The FCC Meets in Harrisburg, let em know what you think!

sponsored by MediaTank.org

Save The Date and Get On Board! Media Tank is organizing a FREE bus trip to Harrisburg for the only “Official” Public Hearing on Media Ownership in Pennsylvania on Friday, February 23!

What: Harrisburg Official FCC Public Hearing on Media Ownership When: Friday, February 23rd, 6am – 5pm (approx)

Where: 30th and Market Streets, Philadelphia How: To reserve seats, contact Bryan Welton at bryan@mediatank.org or 215-563-1100 (office) / 215-301-5263 (cell)

Hey Philadelphia! THE TIME IS NOW to fight for a fair media system for our city. The mayor's race is coming, and even though it's cold outside, our struggles for fair jobs, housing, and schools are heating up as the days get longer. We need a diverse and accountable media system so the people of our city get the facts they need to organize for the future we deserve.

On FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, in HARRISBURG, PA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is holding a public hearing asking Pennsylvanians whether one or two corporate media giants should be allowed to own all the newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, and more in our city, and all across the country!

WE NEED YOU to join us and make your voice heard -- even if you already came out for our public forum at Temple University a few weeks ago -- because it's 1 of only 6 official public hearings being held by the FCC Chairman's office where all 5 FCC Commissioners will be present to hear testimony. They need to hear from you about how the media is doing in your community, not just from corporate media lobbyists. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak out and tell the people who make the rules about who owns our media to stand up for the public, now and in the future!

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE to tell the Commission how the media needs to be accountable to your community. The FCC recently announced that they will be reviewing the rules that determine how much media conglomerates are allowed to own in a single market. In 2003, when the FCC tried to let one company own up to eight radio stations, two TV stations, the daily newspaper, and more in cities all over the US, almost three million people wrote the FCC in opposition. When the FCC voted to let big media take over anyway, we were able to take them to court and win, because of powerful arguments made by people like you! As they try their dirty tricks again, it's your voice that could be the difference between community-controlled media or more corporate monopoly, in Philadelphia and around the country. As the Supreme Court noted in 1969, “it is the right of the viewers and listeners, not the right of the broadcasters, which is paramount.” These safeguards ensure that the needs and rights of the public are not lost in the race for profits of big media corporations.

GETTING THERE: You can drive, or catch a ride on a bus we're organizing that morning from Philadelphia! It will be leaving at 6am, and returning late afternoon the same day. The bus is FREE, and includes breakfast and snacks, so sign up now to GET ON BOARD!! Call Bryan at 215-563-1100 (or 215-301-5263 cell) or email bryan@mediatank.org

MORE INFO: http://www.mediatank.org/resources/ownership/

A Family Member Passes......

The Father of PABJ Immediate Past President Keith Herbert passed last week. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Herbert family in this trying time.

Smith Herbert Jr.


Smith Herbert Jr., a retired steelworker from Plymouth Meeting, died Friday, Feb.9, 2007 at Montgomery Hospital following complications from diabetes. He was 75.
Mr. Herbert retired from Superior Tube Company in Collegeville in 2005. He also worked for the former National Forge Company in Philadelphia. For 22 years, Mr. Herbert worked for the former Allen Wood Steel Company in Plymouth Township.
He was an avid reader and played chess as a hobby.
Born in Norristown, Mr. Herbert was the son of Smith Sr. and Mildred Coleman Herbert. He grew up in the Ivy Rock and Black Horse sections of Plymouth Township, and in Bridgeport, before moving to Rahway Avenue in East Norriton. Mr. Herbert graduated from Norristown High School.
Mr. Herbert’s wife of 55 years, Ella Mae (Griffin) Herbert, died on Dec. 7, 2006. Surviving are seven children; Darlene Carter, wife of Billy Carter, of Norristown; Loretta Culbreath, wife of Harry Culbreath, of East Norriton; Dwight W. Herbert, husband of Eulyn, of Gilbertsville; Brian Herbert, of Collegeville; Kenith D. Herbert, husband of Paula, of Libertyville, Ill.; Tyrone K. Herbert, husband of Cindy Aaron, of Kansas City, Mo.; and Keith D. Herbert, of King of Prussia; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Louise White, wife of Harrison, of Worcester and a brother, Dwayne C. Herbert, of East Norriton.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jessie, and a sister, Catherine Farrell.
Mr. Herbert was cremated. A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Richard C. Johnson Funeral Home, 800 W. Main St., and Norristown.
Donations can be made to Montgomery Homecare and Hospice, 25 W. Fornance St., Norristown, Pa., 19401.

Calling Rene Syler Fans!

The former CBS Early Show anchor will be in town for an exclusive event in April. Details to be discussed at our general membership meeting on Thursday, Feb 15 at 7pm. One of the EXCLUSIVE benefits of being a PABJ member!

Back to School

Sarah & Committee have worked hard to make our partnership with the Communications Technology High School a reality. Now, the students are ready for mentors (and PABJ members) to hit their classrooms. Please email Sarah Glover at sglover@phillynews.com by February 19 if you are interested in participating.

PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

SUBMISSION APPLICATION

PABJ will honor one African American print and one African American broadcast journalist for outstanding work in 2006 during our Banquet of Honors on Saturday, June 9, 2007. One application form per nominee, please. Deadline for submissions is March 13, 2007.

REQUIRED SUBMISSION: A body of work, a story, series or photographs published or aired during the past year and supporting comments on why this person should be chosen.

Date ________________________________

Check One Category: Print __ Broadcast ___

Journalist’s name ____________________________________________________

Employer ___________________________________________________________

Position _____________________________________________________________

E-mail address _______________________________________________________

Nominated by ________________________________________________________

Nominator’s Employer/Position _________________________________________

Nominator’s email ____________________________________________________

Reason for nomination ___________________________________________________

Home Grown Celebrity

Journalisms' writer Richard Prince checks in with former Philadelphia Inquirer Reporter and Past-PABJ President Vanessa Williams, who says her Washington Post e-mail box is full of autograph requests. She says that people have been mistaking her for the famous actress for years.....

The Vanessa Whose Stage Is Journalism (Richard Prince)

Committed to the Cause (NABJ)

Banquet Time!

With planning already underway for the 2007 PABJ Banquet of Honors, we thought it might be time remember the great time had at the 2006 event. This time, we'll enjoy the memories by looking at those PABJ Members who loved the dinner so much, they became members of the 2007-08 PABJ E-Board......

In a stunning white hat, 2006 Banquet Chair Monique Oliver impressed the group so much, she is now the 2007-08 PABJ President.

6ABC Reporter Denise James, in 2006 a PABJ Award Winner, now the 2007-08 PABJ Vice President/Broadcast.

Always one to enjoy a good time, PABJ and NABJ Parliamentarian Melanie Burney keeps us on track during PABJ meetings.

PABJ Member Manuel McDonnell-Smith chaired last year's scholarship committee. Proving he's not afraid of a little bit of writing, he is now the 2007-08 PABJ Secretary.

Not Pictured, because she took all of the above pictures (and more!), NABJ Secretary Sarah Glover is now the 2007-08 PABJ Vice President/Print.