Author: Tom Doerr, President
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Coral Gables’ elegant Caffe Abbracci was crowded and noisy, but that didn’t drown out the unmistakable sound of flatulence. Legendary WPLG news anchor Ann Bishop sat between the iconic Katharine Graham, of The Washington Post, and me. WPLG’s other renowned anchor, Dwight Lauderdale, and WPLG General Manager, John Garwood, completed our table. Ann whipped her attention…
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No contemporary American politician will lift a finger to help journalism—unless it’s a middle finger, raised in response to any request for support of independent, quality reporting or the pursuit of truth. Speaking out in defense of honest journalism is a form of political self-destruction. Supporting journalism is a non-starter. Many politicians have spent years…
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Hello All, The Board of Governors is sponsoring a survey of members of the Press Club of Southwest Florida. The survey asks for your thoughts on a few topics. The goal is to gather opinions on programs, such as the scholarship program, so that the board can make informed decisions. It is not a “majority…
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Misleading the public has never been easier. Technology and an overwhelming number of unreliable news sources have made disinformation commonplace. Yet we continue to consume news with the expectation of honesty and accuracy, especially concerning matters that affect our quality of life. We often assume that professionals—doctors, police officers, judges, politicians, juries—will act with integrity…
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When you talk to Mara Hammond for the first time, you’ll quickly realize she is a remarkable person, and not for just one reason, but for many. Hammond is NCH’s Chief Impact Officer and the Press Club’s newsmaker speaker for the luncheon on April 9th. First impressions usually stick, and Hammond exemplifies this well. She’s…
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As expected, two Florida lawmakers have introduced defamation bills in the current legislative session, marking the third consecutive year of efforts to lower the bar for defamation claims against media organizations. While less extreme than earlier versions, these bills remain impractical and threaten journalistic protections. Republican Representative J.J. Grow (District 23) sponsors HB 667, and State…
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As soon as Gail read my response, she gave me that look. She knew I had fallen off the wagon. As the wife of a recovering optimist, she recognized all the telltale signs. It always starts the same way—with a baselessly positive reaction to bad news. A Press Club colleague had sent a breaking news email: The White…
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When watching local television in Southwest Florida, it’s impossible to miss the relentless stream of personal injury lawyers advertising their services. It’s safe to estimate that about 20 lawyers and law firms regularly promote themselves through local TV ads. Personal injury lawsuits are a lucrative industry in Florida and a critical revenue source for advertiser-supported…
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The public’s loss of trust in journalism stems partly from the deep ideological divisions within the United States. Another significant factor is the damage media organizations have inflicted on themselves. Three defamation cases illustrate how lapses in journalistic standards can result in costly consequences, both financially and reputationally, for all journalists. Late last year, ABC…
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