Editor Clifton highlights the importance of high journalistic values
By Ruth Rachel Przybojewski
Doug Clifton, editor of The Plain Dealer, stressed the importance of upholding the standards of journalism.
"Journalists have a job. The job has certain standards. The citizen journalist's job is a hobby. They have standards but they vary from person to person and there is no way of knowing what those standards are," Clifton said to during a lecture titled "News Reporting in This Changing Media Environment" on March 4 in Waetjen Auditorium.
Clifton gave his insight on a variety of topics, which included the evolution of the newspaper business as well as the need for journalists and the future of journalism.
But the most important message he had for the audience was the need for honest and truthful journalists.
Students were inspired by his words.
"I thought it was an encouraging lecture for students who want to become journalists. It gave a truthful look at the job market," said senior journalism major Wesam Elrabadi.
Clifton discussed the magnitude of the changes that have taken place in the newspaper business.
"The real change occurred when the TV networks increased in size," Clifton said. "The cable explosion provided hundreds of news and entertainment options for people."
He also talked about the impact of the Internet explosion on the world of journalism. The newspaper business has to constantly address and adjust to those changes.
"Today news is constantly available online via pages, cell phones, pod casts, PDA's and desk top computers," Clifton said. "That instantaneous availability puts the newspaper, with a 24 hour cycle at a considerable disadvantage."
Clifton encouraged up-and-coming journalists by saying that even though changes occur in the business, journalists are the individuals who write the stories not the Internet.
"The Internet doesn't produce news coverage, it just distributed it," he said.
Clifton also discussed the evolution of the newspaper industry.
In the 1970s, afternoon newspapers outnumbered morning newspapers four to one. There were 334 morning newspapers and 1,429 afternoon newspapers. People were more apt to read afternoon news.
Things have changed and today morning newspapers outnumber afternoon papers eight to one. There are currently 814 morning newspapers and 653 afternoon newspapers. This demonstrates a circulation shift.
"These changes reflect changes in society, changes in how people live their lives," Clifton said.
During the question and answer session, Clifton was asked about the job market for future journalists.
"I think there will always be a societal need for people to be informed by respectable journalists. I emphasis respectable. Journalists who have standards, who seek the truth and value it, even if that truth his something they disagree with," Clifton said.
Clifton also shared his thoughts on the number of journalists who cover important global issues.
"I think we need to have more voices and eyes on the scene. But, the thing is this business is not economically structured to have meaningful coverage abroad," Clifton said. "We rely on the New York times and Associated Press for coverage."
Clifton, who graduated from Dowling College in Long Island with a political science degree, hoped to go to law school. After serving three years in the U.S. Army in the late 1960s, he realized that the only thing that would bring joy to him was writing for newspapers.
The Miami Herald gave him a chance in 1970. For over 17 years, he covered various reporting and editing assignments, which included city editor and deputy managing editor. In 1991 he became executive editor.
Clifton helped the Herald win three Pulitzers in 1992 -- one for public service for the coverage of Hurricane Andrew; one for commentary; and the third for investigative reporting.
The Plain Dealer also benefited from his experience in 2004 when it won its first Pulitzer for commentary in 50 years.
When Clifton was asked about what the most rewarding part of his career he said, "When I was a reporter I got great rewards telling people what they didn't know."
Clifton, who will retire soon, plans to spend time with his family. He hopes to continue to educate people about the business.
"So, as I prepare to wind down my 37 years in the business I feel privileged to have served," he said. "I hope to turn my attention to another task making the case for journalism's value in society to whatever audience will listen."