Journalism and Change with John Archibald

Pulitzer Prize winning writer John Archibald speaks with UA College Democrats to discuss Journalism and Change.

Tuscaloosa, Ala—

Thirteen University of Alabama College Democrats host Journalism and Change with Pulitzer Prize Award winning writer John Archibald in Gordon Palmer Hall. The College Democrats students who attended asked Archibald questions on journalism and politics. Archibald elaborated on what makes his writing style unique, how social media is changing, the challenges facing journalism, and how these challenges can be resolved.

Archibald said I don’t consider myself a democrat but the things I write about should be important to anybody who is interested in politics.

“The most challenging issues facing journalists are a) a changing industry that has yet to develop a business model for the 21st century. And b) A weaponized war on legitimate media by political and business interests,” Archibald, said.

“My message to young journalists is that times are uncertain for the industry, but we need smart, courageous, creative, committed, ethical young journalists now more than ever. If they are brave enough to handle uncertainty, they can change the world,” Archibald, said. Arhicbald then began to speak on his vision of how journalism will change in the future. “It is impossible to know what journalism will look like in the future. My vision is that we will have the courage and creativity to adapt to technological and social changes with one hand while holding on to the things that matter in journalism – ethical standards, social responsibility, accountability, skepticism, humanity, decency – with the other,” Mr. Archibald, said.

“I wanted to have Mr. Archibald specifically because I wanted the college democrats to interpret the world through several lenses and things that necessarily don’t align just with democrats, I was also impressed with his Pulitzer Prize award,” Jason Castillo, President of The University of Alabama College Democrats, said.

For future events from The University of Alabama College Democrats. Castillo said I am working with the Political Science department to form a weekly news letter that will be sent to all Political Science students. Overall, the students said they enjoyed Mr. Archibald’s and taking the time to share his views of some of the problems facing journalism.