Acclaimed journalist to discuss role of news reporting in lecture

Nicholas Olivera/ Staff Writer

nicholas.olivera@fiusm.com

 

A prominent journalist has something to say on the importance of journalism.

As such, the international managing editor for the New York Times is coming to the University for a discussion.

During his time with the New York Times, Michael Slackman covered a variety of international subjects, among them the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine, the Middle East’s interpretation of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the bombings in Morocco and the persecution of Jews in Yemen.

According to Slackman, his discussion, titled, “Bearing Witness,”Michael Slackman will be addressing a common theme that ties subjects together: the significant role that a journalist often plays in the process of gathering and sharing information so that the public can develop its own global perspectives.

“Oftentimes, the journalist is mistaken as an advocate for cause,” Slackman told Student Media via phone interview, “When in reality, the journalist is more of an advocate for encouraging the free, open exchange of ideas and views.”
In 1997, Slackman was part of the Newsday news team in Long Island, New York, that was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Reporting for the active coverage of the crash, and aftermath, of the Trans World Airlines flight 800, which exploded over Long Island, New York 12 minutes after takeoff, according to CNN and the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Journalism Ethics’ website.

Slackman, who described himself as a true believer of the power of journalism, thinks that the job of a journalist is “very important, meaningful work.”

According to Eric M. Feldman, coordinator for the Office of Global Learning Initiatives, Slackman’s presentation on “Bearing Witness” will not be an event directed solely for those with an interest in journalism.

“To have someone who has firsthand experience in not only the issues and news stories themselves, but also on the importance of reporting them makes it something that not only students in journalism or writing should be interested in,” said Feldman, “Any student interested in being a citizen of the world should be interested [in this lecture].”

Some members of the University’s student body agree with Feldman’s sentiment.

Nathalia Abreu, a sophomore majoring in history, expressed enthusiasm considering the theme of Slackman’s lecture.

“A better understanding of global events is good for developing informed opinions about the world around you,” she said, “You cannot develop every thought you have based entirely on what you picked up in your hometown.”

However, Slackman won’t only be lecturing with broad audiences.

In addition to the discussion, he will also be  making appearances in a handful of classes all throughout the University, which will include Introduction to Sociology and Politics of Latin America.

Adrian Rahimi, a junior majoring in finance, likes this idea and thinks it’s a lot more convenient for students.

“It is nice to have a public figure like that actually want to get up-close-and-personal with the students for more than just an hour,” he said. “Usually, these guest speakers we have show up to FIU, do whatever it is that they came here to do, then leave.”

Slackman is excited to see how his encounters with the University Panthers will turn out.
“It is good to get out there and actually interact with the students,” he said, “I am delighted at the idea of students showing such an interest in discussing real world issues.”

Slackman’s discussion will be held in the Modesto A. Maidique Campus on Wednesday, April 1 in the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad Auditorium Room 125.

The discussion will begin at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public.