A number of notable journalists were on hand to inspire participants, including longtime PBS investigative reporter Bill Moyers and veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas, who was presented with the AEJMC First Amendment Award recognizing dedication to freedom of the press and courageous journalism.
Thomas’s six-decade career has spanned six presidential administrations, and her watchdog-journalism approach has caused many presidents to wince at her questions during press conferences. In her acceptance speech at the conference, she noted that she thoroughly excoriated current President George W. Bush for his handling of the current conflict in Iraq.
Thomas also reminded journalists in the crowd that they are “not in this profession to be loved” and “the people can handle the truth, and they deserve no less.”
--David Pluviose
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