UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Monday, February 10, 1997
3A
Columnist challenges media to cover tough issues
By Ryan Koerner
Special to the Kansan
A Pulitzer Prize winner said that today's journalists were failing to properly inform the American public. He challenged the next generation to get the media back on track.
David Broder, a national political correspondent for The Washington Post, talked about these challenges when he visited the University of Kansas Friday to accept the 1997 William Allen White Medallion.
Broder addressed students, faculty, visiting journalists and members of the William Allen White Foundation at woodruff
Auditorium in the Kansas Union.
"This year and this period, from now to the end of this century, is a challenging one for those of us involved in Washington journalism." Broder said.
One of those challenges will be to develop better expository skills, which are the skills to present and explain things to the readers. These skills will allow journalists to ensure that the American public is well informed.
Broder also encouraged journalists to cover the tougher issues instead of focusing on sensationalized news.
"It's just a lot easier in journalism to spend time on the O.J.
Another problem Broder pointed out was the mixture of American politics and the press.
case or Dennis Rodman's cross-dressing and groin kicking," he said.
When former political staffers sit at the same anchor desk with established journalists, it can be difficult for the American people to sort out who is what, he said.
"It makes it hard for those of us in journalism to maintain that there is a sharp line between what journalists do and what politicians do." Broder said.
Although this practice has brought some talented people into journalism, Broder has concerns about politicians like Pat
Buchannan who are simultaneously commentators and practicing politicians.
The impression that media is giving, Broder said, is that the members of the press and of a politicians' staffs are interchangeable.
Before the presentation, Broder had breakfast with student journalists in the Kansas Union. He discussed ways to motivate more young journalists to cover politics.
"it's an important part of news in this country," said Anna Ortiz, Garden City senior. "I agreed with him. We need to get more people who are interested in going into that field."
Steve Puppe / KANSAN
Chancellor Robert Hemenway listens to David S. Broder. Broder, a political columnist, received the William Allen White Award Friday afternoon.
Red Lyon Tavern
944 Mass.832-8228
842-5921
9th & Mississippi
1826 MASSACHUSETTS
749-3502
FINE LINE TATTOO, INC.
& BODY PIERCING
WeaverS
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS WEEK
FEBRUARY 10-14, 1997
Sexuality and Communication Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m. Pine Room, Kansas Union
9th & Massachusetts
Information Tables
February 10-13, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Kansas Union Lobby
Sponsored by The Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center, 115 Strong Hall. University of Kansas. For more information contact Eve Nelson at 864-3552.
Help create a safe KU community.
DAILY DRINK SPECIALS
TUESDAY ITALIAN MARGARITAS $2.50
MONDAY LONG ISLAND TEAS $3.00
PHONE ORDERS 843-6360 / FREE DELIVERY
MARTINI NIGHT!
$1.00 OFF ALL MARTINIS
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH &
SINGLE BARREL BOURBON
$1.50 OFF
TELLER'S PROUDLY POURS THE FOLLOWING WELL LIQUORS:
DEWAR'S SCOTCH JIM BEAM BOURBON BEFEATER'S GIN
SMIRNOFF VODKA BACARDI RUM CUERVO TEQUILA
746 MASSACHUSETTS STREET 843-4111
Prepaid Cellular
No credit No deposit
Hey college students! Now you can enjoy the convenience of a cellular phone without the long-term commitment!
No long-term
Prepaid cellular by Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems Authorized Retailer
No deposit No bill
needed
contract required
Purchase the amount of airtime that fits your budget when you need it!
FREE $50 cellular prepaid calling card when you visit your local RadioShack.
Now available at
*Phone purchase and activation fee required. Some restrictions apply
RadioShack You've got questions. We've got answers.