Sunday, October 21, 2001 10:48 PM
Foreign journalists expressed the need for greater assistance in obtaining press credentials, dealing with difficult publicists and navigating their way through Southern California, as the Los Angeles Press Club hosted its first event geared to international reporters.
About 45 people, including journalists from Turkey, Belgium, Germany, Israel, France, Great Britain, Thailand, China and Ethiopia, attended the Aug. 14 reception at Press Club headquarters. â€
Dubbed “Storming LA: How International Journalists Survive and Thrive in Los Angeles,” the event was the kickoff to the creation of an international journalists caucus. Ron Podchlebnik of Israeli Television; Andrew Gumbel, U.S. correspondent for The Independent of London; Elias Wondimu, managing editor of Ethiopian Review; and German journalist Dagmar Hovestadt were on a panel and shared their experiences of getting started in Los Angeles after moving from their native countries. Press club board member Ted Johnson was the moderator.
One of the biggest problems cited was in obtaining press credentials. Many European journalists have one official, standardized press card that is recognized in most places. But when it comes to getting the credential recognized by public agencies in Los Angeles, it is anyone’s guess as to whether it will be accepted.
Another major complaint was the treatment by publicists when trying to cover an entertainment personality or event. “Everything is secret, except when they want you to know something. It’s getting to the right person,” Gumbel noted. International journalists have extreme difficulty getting PR call backs, and often are the last in line when it comes to getting interviews with major entertainers or film directors.
In addition to addressing these problems, the caucus could help foster a greater understanding of international issues among domestic journalists, Wondimu says. He often is called by other domestic journalists to comment on Ethiopian issues, but “the only time reporters come to you is when there is a drought or civil war,” he said. “This frustrates many African journalists. We need to have a forum like the LA Press Club for more interaction.” â€
A core group of international journalists is being formed to organize future events, and plans are to form relationships with other press clubs around the world. The press club currently is creating a media guidebook, which will include information such as media contacts, translators, maps and credentialing tips. For information or if you want to join the caucus, please e-mail Ted Johnson at Ted @ lapressclub.org.
