President's Column

Guest column By Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR

The San Diego Press Club is proud of its programs and events, and rightfully so in this editor's opinion. But what are our colleagues across the nation and around the world up to? What sorts of activities are they engaged in? Here are the results of my random survey.

J-Awards programs are universally important. From the Los Angeles Press Club to the London Press Club, everyone honors excellent work. The Press Club in Malta hosts a J-Awards program, but the group recently changed its name to the ³Institute of Maltese Journalists.² Hmm - the Institute of San Diego Journalists?

Panel discussions and forums are popular. The Dubai Club hosted a forum on ³Arab Media and Child Rights.² (I'm resisting the temptation to insert a Michael Jackson joke here). The Singapore Press Club looked at press freedom in China. And the Kansas City Press Club discussed science coverage.

A sobering report comes from Pakistan. Threats to journalists who cover stories about tribal justice are common and on the rise. On June 14, police made arrests after two dozen armed men injured six journalists in an attack on the Thari Mirwah Press Club in Khairput. The journalists were kicked and beaten. Later, fellow journalists staged a sit-in outside the Press Club in support of their colleagues.

Press Clubs have a grand tradition of social activities among members. (We encourage that tradition)! The National Press Club of Australia presents its annual Food and Wine Spectacular in late July (details at www.npc.org.au if you're interested). The London Press Club hosts a regular cocktail hour. Some Press Clubs like the Press Club of France have their own restaurant!

Numerous clubs honor reciprocal membership. The London Press Club recognizes San Diego - and we're even listed on their website! So the next time you find yourself in London on the first Saturday of the month, show your membership card at the Johnson Bar. On Fleet Street, of course.

Posted August 2006