SQUIRES: Lessons learned in D.C.

By JESSE SQUIRES
Local Guest Columnist

April 26, 2008 11:30 pm

— It all started near the end of January when I received a letter congratulating me on becoming an Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship Winner. That meant I was selected as one of two students from the state of Indiana — and one of only 102 students in the entire country — to receive a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today and the Freedom Forum. In about a month, I was on a plane headed toward Washington, D.C., at the expense of the Freedom Forum.
Along with the other 101 scholars, during the week of the conference I stayed in a two-bedroom suite, toured the city's numerous monuments, listened to incredible journalists speak at conference sessions and enjoyed meals catered by Wolfgang Puck. Here are just a few of the important, interesting people I met. Each had a unique story, providing his or her insight not only on journalism, but also on life. After a week in the nation's capitol, I realized the power of the First Amendment, and learned what it means to be a 'free spirit' and a journalist.
• Al Neuharth (founder of USA Today, the Freedom Forum and the Newseum, and former CEO of Gannett Company, Inc.): It's impossible to put Neuharth's life in a nutshell, so I'd suggest you get his book, Confessions of an S.O.B. During our session with Neuharth, he told us what it takes to get to the top and how he became the most famous, richest man in media - always living by his motto: Dream, Dare, Do. “The least important thing is sleeping or resting, you can do with very little of that,” Neuharth said. “Expect to be a failure at some time or another, but learn to fess up when you mess up.”
• Tim Russert (managing editor and moderator of “Meet The Press” on NBC, and anchor of “The Tim Russert Show”): One of the most interesting parts of the conference was viewing a live taping of “Meet The Press.” If I had to describe Tim Russert in one word, it would definitely be “father.” As soon as he started talking I knew he was a great dad, extremely friendly and down-to-earth. After confirming we were all seniors, he jokingly said, “Make sure you get out.” When “Meet The Press” was over, he revealed his secrets on how to make good judgments concerning politics and how to report on political issues without bias. According to Russert, you need to understand both sides completely, constantly research and never please either campaign.
• Cathie Black (head of Hearst Magazines which publishes magazines including Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Good Housekeeping and O, the Oprah Magazine): Black reiterated what most of the other professionals had stated, “You don't need to major in journalism. Work experience is most important.” She reminded us to start small and that an informed person is the best journalist.
• Ken Paulson (USA TODAY Editor, former senior vice president of the Freedom Forum and executive director of the First Amendment Center) Paulson spoke with an edge in voice, comparing newspapers with iPods. “Newspapers put the world on shuffle,” Paulson said. He noted the most important task of a newspaper — to catch a reader's eye. His goal as editor is for someone to stumble upon a story he wouldn't normally read and get inspired. Furthermore, he discouraged one common mistake made by readers, warning not to read an article on any topic with a far left bias along with another article on the same topic written with far right bias. “If you do this, you'll just end up with double distortion, not some place in the middle as people like to think.”
• Betty Bayé (newspaper columnist and editorial writer in Louisville, popular motivational and keynote speaker] Bayé shared with us the story of her life. She grew up poor in East Harlem and always wanted to tell stories. “I don't look down on people because I've been one of the people looked down upon,” said Bayé. As a non-traditional journalist, she writes columns that are extremely personal and really make you think. “Never forget that you can learn from anybody.” After hilariously unfolding the story about her assignment to cover the KKK, she left us with these words of advice: follow your passions, be empathetic, cherish your inner circle, and never lose trust in your inner voice. “Don't listen to people, watch their eyes. The eyes are the key to the soul, and they never lie.”
On the final night, Al Neuharth presented Cathie Black with the Free Spirit of the year award and announced the two winners of the grand prizes of $50,000 scholarships. I left Washington D.C. without that $50,000 but I brought home an experience worth much more than that. (Not to mention a picture with Al Neuharth, various contacts in media and a heck of an addition to my resumé.) A free press provides the most valuable public service in this country — a check on government unlike anything else.

Squires is a New Albany High School senior and plans to attend the University of Evansville in the fall.