Last Updated: June 29, 1999
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First impressions
ASNE is a terrific set of contradictions, a lot like a newsroom.
Possibly the longest headtables in journalism give it a formal,
somewhat intimidating air, but it’s comfortable enough for ASNE officer
Rich Oppel to slide into a session in shorts, a T-shirt and a gimme cap.
There were typewriters in the press room. On the other side of the curtain,
students produced The ASNE Reporter on iMacs.
As an audience, the editors were polite, attentive and dignified. Then
they swarmed President Clinton to shake his hand after his speech.
Retiring ASNE executive director Lee Stinnett possibly described it
best at the new members orientation when he quoted former ASNE president
Russ Wiggins: “If ASNE were any more loosely organized, it would cease
to exist. If it were better organized, it would be a menace.’’
As members of the largest freshman class, 55 strong, we were told by
ASNE officers that the committee system is the strength of the organization,
and the way to impact the society. It’s the committees that spawn the lifetime
friendships that may be perceived as cliques, Tim McGuire told us.
Much like the opening night reception was a hard room to work, the convention
looked more intimidating early in the week.
All of the sessions I attended had substance and relevance to the way
I work, even, unexpectedly, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. The conference had
to be strong to keep the editors inside the hotel with the lure of San
Francisco even stronger than normal with the perfect weather we enjoyed.
The women members’ reception, along with the new member orientation
session, was a good way to meet editors.
ASNE comes out well when ranked along side the half a dozen other nationwide
journalists conventions I’ve attended, particularly in terms of year-long
commitment and work by members. And what editor isn’t in heaven with six
newspapers waiting outside her door in the morning? The quality staff makes
life as an ASNE member easier too.
As my old friend Del Brinkman said even when his Knight Foundation job
description didn’t call for participation in ASNE he still attended. “The
heart of the business is the editors who make the decisions,’’ Brinkman
said.
And, yes, I took the often-repeated advice about participating in committees
to heart. And being a typical editor who takes on more than she should,
I signed up for two.
Bischoff is an assistant managing editor of the Houston Chronicle.
