October 29, 2015
In recognition of its networking opportunities for students and noteworthy sessions on media ethics, the CSUN Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has received a prestigious award from the national organization of SPJ.
The nationwide SPJ organization recognized CSUN students with the Region 11 Outstanding Campus Chapter Award, choosing it from about 20 chapters in the region.
“I chose CSUN for the depth and breadth of its programs,” said Matt Hall, Region 11 director. “It had a great variety and held them with regular frequency. Notably the chapter held sessions on coding, internships, resumes and ethics. There were eight sessions in all, with 15 to 25 people in attendance typically, which is no easy feat.”
Alexi Chidbachian, the president of CSUN’s SPJ organization, said the club provides opportunities for all journalism students to meet professionals working as reporters and public relations practitioners. During 2014-2015, the period recognized in the award, the club had two outstanding accomplishments, a large turnout for a screening and discussion of “A Fragile Trust” and a presentation about the revisions to the SPJ Code of Ethics.
“A Fragile Trust” was screened one evening in the Armor Theatre in Manzanita Hall and two days later in a USU room, both consisting of a panel discussion of professional journalists and professors. The 2013 documentary on Jason Blair, a New York Times journalist who plagiarized and fabricated numerous articles, was purchased with Oviatt Library funds especially for this event. Hall noted this event in the selection of CSUN for the award for its attendance of 80 people.
The club also hosted a presentation by the president of the Greater Los Angeles SPJ professional chapter about updates to the SPJ Code of Ethics that is used in newsrooms throughout the country.
“When I picked up the club…we barely had board members,” Chidbachian said. “So now that we actually have these huge events, we have a national award now, it’s shocking. This is the goal that I wanted—to have it be recognized on campus.”
Chidbachian has been part of the club for about three years and says it is relevant to students who are interested in journalism jobs as well as non-journalism majors who are interested in the speakers because they watch the news.
The club hosts regular workshops and larger events throughout the semester, including discussions with reporters such as former AP writer Linda Deutsch, who visited CSUN on Sept. 28, and attendance at SPJ award ceremonies and mixers to meet professionals.
“The SPJ student chapter essentially provides our student journalists with the world,” said Professor Linda Bowen, CSUN journalism department chair. “It sets standards for ethical behavior and fosters Freedom of Information. For the community, our SPJ chapter shows that we take our roles as journalists seriously.”
SPJ is the oldest professional nationally affiliated club in the CSUN journalism department, according to Bowen. Started in 1964 under the late journalism professor Dewayne B. “Doc” Johnson, it is currently one of five clubs, including CSUN Latino Journalists, PRSSA, NABJ and RTDNA, that is supported by the journalism department and provides many resources to students.
“The main purpose of the club is just to educate people about how to report, how to be an ethical reporter, meet people (and) network,” Chidbachian said. “So we’re just going to continue doing that no matter what.”
By Yvonne Zimmerman