Fulbright Scholar Alice Klement Discusses Trends in American Journalism (10/14/07)

Dr. Alice Klement, Fulbright Scholar at Unity University College, addressed the Ethiopian Center for Strategic Studies on October 14, at 10:00 a.m. on “American Journalism.”  The Ethiopian Center for Strategic Studies is a non-partisan, independent university-based think tank, founded by Unity University College for the task of collaborative research, networking and interaction on strategic issues pertaining to Ethiopia.  Approximately 25 think tank members were in attendance.

Dr. Alice Klement, who has practiced and taught journalism in the United States with various institutions, spoke on ten trends in American journalism.  She mentioned first the bad trends which she identified as fewer newspapers, fewer readers, conflict and friction with the government, less news and public misunderstanding of the role of the media.  The good trends were more educated journalists, more diverse journalists, more flexibility in practice of journalism, better technology and the Internet.  Following the hour-long presentation, attendees discussed their perception of American media and the role of media in a democratic context.  Dr. Alice Klement and members of the media who were present shared experiences and made plans for future collaboration in their field.