By Amy Phan
The UNITY News Online

We asked UNITY ‘08 president and executive directors what they were most looking forward to while at the largest journalism conference to date. Here’s what they said:

Karen Michel, UNITY president, NAJA:

… the issue of newsroom diversity getting the attention it deserves. I am also looking forward to unveiling a new pilot project designed to get more people of color into newsroom management positions. I am hopeful that our attendees will get a lot out of their UNITY experience here this week in Chicago. And as always with UNITY conventions, I am looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues in the news business.”

Renato M. Astudillo, AAJA:

… the opportunity to be able to talk one-on-one with as many members of AAJA as possible, including members of our UNITY alliance partners, on their feelings about the layoffs, buyouts, sales and consolidations that continue to happen at media companies across the country… know what role AAJA and our alliance partners can play to assist those who have lost their jobs –voluntarily or involuntarily — or have lost interest in pursuing their career as journalists. Since I am leaving AAJA in a few months, I’d like to be able to share whatever first-hand information that I can gather with the next E.D. or our board leadership.”

Jeffery Hargo, NAJA:

… seeing old friends and contacts that I haven’t seen since last year at our NAJA conference in Denver. I was unable to attend the last UNITY conference in Washington D.C. but had the opportunity to attend the first UNITY conference in Atlanta in 1994 and was on the NAJA Board during the 1999 UNITY conference in Seattle. I am definitely looking forward to meeting and visiting with the journalists and I haven’t seen since 1999… (also) opening ceremony, the many receptions and the opportunities to network with others. The most valuable aspect of UNITY is the convergence of the four alliance boards, media professionals and students from the four alliance partners.”

Karen Freeman, NABJ:

…. time for all journalists of color to unite with the common goal of ensuring that diversity thrives inside and outside of the newsroom. By coming together at UNITY, we are challenging ourselves to reinvent and become more competitive in an ever-changing industry. Our workshops and plenary sessions tackle topics like global warming and issues that affect the black community. In addition to our informative sessions, we are celebrating our past accomplishments and those yet to come.”

Iván Román, NAHJ:

… the student projects. I’m excited to see how we can pull this off. We’re doing something we have never done before. It really sets us apart from past conventions and trainings. Showing that the convergence (between print, TV, radio and online) can be done in journalism and how it can be done right.”