Sunday, November 16, 2003 5:27 PM
*Denotes an incumbent board member
Bob Baker
Reporter, Los Angeles Times
I’ve been a newspaperman for 33 years, the last 25 with the Los Angeles Times. At the Times I’ve been a general-assignment reporter, labor writer, deputy metropolitan editor and writing coach. I currently am a “pop culture” reporter in the Calendar section. I’ve given scores of lectures and seminars on writing and editing. I’ve authored a book on mental organization for journalists (“Newsthinking”) and am the co-author of a new autobiography by an old-time R&B disc jockey (“Burn, Baby! BURN!”). I believe I can bring a lifetime of practical experience to the Press Club. Specifically, I think I can help design training resources that will help our members get better at reporting, writing — and thinking. One of the traditional failures of journalism is that news media companies do a lousy job at helping their employees improve their craft. We’re left to sink or swim on our own. I think the Press Club can throw out a helpful rescue line once in a while.
Jon Beaupre
Radio and television journalist;
Professor of Broadcast Communication, Cal State Los Angeles
I have done work for NPR, Pacifica, BBC, and a wide range of syndicated programs lit- erally around the world. In addition, I was one of the first- season reporters on the statewide weekly news program “California Connected” on PBS. I’ve been a fixture on the convention and seminar circuit for years as voice and per- formance coach. My most passionate interest
is in the training and education of young jour- nalists. It’s my hope that as a board member of the Los Angeles Press Club that we can encourage and develop scholarship programs.
Benoit Clair*
U. S. Permanent Correspondent for RMC INFO (Radio Monte-Carlo), BFM (Business FM in France) and West Coast journalist for LCI TV
Before my entrance to the Board, one year ago, I proposed to create a bridge between the L.A. Press Club and other press clubs around the world. I succeeded by creating a relation- ship with the Press Club de France. I am run- ning as a candidate for another term because I think we need to pursue these international contacts. I also want to create the first International Airlines Press Club Awards because of the frequent flying that all journal- ists do, along with our readers. Those awards would be establish at the annual top 10 air- lines for the quality of onboard service an sev- eral others classification (Best food, Best wine, Best on-flight magazine…). All award benefits will go to fundraising for scholarships for new journalists. Vote for them! Vote for me!
Sandy Cohen
Staff Writer, Daily Breeze
I have the greatest job in the world. I love the work, plus I think being a journalist is one of the most important jobs in society. What a privilege it is to inform, to be the eyes and ears for the community! I’ve worked as a reporter for eight years. The first three were covering news for Candidates (continued)
LA Weekly, the last five have been at the Daily Breeze in Torrance, where I write features. Over the past few years, I’ve become a public advocate for our profession, speaking to stu- dents at UCLA, USC and other colleges and high schools. I’ve also been an active Press Club member and volunteer since 1999. If elected, I’d create programs to help experi- enced journalists further their careers (maybe a Pitch Slam? A freelancing workshop?) I’d also establish resources for journalism stu- dents. My greatest contribution, though, would be my unstoppable enthusiasm.
Rob Eshman
Editor-in-Chief, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles; The Orange County Jewish Journal; Jewish Family Life of the Conejo Valley
I want the Press Club to be not only the hub of journalistic life in LA, but also a strong voice for the interests of the journalistic com- munity. It should provide events and venues (including virtual ones) where journalists can meet and trade ideas, praise and gripes, and it should work to improve the abilities and powers of journalists. Considering the quality and the reach of the people involved in LAPC, it should be more of a player in the life of our city, and— heck, what are we, chopped liver?— the nation. The LAPC should expand its mentoring program to support aspiring journalists and increase its professional sup- port for journalists, including of course free- lancers. LAPC should have an ethics commit- tee to set and monitor standards for media outlets (and journalists), and a business development committee to improve the finan- cial outlook for those in the profession. I’m the Vice President of the American Jewish Press Association (ajpa.org), and it has suc- cessfully instituted many of these programs. The AJPA is also looking at creative ways to increase its cash flow, which LAPC could emulate. Along with its awards dinner, LAPC can host high-profile lectures and press con- ferences with local, state and national politi- cal and media figures. There’s no reason LAPC can’t be making some of the news its members report. Oh — and the club should be still be fun. Fun is always important.
Alicia Flanary
Publisher, In2view magazine
I have served as treasurer for the Los Angeles Press Club since June 3rd. I was brought in to set up and implement a book- keeping system simple enough to use by indi- viduals lacking bookkeeping and accounting skills. Not only will this system be cost-effec- tive (eliminating a paid C.P.A.), but also time effective if maintained on a regular basis. My current position with the club warrants a per-
son who has a clear understanding of our accounting system as well as the time to update our records on a regular basis, who can give economical advice when needed, and who is familiar with tax forms and can deal with tax issues. That’s me. I have been self-employed for over 23 years (with 2 very different businesses) in which I did all the accounting. I currently own and operate Flanary Publishing Company. We publish a magazine called In2view.
Diana Ljungaeus*
Media Critic and Columnist, Swedish Media Executive Director, Los Angeles Press Club
Working on behalf of journalists is not easy and the job is never done. It is, however, fun, exciting, challenging and a cause worth the fight. That is why I want to continue to serve on the board of Los Angeles Press Club. As the current executive director of the club, I’ve been part of the team that took us to tax exempt status (Congratulations to all of us!) I am responsible for locating our new head- quarters and was part of producing both the Journalism Awards Dinner and our recent Gubernatorial Debate. I believe we are on solid ground as we continue our work to improve industry standards and raise the esteem our profession and of journalists. I am proud to be part of this vital group. If you like what we’ve done lately , vote for me!
Patt Morrison*
Columnist and Reporter, Los Angeles Times
The press club launched into its new non- profit status with the sponsoring of a guber- natorial debate — an event that symbolizes the revitalized mission of the press club in outreach, mentoring and educating the public about the work of journalists and the role of journalism at home and abroad. As a reporter, columnist, commentator and teacher, I want to continue to be a part of that transition.
Emmanuelle Richard
Freelance Correspondent for French and Swiss media
Just when you thought you’d had enough of candidates with heavy foreign accents, I would like to ask for your consideration. The Press Club has been a source of support and a vital platform for me and other foreign cor- respondents and freelancers, and I would like to contribute more. I help organize, along with Cathy Seipp and Amy Alkon, our month- ly Press Club book parties, but I think we could also relaunch the “Opening the Door” events on a more regular basis. People still have an image of press clubs being crusty and out of touch. It would be great to continue proving them wrong, and to enjoy the fruits of new, interesting work with an expanded net- work of fun volunteers and new, dynamic members. For more about me:
http://www.emmanuellerichard.com/ bio.htm. My husband Matt Welch (mattwelch.com) could attend LAPC meetings and keep me updated on the rare occasions when I’m out of town or on severe deadline.
Mardi A. Rustam
Publisher, The Tolucan Times
I was a board member for three terms and have worked with three sitting presi- dents. I believe that I would be instrumen- tal in helping the old and new administra- tions work smoothly together. My knowl- edge and experience will be beneficial to the Press Club of L.A. I will also strive to enhance the club’s ability to serve as a sup- port group for journalists and a positive net- working career conduit.
Jill Stewart*
Syndicated Political Columnist
Since many of you know me, I thought I’d take my candidate space to say this: We at the Press Club believe in the power of numbers. We believe that when you bring journalists together to talk and debate and exchange tales and laughs, they become a more powerful body than journalists just pursuing their careers alone. We are an all-volunteer group, yet we create a major awards banquet each year, fight for open government, and offer well-attended seminars like “Opening The Door” (how to access tough media sources). We do so by relying on board members who spend a few hours each month making things happen. Please vote today for three busy journalists you may not know, who apply their smarts and time at the club each month in order to make good things happen for journalists: Diana Ljungaeus, Alicia Flanary and Emmanuelle Richard.
Norma Zager*
Editor-In-Chief, The Beverly Hills Courier
My name is Norma Zager and I am asking for your vote for the Los Angeles Press Club Board of Directors. It is a position I now hold with great pride and joy and look forward to continuing in the future. I believe I am a positive addition to the Board because I bring a unique perspective. I am, first and foremost, extremely proud to be a journalist. My earliest recollection is reading Brenda Starr and wishing I could be her, blond hair, great figure and all. Even then I figured out she wasn’t covering the Sara Lee beat. I also feel that my position as editor-in-chief of a community newspaper, The Beverly Hills Courier, gives me a unique perspective and enables me to bring a different voice to the issues. I am extremely proud of the growth and positive energy the board has generated in recent years, I look forward to being a part of this wonderful and viable organization and contributing heartily for many years to come.
