Thomas Fiedler, dean of Boston University\u2019s College of Communication, will give the keynote speech, \u201cWhy Journalism Matters,\u201d at the New England Scholastic Press Association\u2019s 71st annual conference Friday, May 3.<\/p>\n
He will focus on \u201cwhy journalism remains distinct among all other modes of communications\u2014and why it matters now more than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prof. Fiedler became the dean 11 years ago this June after a distinguished career in journalism.<\/p>\n
After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a bachelor\u2019s in engineering, he earned a master\u2019s in journalism at COM.<\/p>\n
Later, he joined the Miami Herald, where he worked for more than 30 years as an investigative reporter, a political columnist, the editorial page editor, and finally, the executive editor, from 2001 to 2007.<\/p>\n
He is probably best known for his political journalism, which included covering every U.S. presidential campaign between 1972 and 1996.<\/p>\n
His reporting on the 1988 presidential campaign won him the Society of Professional Journalists\u2019 top award. His investigative report into an extremist cult\u2019s political tactics was part of a Miami Herald series that won a 1991 Pulitzer Prize.<\/p>\n
With refreshments available from 7:30-8:30, conference sessions will be from 9 until 2:30 at Boston University\u2019s College of Communication, 640 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.<\/p>\n
Students, teachers, Boston University faculty and media specialists will share information with the aim of supporting excellence in scholastic journalism.<\/p>\n
Also at the conference, delegates will find panels, exhibits, round-tables and workshops where they can learn about the latest trends, and share concerns and ideas.<\/p>\n
Advisers can sign up for detailed publication critiques and on-site visits.<\/p>\n
Presentation of the All New England Awards will honor outstanding broadcast, print, print\/online and online productions and publications in their school population categories.<\/p>\n
Productions and publications will also receive Special Achievement Awards based on the excellence of individual submissions.<\/p>\n
Individual professionals will be recognized for their contributions to the scholastic press in New England.<\/p>\n
Those whose forms arrive at Boston University by April 5 will receive a preliminary conference program and speakers\u2019 list, and a list of places to have lunch nearby.<\/p>\n