Journalists Cary Clack and Jim Newkirk recently visited Prairie View A&M University to inform students of the possibilities available in the field of journalism and the future of the industry.
Clack, a reporter and columnist from the San Antonio Express-News, was the featured speaker on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Juvenile Justice auditorium. Newkirk, an assistant managing editor at the Houston Chronicle, was the featured speaker Thursday, Nov. 8, in Hilliard Hall.
While on campus, both made statements that heightened the students’ awareness of issues currently affecting the field of journalism.
“You can’t just go in thinking about the money you’ll potentially make,” Clack said during his presentation. “You have to have a passion for what you do.”
“There are monumental changes happening within the industry and you need to be aware of them to stay up to date,” Newkirk told students early in his lecture.
Clack’s presentation primarily consisted of sharing his personal experiences in the industry and also included a question and answer session. Students asked him a variety of questions, including the most memorable story he covered.
“I’d have to go with the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks since the days in the immediate aftermath of the attacks were so surreal,” Clack said.
Newkirk’s presentation primarily featured a powerpoint presentation showing the numerous features of the Houston Chronicle’s Web site. He threw out stacks and bags of newspapers generally handled by those who deliver them to try and capture his audience’s attention and bring the focus toward what he feels will be a reality in the lack of circulation of paper copies of newspapers.
Both men were presented with plaques by the head of the Department of Languages and Communications Dr. Dejun Liu, and were given a vote of thanks by students after their respective programs.