of today. eccentric of the three paradigms mischievious and, quite probably, And, I think, they would be a bit was non-journalistic, even anti- fabricated allegation against edgy, a bit controversial. It takes journalistic: It was a literary approach Jefferson. 1802 also was the first more than a little chutzpah to stake pursued by Lincoln Steffens upon year after the expiration of the Alien out a year a decisive, as a turning his becoming city editor of the in and Sedition Acts—a year, therefore, point. But being edgy may be just late 1897. Deliberately, and even that arguably represented a fresh what the field needs today. demonstratively, Steffens shunned start for American journalism. veteran newspapermen and instead Another candidate is 1833, and recruited college-educated writers the emergence of the techniques Noteworthy Books in who had little or no experience associated with the penny press. Now, in journalism. He then sent them some historians have challenged Journalism History: out to write—to hone their talent whether those techniques were really Biographies by telling stories about the joys, so innovative. Civil War history continued from page 3 hardships, and serendipity of life in is not my forté, but 1864 seems a . strong potential candidate for a year Crowder’s biography of John Resolution of this three-sided study. Another candidate could be Edward Bruce is an informative, clash of paradigms would take 1896. Dane Claussen of Point Park engaging text about a dynamic— years and result ultimately in the University has suggested that year and too-long-ignored—figure in ascendancy of the Times’ detached, was especially decisive in American African-American journalism counteractivist model—which still journalism. It was, after all, the year history. Bruce’s life intersected with is the normative standard that defines when Ochs took control of The New the lives of some of the major figures mainstream American journalism. York Times. It was Hearst’s first full involved in the struggle for equal Journalists are not to participate in year in New York City. It was an rights in the first fifty years after the the events and topics they cover; they election year—and the Democratic Civil War. These figures included are to treat the news impartiality, candidate, William Jennings Bryan, Henry Highland Garnet and Martin in an even-handed manner. Those barnstormed the country, signaling Robinson Delany, spokesmen values are fundamental to the in a way the modern presidential for Pan-Africanism, and Edward orthodoxy of American journalism campaign. And Bryan’s campaign Wilmot Blyden, vice-president of —and they can be traced to the late was covered by correspondents who the American Colonization Society 19th century Ochsian vision for the accompanied him as he stumped and a leading proponent of Black New York Times. cross-country. In my view, 1896 emigration to Africa. A year study very effectively isn’t quite as good as 1897 —but can capture or freeze-frame these it seems to be a year worthy of Jhistory welcomes new reviewers. kinds of key developments amid in-depth treatment by scholars of If you are interested, contact Donna the trajectory of long-term change, journalism history. Harrington-Lueker at dhlueker@ and then consider those moments These studies would not only give cox.net

8 Clio Spring 2008 Book Blurb Jennie Carter: A Black Clio Journalist of the Early West

In June 1867, the Elevator—a Gardner informs readers in the Among the Media black weekly newspaper based in introduction that “Carter’s letters —began publishing not only offer a viewpoint generally articles by a woman who signed silent in scholars’ discussions, but her work “Ann J. Trask” and later also challenge readers to see Cali- Editor: Elliot King “Semper Fidelis.” Her real name fornia, the West, and, ultimately, (Loyola College in Maryland) was Jennie Carter (1830–1881), and America, as a space inhabited by the Elevator would print her essays, blackness, blackness centered on Webmaster: Kittrell Rushing columns, and poems for the next self-definition.” (University of Tennessee- seven years. Jennie Carter: A Black Journal- Chattanooga) Jennie Carter: A Black Journal- ist of the Early West (University ist of the Early West collects her Press of Mississippi, 2007; ISBN Clio logo: Nat Newsome (Augusta prose and verse for the first time. 978-1-934110-10-2) establishes State University) The rich body of her work consid- Carter’s voice as one of the most Creative Director: Tina Capellini ers California and national politics, significant contributions to African (Loyola College in Maryland) race and racism, women’s rights American women’s writing dur- and suffrage, temperance, moral- ing the Reconstruction and espe- Clio Among the Media is pub- ity, education, and a host of other cially to black writing in the West. lished quarterly by the History issues—all from the point of view Read more about Jennie Carter: A Division of the Association for of an unabashedly strong African Black Journalist of the Early West Education in Journalism and Mass American woman. at http://www.upress.state.ms.us/ Communication. Edited by Eric Gardner, profes- books/1079. Submissions to Clio are sor and chair of the Department of welcome. Please send them English at Saginaw State Univer- Clio is interested in publishing to:Elliot King, Department of sity, this volume provides an in- book blurbs and excerpts of books Communication, Loyola College in troduction that documents Carter’s written by journalism historians and Maryland, 4501. N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210.. Electronic life and places her work in histori- of interest to journalism historians. copy, either disk or e-mail, is pre- cal and literary context. From the Please send a blurb of your book ferred. For information, contact work of Jennie Carter, readers are to Elliot King at [email protected]. King at 410-617-2819, or e-mail able to gain a perspective that is of- Do you have a favorite archive, ei- him at: [email protected]. Recent ten overlooked in discussions of the ther online or a physical location? issues of Clio may be accessed at: Reconstruction as well as of black Let us know by sending a descript- www.utc.edu/Outreach/AEJMC- writing and the history of black tion to [email protected] HistoryDivision/histpub.html journalism.

Spring 2008 Clio 9 The National Women and Media Collection first woman to be press secretary By Kimberly Wilmot Voss women’s page editors who are to a governor in 1940s Michigan. Southern Illinois University absent from their own newspaper’s The nearly weekly letters that she Edwardsville histories. Yet, Savoy’s stories are wrote to her parents, located in this told in letters and speeches in the archive, reveal career struggles, an In 1977, Marion Marzolf published Penney- Award Papers in interest in sports and a love of food. Up From the Footnote, the title a the National Women and Media These personal letters give us a way reference to the few mentions of Collection at the University of of looking at their entire lives – the women in journalism history. In Missouri. Her photos are found frustrations and the victories of their recent years, women in journalism there, too. personal lives and their careers. have continued to be overlooked The archive includes the papers In another example, the Penney- especially if they were not on the of numerous women journalists and Missouri Awards, which recognized front pages or covering war. In fact, journalism organizations, focusing top women’s pages, often were women’s page journalists don’t on original source material. It is in greeted with congratulations by even exist in the footnotes of their the process of encouraging more managing editors. Yet, these awards own newspaper’s histories. Take, women to donate their papers. also caused some women to lose for example, the story of crusading Recent acquisitions include the their jobs as management thought women’s page journalist Maggie papers of Maurine Beasley and Tad some of the women’s page editors Savoy Bellows. Dickson Hartwell, Bartimus. Other strong holdings were becoming too empowered the publisher of The Arizonian, a include the papers of Donna Allen by the awards. Those stories are weekly newspaper in Scottsdale, and Fran Harris. A listing of holdings revealed in letters from the Florida wrote a 1963 column illustrating is available online, as well as several Sun-Sentinel’s Beverley Morales the impact of Savoy and conclude finding aids. The staff is helpful and located in this archive. “among all women in the Valley she the copy costs are reasonable. These papers also reveal the is not just a figure. She is the key The NWMC, established twenty complex feelings about feminism. figure.” years ago by women’s page editor Gloria Biggs was a women’s page There are numerous stories that and later Gannett publisher Marjorie editor at the St. Petersburg Times echo Hartwell’s tale. A colleague Paxson, allows women to be part of when she was tapped to oversee the of Savoy’s once wrote: “Like some journalism history. For decades, the women’s section of the new Gannett savor fine wine or opera, she savored main area for women journalists at newspaper in Cocoa, Florida: people, fighting, sweating, swinging, metropolitan newspapers was the TODAY, in 1966. Two years later, action people.” She may have been women’s pages. In this role, they she gave a speech to Gannett editors a stepchild of the profession, but she often fought for the marginalized on how to attract female readers. It wielded significant power within her and helped communities develop was rather stereotypical advice and community – raising awareness and in stories found amid recipes and she concluded with: “I’d like to fighting for people without a voice. fashion copy. Stories of more than emphasize that I’m not a feminist. While Savoy was well known in a dozen women’s page editors in the … I’m happy to have men run the Phoenix, she has been overlooked post-World War II years through the show.” Years later, she wrote a note in much of newspaper history. For early 1970s can be pieced together on that speech to a friend: “I weep example, she is not mentioned in from the material found at the when I read the lines about not being the 406-page book All The Time A NWMC. a feminist but then realize that in Newspaper: The First 100 Years of Roberta Applegate, a member 1968 that’s the way it was and the The Arizona Republic. This appears of the lauded Miami Herald’s continued on page 12 to be typical for many significant women’s page in the 1950s, was the

10 Clio Spring 2008 The National Women and Media Collection History Call For Papers Division History Division AEJMC Officers The History Division invites sub- submission information. The orga- missions of original research pa- nization’s website is www.aejmc. 2007-2008 pers on the history of journalism org. and mass communication for the Student Papers: Undergraduate AEJMC 2008 convention. All re- and graduate students enrolled dur- search methodologies are welcome, ing the 2007-08 academic year may Debbie Van Tuyll as are papers on all aspects of media enter the Warren Price Student Pa- (Augusta State University) history. The division is especially per Competition. The Price Award Head interested in papers related to the recognizes the History Division’s conference theme, “Transforming best student paper and is named John Coward the Field.” for Warren Price, who was the Di- (Tulsa) Papers will be evaluated on origi- vision’s first chair. Student papers Vice Head nality of importance of topic; lit- should include a separate cover and erature review; clarity of research sheet that indicates their student Research Chair purpose; focus; use of original and status but omits the author’s name primary sources and how they sup- or other identifying information. Elliot King port the paper’s purpose and con- Students who submit top papers are (Loyola College in Mary- clusions; and the degree to which eligible for small travel grants from land) the paper contributes to the field of the Edwin Emery Fund. Only full- Secretary/Newsletter Editor journalism and mass communica- time students not receiving depart- tion history. mental travel grants are eligible for David Copeland Papers should be no more than these grants. (Elon Univeristy) 7,500 words, or about 25 double- Demographic information: For PF&R Chair spaced pages, not including notes. the History Division’s annual report, Multiple submissions to the Divi- the Division is asking all submitters Ann Thorne sion are not allowed and only one to report their gender and ethnicity. (Missour Western) paper per author will be accepted This information should be sent in a Teaching Standards Chair for presentation in the History Di- separate e-mail to John Coward, re- vision’s research sessions. Authors search chair, at john-coward@utul- Kittrell Rushing should also submit a 75-word ab- sa.edu. This information will not be (Tennessee-Chattanooga) stract. used in the paper competition. Webmaster Following the process used last Contact information: For more year, papers must be electronically information about the History Divi- Carolyn Kitch submitted using the services of All sion research process, contact Re- (Temple) Academic, Inc., whose website is search Chair John Coward at The Book Award Chair www.allacademic.com. The dead- University of Tulsa. His e-mail is line is midnight, April 1, 2008. [email protected] and his Karen List Authors are encouraged to read the telephone is 918-631-2542. (Massachusetts) Uniform Paper Call for detailed Covert Award Chair

Spring 2008 Clio 11 Calls And Conferences

Journalism and Mass reviews per issue and is looking AEJMC History Division- Communications for reviewers with expertise in all AJHA Joint Journalism Quarterly (JMCQ), the AEJMC’s areas. Historians Conference flagship academic journal ,is The Joint Journalism Historians seeking to expand its roster of book If you are interested please contact. Conference—the American reviewers. The publication reviews Edward C. Pease, Journalism Historians Association about 25 new titles in each issue Book Review Editor, Journalism & and the AEJMC History Division of JMCQ, on topics ranging from Mass Communication Quarterly joint spring meeting—will be biographies and histories to research Department of Journalism & held on Saturday March 15 at the methods to a wide range of topic Communication Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. areas that fit your division/interest Utah State University Walk-on registration is invited for group’s member interests. Reviews Logan, Utah 84322-4605 this one-day conference. There will are typically about 800 words in [email protected] be more than 50 presentations on length, and deadlines range from a www.usu.edu/journalism/faculty/ various topics of journalism history. month or several months ahead. The pease The cost is $45 and includes morning journal publishes approximately 25 continued on page 14

The National Women and wear pants?’ Paxson then announced story – told in personal letters and Media Collection a change in the dress code. professional clips – would be largely continued from page 10 Paxson later learned that many untold. These stories are part of the of the women went shopping that history of journalism – but ones that way I thought I was supposed to say evening. The next day, of the 45 are left out of the historical record I was!” That note is in the NWMC. women working at the paper, 29 without the National Women and Studying women’s page journalists were in pant suits. She recalled, Media Collection. These papers also allows for a better understanding “That story got around town allow women to come up from the of howwomen negotiated change. very quickly.” In fact, Paxson footnote and have a voice. They On the first day of work as a remembered shopping at Sears show that these women were not publisher at the Muskogee Phoenix when the clerk looked down at the simply reinforcers of an oppressive in the early 1980s, Paxson learned name on her credit card. She said to message or victims of male about one of the former owner’s Paxson: “I’m so glad you let them management, as is often the role of policies – women could not wear wear pants.” Her next move was to women’s page editors in journalism pants to work. Although Paxson reverse the newspaper’s editorial history. Instead, these women’s page had purchased several skirts, she stance against the Equal Rights journalists could be smart, funny, decided to wear her lone pantsuit to Amendment. stylish women with an appreciation the office on day two and she made The previous anecdote is found in for homemaking and a hope for a sure to walk through the pressroom, Paxson’s oral history – the transcripts liberated future. the composing room and the news are housed in this archive. The (This article was taken from a room. By noon, the publisher’s previously mentioned Maggie Savoy speech given at the 20th Anniversary secretary came upstairs and she Bellows died in 1970. If not for celebration of the National Women asked, ‘Everybody is asking if the papers of the Penney-Missouri and Media Collection, September there’s been a change – if they can Awards in the NWMC, her amazing 11, 2007.)

12 Clio Spring 2008 Calls And Conferences AEJMC Considers Eight Strategic Directions by John Coward directions,” which are now 5 Develop membership pro- Tulsa University being assembled into a five-year gram, which involves ideas Vice Chair, History Division strategic plan. The plan will be about the recruitment, reten- completed this spring, distributed tion and engagement of mem- The future of AEJMC—its to the membership, and discussed bers, additional services and reputation, its name, finances, at the Chicago convention, where benefits, restructured member- structure, and membership—was members will be asked to ratify the ship levels and ways to attract the topic of a strategic planning document. new members to the organiza- process at the organization’s mid- The eight “strategic directions” tion. winter meeting in St. Louis, this that came out of the St. Louis December. The planning sessions meeting are listed below in order of 6 Expand expertise, including produced a host of news ideas, significance. In abbreviated form, a database and a hotline to including ways to increase AEJMC’s the eight directions are to: highlight AEJMC’s research “brand awareness,” enhance its expertise. professional status, develop its financial resources, and expand its 1 Create a brand awareness, in- 7 Create an innovative schol- membership and services. As the cluding a revised mission for arship center, a think tank or History Division’s Vice Chair, I was the organization, operation- incubator to expand research your representative at these sessions. alized core values, a revised and research training. I came away impressed with the mission and a possible name organization’s opportunities for change. 8 Engage globally and multi- development and growth in a rapidly culturally, seeking new fund- changing media environment. 2 Build academy and industry ing for international exchang- The planners tackled a number prestige and influence, such as es and intensifying a global of substantive questions about the more outreach to profession- agenda. direction of AEJMC in the next five als, a relocated national head- years. Do we want the organization quarters, and more effective to be more visible role in policy external relations. Yes, some of these ideas may debates involving the journalism be unrealistic. Some of them may and the mass media? Should 3 Develop financial strategies, be wrong for the membership. But AEJMC move its headquarters to including additional fund-rais- the planning process is continuing New York City or Washington, ing staff, new revenue sources, and History Division members are D.C.? Should we award grants to for-profit publication opportu- encouraged to participate in the promote innovative scholarship nities, and cost savings through planning process and make their and teaching? Can we promote our on-line journals. own suggestions this spring. research expertise through a public After all, AEJMC is our database? Should we begin a full- 4 Redefine AEJMC’s internal organization and it should serve us scale publishing operation or move structure, including reconfig- and our interests. If you have ideas our journals entirely on-line? Should ured division structure, new and suggestions about the future we restructure the organization to regional meetings, more affili- of AEJMC or planning process, create more unity? ate involvement, and revised contact me at john-coward@utulsa. These and other questions management structure. edu. I will forward your responses formed the basis for eight “strategic to the planning team.

Spring 2008 Clio 13 Call for Nominations—AJHA Awards The Awards Committee of the for the award should present, Rich Kaplan, 1648 Loma St., American Journalism Historians at the minimum, a cover letter Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Email Association (AJHA) seeks that explains the nominee’s address: [email protected] . nominations for its three major contributions to the field as well awards--the Kobre Award , the Book as a vita or brief biography of the • AJHA’s History Award recognizes of the Year Award for 2007, and nominee. Nominations are due practical journalists who the History Award to recognize a by May 1, 2008, and should be through their work have made practicing journalist’s contributions submitted to David R. Davies, a contribution in some way to to the field. Honors College, University journalism history. Nominations of Southern Mississippi, 118 for the award are solicited annually, • The Kobre Award, the College Drive #5162, Hattiesburg but the award need not be given organization’s highest honor, MS 39406. Email address: dave. every year. Nominating letters recognizes individuals with an [email protected] and supporting materials should exemplary record of sustained be submitted by May 1, 2008, achievement in journalism • The AJHA book award recognizes to Honors College, University history through teaching, the best in journalism history or of Southern Mississippi, 118 research, professional activities, mass media history published College Drive #5162, Hattiesburg or other contributions to the field during calendar year 2007. The MS 39406. Email address: dave. of journalism history. Award book must have been granted [email protected]. winners need not be members of a first-time copyright in 2007. the AJHA. Nominations for the Entrants should submit five All three awards will be given at award are solicited annually, but copies of their books to the book AJHA’s 2008 annual convention to the award need not be given every award coordinator by March 31, be held Oct. 1-4, 2008, in Seattle, year. Those making nominations 2008. Send materials to Prof. Wash.

Calls and Conferences continued from page 12 receive a plaque and a cash prize at Dr. Carolyn Kitch the 2008 AEJMC conference. The AEJMC History Book Award Chair competition is open to any author of Journalism Dept., Temple University coffee and a light lunch. For more a relevant history book regardless 2020 N. 13th Street information, contact to Elliot King, of , PA 19122 Conference Organizer, at eking@ whether he/she belongs to AEJMC Carolyn Kitch can be contacted at loyola.edu or call 410-617-2819. or the History Division. Only those 215-204-5077 or ckitch@temple. books with a 2007 publication edu with any questions. Best Journalism And Mass (copyright) date will be accepted. Communication History Book Compilations, anthologies, articles, Send your calls for papers, Nominations and monographs are excluded and submissions for awards and other should be submitted for the Covert announcements of interest to The History Division of the AEJMC Award. Three copies of each book journalism historians to Elliot King is soliciting entries for its award for must be submitted, along with the at [email protected] the best journalism and mass author’s mailing address, telephone communication history book of number, and email address, to: 2007. The the winning author will

14 Clio Spring 2008