Journalists Reach Out

From A.man.I
During his fifteen years working at The Atlanta Voice, veteran journalist Stan Washington has watched how technology has transformed the news business.

"We didn't have laptops, certain software, we didn't have digital recorders, digital photography, everything has gone digital, and it's constantly changing," he said.

Washington, was among a group of seasoned media professionals with the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists who spent a portion of their weekend giving back to aspiring college students from the region.

"They need some guidance because it's a giant mine field," explains Washington, who founded AABJ thirty years ago. "By the time they get to be seniors, or where we are, the business will have totally changed."

The AABJ, (a local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists), has made it a priority to reach out to journalism, public relations, and broadcast students, and for good reason. The number of minorities working for America's newspapers is declining, even though the population of minorities is increasing, according to an annual survey released by the American Society of Newspaper Professionals.

The numbers on the broadcast side aren't as discouraging. According to the RTNDA/Ball State University Annual Survey, the percentage of minorities who work at local TV stations rose to its second highest level ever last year.

Regardless, the AABJ, which is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary, wants to help guide students to success. On Saturday, November 4th, a room packed with them met on the campus of Morehouse College, to peep game from the professionals.

Watch below to see what some had to say about the meeting.