Wednesday, November 17, 2004 8:57 PM
BY CHRIS WOODYARD
A diverse bunch of dedicated journal- ists are running for two-year terms on the Press Club’s Board of Directors.
In keeping with the club’s goal of representing journalists of all kinds, they range from magazine reporters to veteran broadcasters and wire service news people. One is a First Amendment expert, in keeping with the club’s policy of allowing new voices a chance at guid- ing the club.
Just as members are recovering from the nation’s general election, they will also asked to choose seven board mem- bers. The club hopes to announce the winners at the November board meeting.
Those running include:
Greg Baumann, Los Angeles bureau chief for Bloomberg News. Baumann previously worked at Bloomberg bureaus in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. and was legal editor for the Legal Times and the Daily Record in Baltimore. He’s “interested in helping journalists get experience in the profession.”
Michael Collins, an incumbent board member who writes the “Collins Connection” for the 8-Ball. Collins is an award-winning freelance investigative journalist. “The club has been very important to me personally and profes- sionally,” says Collins. “I hope to contin- ue to contribute.”
Ted Johnson, the club’s president for the past two years and managing editor of Variety’s V Life. Johnson, a former TV Guide and Los Angeles Times reporter, counts strengthening the club finances as his top accomplishment. “The biggest goals I now have are to boost member- ship and energize our non-profit commit- tees,” he said.
Christopher Lisotta, longtime Los Angeles Weekly writer who now writes for TelevisionWeek magazine (under the direction of former Press Club executive director Alex Ben Block) as well as The Advocate and The Nation. Lisotta says that if elected to the board, he hopes to “add a perspective as a gay journalist.”
Richard McKee, college professor and expert on the First Amendment, who has helped the Sunshine Coalition fight for open government hearings and media access to government documents. McKee says he will press the fight for access to information that “is supposed to be public but is often with-
held from the public.” Anthea Raymond, a recent appointee to the board to fill a vacated post, she is a veteran radio journalist at KCRW, KPCC and all- news WBBR. “ I treasure what the Press Club does getting print, broadcast, and online journalists together,” she says. “As a board member, I’d work to enhance this already signature strength.”
Linda Renaud, news editor for the Palisadian Post and a former foreign correspondent for the Canadian Press. She also worked as a television investigative reporter in Montreal. “One of the most important mandates of our club is to pro- vide a forum for debate among ourselves as to how information should or can be handled,” she said.
Matt Welch, an associate editor for Reason magazine, a columnist for the National Post and a blogger on his own Web site, MattWelch.com. He’s participated in Press Club panels and says, “As the regular media columnist for Reason, I’m especially keen on strengthening the Sunshine Coalition, and continuing to enhance the Club’s influence and membership.”
Christine Xie, news director and anchor for Phoenix Satellite TV, has also been an active Press Club member and club volunteer. “As a member of the board, I will pursue opportunities for our members to excel and to network,” she said. “I will also strive to ensure diversity and new perspectives in journalism.”
Norma Zager, editor of the Beverly Hills Courier. Seeking her second term on the board, Zager says she wants to see the club grow. “We’ve had successful seminars, expanded the Sunshine Coalition and produced well-attended awards banquets,” she said. “I welcome … contributing to the club’s future.”
