GREATER CINCINNATI E- NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2008

President's Message:

Goodbye 2008. Welcome 2009?

Another year draws to a close, a year that's witnessed the greatest loss of journalism jobs in modern history. I don't know about you, but every morning as I open my e-mail, I hold my breath. Too many days I hear from another friend who's left the business, most of the time not of his or her own accord.

It's not just the economy that's wreaking havoc on America in general. It's the media specifically. We're restructuring toward an uncertain future. Everyone's hearing the same corporate mantra: You must multi-platform to keep your job. And while you're at it, you have to pick up the work those we laid off performed.

The beauty of SPJ is that we can all commiserate. We understand the stresses of this experience better than anyone, even our significant others if they're in other lines of work. They may feel the pangs of the economic downturn but they don't understand the accompanying loss of the dream we shared when we entered this business. It was a calling, not just a job. It was a mission, a check on government, a community service, a creative outlet.

And somehow, we must hold on to those ideals even as the business model changes. If ever this Society holds a place in history, this must become one of those times. Either we recommit and figure out a way to do journalism under the new paradigm, or we throw in the towel. I hope you join me in choice #1. Frankly, we need as many of us as possible to continue the fight, to maintain our role as the checks and balances that only the Fourth Estate can provide.

Now, 2009 beckons with such promise. A new president with a clear mandate. A moment in history for our country. A shredding, at least to some degree, of old assumptions and expectations. All these define what we must do within our industry right now. We must shred some of our old expectations and create a new chapter. We did not choose this profession for its pay or benefits. We chose it because we believe in its value for democracy. As our nation reinvents its course, so must we. 

Best to all,

Hagit

MARK YOUR CALENDER

Greater Cincinnati SPJ Holiday Party
Monday, December 8, 2008
5 to 7 pm
Reserve Restaurant & Piano Lounge
Newport on the Levee

Celebrate the season with your fellow journalists at the Greater Cincinnati SPJ's annual holiday party. We'll gather in the bar area of the Reserve Restaurant & Piano Lounge at Newport on the Levee for appetizers on us! For more information, contact GC SPJ Vice President/Programming Chair Aiesha Little at aiesha_little@yahoo.com.

We also have received the following invitations to join UCABJ for its Holiday Mixer

Holiday Media Mixer 2008!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Center for Community Engagement at Stratford Heights
2639 Clifton Avenue
(513) 556-1559 (for directions)

Celebrate the holidays with journalism/communications students at the University of Cincinnati on Thursday, December 4, 2008. This is an excellent opportunity for students to mingle with professionals in a relaxed setting. For more information, contact UCABJ President Alicia Gaynor at gaynoraa@email.uc.edu. The celebration is sponsored by The University of Cincinnati Association of Black Journalists, the University of Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists, and the University of Cincinnati Journalism Program. 

JOB BOARD

Freelance Writers and Reporters

Front Page Magazine

Do you have experience writing and reporting on politics? Are you able to write cogently on foreign and domestic politics while developing timely and hard-hitting articles? Then check out Front Page Magazine @ www.frontpagemag.com. It is seeking freelance writers and reporters for the magazine. If you'd like to apply, send your resume and three recent writing clips in a printable format to fpmjobs@hotmail.com.

DID YOU MISS OUR NOVEMBER PROGRAM?

Then watch "Faith and Balance: Reporting on Religion" in its entirety on our website at http://www.cincyspj.org/religionvideo.html

We Want to Hear From You

Do you have any announcements, promotions or upcoming programs you want other members to know about? Please send the information to cincyspjnewsletter@yahoo.com.

JUST THE FACTS

SPJ Meeting:
THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH @ 11:30 A.M.
WCPO CHANNEL 9
1720 GILBERT AVE.
CINCINNATI, OH 45202 

YOUR BOARD MEMBERS:
The Executive Board

Hagit Limor, President /Membership Chair
Aiesha Little, Vice President/ Programming Chair    
Taelonnda E. Sewell, Secretary/Newsletter Editor
Alex Coolidge, Treasurer

Board Members

Jeannine Gallenstein, Contest Chair             
Amanda Van Benschoten, Banquet/FOI Chair      
Scott Aiken, Hall of Fame Chair
Suzanne Murray, Gen J Chair                         
Brian Duerring, Website Director

At- Large Board

Jon C. Hughes
Monica Dias
Emil Dansker

Mailing Address:

1720 Gilbert Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45202

ATTN: Hagit Limor