BU Now » Boston Globe

BU’s class of 1970 gets what they’ve long deserved, a graduation ceremony!

Tom Testa — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:05:09 +0000

1970 was a year that saw the Beatles break up, the first Earth Day celebrated in the U.S., and All My Children hit the ABC airwaves. Born in 1970 were Actor Matt Damon and figure skating sweetheart Tonya Harding, while rock legends Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix joined the 27 Club. However, 1970 was also a year of social unrest on college campuses, resulting in several universities, including BU, canceling their commencement exercises.

Now, 40 years later, BU will bring closure to the class of 1970, as reported in a recent Boston Globe article, with over 300 members of the class coming back to campus to take part in the 2010 Boston University commencement.

The weekend ceremonies will begin with a slide show on Saturday, May 15th by nationally acclaimed photojournalist, author, and music historian Peter Simon. Through the Lens: Peter Simon (COM’70) and Your Generation will include images captured during his time as photo editor of the BU News.

A service of remembrance at Marsh Chapel will also be held on the 15th, to honor late classmates of the class of 1970, as well as to reflect on events of the era.

On May 16, prior to the University’s commencement ceremony, the class will take part in its own formal convocation at CFA‘s Concert Hall. The graduates will then march with the class of 2010 on Nickerson Field for commencement.

A complete list of programs for the class of 1970 can be found here.

Times keeps Globe

Dick Taffe — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:28:30 +0000

After months of forcing cutbacks and considering bids, The New York Times Company decided to keep the Boston Globe after all. College of Communication Dean Tom Fiedler, a Pulitzer-winning former Miami Herald executive editor, says the key reasons were the “stunningly low” offers and the new optimism about the Globe’s prospects.

“Add to that significant new revenue from a hike in the Globe’s price and the gradual return of recession-battered advertisers, and the Times may be envisioning a balance sheet in the black.”

Contact Tom Fiedler, 617-353-3488, tfiedler@bu.edu

Boston Globe bidding deadline

Dick Taffe — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:58:02 +0000

With the bidding deadline for the Boston Globe here, some question if the two potential buyers – the California investment firm Platinum Equity, and the Taylor family – can handle the reported $115 milion in pension liabilities. Journalism Professor Fred Bayles, a former AP and USA Today reporter and long-time Globe watcher, says this all reflects the general state of the newspaper industry.

“Newspapers still can make money, especially if they trim off the excesses in staff and equipment acquired during the rock ‘n’ roll years. The Globe could be one of them if the pension and other obligations can be dealt with.”

Contact Fred Bayles, 617-353-7736, fbayles@bu.edu

Boston Globe sale update

Dick Taffe — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:20:13 +0000

While the New York Times has finally confirmed the Boston Globe is for sale, Times executives now say they’re in no hurry to sell now that the Globe‘s finances have improved with big union give-backs. Meantime, the Globe says it soon will charge money to see its Website, Boston.com, and a third bidder for the Globe itself has emerged. Journalism Department chairman Professor Lou Ureneck can sort through the moving parts of the Boston Globe drama.

Contact Lou Ureneck, 617-353-4095, lureneck@bu.edu

WBUR, the Globe, NECN and WGBH join forces to present mayoral debate

Jo Breiner — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:51:17 +0000

WBUR, the Boston Globe, NECN and WGBH-TV announced today that they have joined forces to present a Boston mayoral debate live from Kennedy Library on Monday, October 19 from 7-8 p.m.

The debate between the final two mayoral candidates airs on WBUR, 90.9 FM, Boston’s NPR news station, NECN and WGBH’s “Greater Boston,” and will include questions from both reporters and citizens in front of a live audience. Moderators and additional details will be announced at a later date.

What next at the Globe?

Dick Taffe — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:43:42 +0000

With the Boston Globe‘s largest union finally okaying a contract with $10 million in concessions, all eyes are on its owner, The New York Times, to see if it will sell New England’s largest newspaper. Professor Lou Ureneck, the BU Journalism Department chair and an authority on the business of newspapers, can offer some informed speculation.

Contact Lou Ureneck, 617-353-4095, lureneck@bu.edu

Boston Globe union vote

Dick Taffe — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:45:43 +0000

The Boston Globe’s largest union, the Boston Newspaper Guild, votes Monday on the latest contract proposal from the parent company New York Times, with a total of $10 million in savings on the line. Pulitzer-winning College of Communication Dean Tom Fiedler, a former Miami Herald executive editor, can discuss what’s at stake.

Contact Tom Fiedler, 617-353-3488, tfiedler@bu.edu

The Globe turns a corner

Dick Taffe — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:13:23 +0000

The Boston Newspaper Guild has reportedly reached a tentative agreement with Boston Globe management on a contract that cuts pay 6 percent and eliminates lifetime job guarantees. With parent company New York Times still shopping the Globe, the Guild has set a contract ratification date of July 20. College of Communication Associate Dean Tobe Berkovitz can discuss the situation.

Contact Tobe Berkovitz, 617-353-3447, tobetv@bu.edu

On the Globe watch

Dick Taffe — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:34:34 +0000

The Boston Globe‘s largest union meets again on Monday with management to talk about a new contract with the parent company The New York Times. The union also has set July 20th for a contract ratification vote, though there’s no contract yet to ratify. College of Communication Dean Tom Fiedler, a Pulitzer-winning former executive editor of the Miami Herald, can discuss the situation.

Contact Tom Fiedler, 617-353-3488, tfiedler@bu.edu

Globe, union talks still on

Dick Taffe — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:46:47 +0000

Boston Globe management and the paper’s largest union are still talking. Face-to-face talks overnight ended without a contract resolution, but will resume Monday. College of Communication Journalism Department Chairman Lou Ureneck, a former deputy editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer and authority on the business of newspapers, can offer perspective on where the talks may head.

Contact Lou Ureneck, 617-353-4095, lureneck@bu.edu