Award-winning journalist speaks to students

By Corey Hord

Featured speaker Hagit Limor challenged guests to yearn for the truth in a discussion about the future of journalism Thursday.

In an intimate setting in the Grehan Journalism Building, the president of the Society of Professional Journalists and nine-time Emmy award-winning reporter discussed the ever-changing world of journalism.

“The world of journalism is changing,” she said. “It’s certainly not going away, it’s just redefining,” Limor said.

She said the future of journalism rests in the hands of those pursuing such a demanding field.

“You’re entering this industry in a time when there are just so many questions, and you’re not the only ones asking them,” Limor said.

Limor discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, where she said words have the power to divide us or produce change.

“It’s all about the power of words,” she said.

Other topics she spoke about included the founding fathers, three branches of government and a fourth estate, which she said is the “watchdog” role of journalism.

“You will see when you get out and do the work of journalism, the power that you have and what being a watchdog really is,” she said.

Limor talked about the passion she carries as a journalist, a passion that some lose for their careers over time.

“The meat of what I do, the actual journalism excites me as it did the very first day,” she said.

She continued by sharing the story of her developing career and illustrated how the power of words, can evoke change in a single community.

Cami Stump, a journalism major who attended the lecture said community change can be made.

“You can effect change in journalism if you approach it with the best intentions,” she said.

Kayla Phelps, a journalism major, said the lecture was a great opportunity.

She also said that Limor “offered a lot of insight.”

Limor discussed many issues facing the profession of journalism, but overall she conveyed that the voice of truth could create much impact.

“What we do impacts our communities,” said Limor, “Sometimes one person at a time.”