Columbia Journalism Review
The September/October 2001 issue of the "Columbia Journalism Review" (CJR) did a fine job in capturing several specific agents relating to the field of journalism. Under the publication of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, the CJR was successful in covering a number of topics ranging from gun control to the means of being a sports writer in today's athletic industry. This periodical also included information pertaining to current globalization protests as well as surveys that could easily be deemed extremely valuable to today's journalist.
The mission statement, "To assess the performance of journalism...to help stimulate continuing improvement in the profession, and to speak out for what is right, fair, and decent," was established from a founding editorial in 1961. It wouldn't be false to say that the CJR has stood strong by their roots and fundamental ideals of establishment. Each column, article, and segment seems to have a special place and serve an even more distinct purpose. Each portion has obviously been given a close amount of attention no matter how big or small the piece is. Each story line begins with a solid foundation by reviewing any information that might not have been totally clear to the reader before coming to the article.
One story in particular entitled, "Beyond the Veil," by Sally Buzbee, caught my attention. This was a general summary of what it's like to be a female journalist in Saudi Arabia. This story was given on the account of a woman named Hoda el-Salem. Hoda has spent virtually all her life avoiding contact with any man other than her husband and her brothers. This is not because of any other reason beyond the law. Before she is legally allowed to spend any time outdoors, she must first put on a long, thick, black cloak, a black veil to cover her hair, and then yet another to cover her face.
The news building in which she is occupied, Al-Riyadh, is split into two separate sides; men and women. She hasn't been able to obtain any journalism training, and even further, can't drive herself to work. The company must furnish transportation for the women it has employed. Technically, a woman practicing a form of journalism is illegal, but the law isn't heavily enforced anymore. Hoda has yet to even meet her editor face to face. Communicating with the males in her practice seems to be nothing less than burdensome. The males must come along and drop any supplies or notices off behind a curtain, ring a bell, and then immediately leave.
Although no direct quotes were given throughout the entire article, Hoda's purpose seemed to be to explore new types of journalism and focus on topics of great interest to the Saudi readers. Sally Buzbee also hinted that while the women are happy with their work and grateful that their field is opening up, they still express frustration to the current restrictions. They blame this frustration on their "traditional society, which is still rooted in ancient traditions, yet lurching toward a modern world."
In conclusion, the CJR was extremely fair in not only bringing light to, but singling out and identifying the types of matters that are often covered up or ignored by many news publications. Examples include such topics as illnesses in The White House, recognizing weaknesses, failing to interpret numbers, generalization, and publishing misleading stories. The CJR was truly able to target a very vast audience ranging from early readers to loyal seniors. I would definitely recommend this publication for serving anyone's urge to further their knowledge in the areas of specified journalism. www.cjr.org