Setting a high standard

Originally posted to www.press.org February 7, 2011

We've had a remarkable series of events recently at The National Press Club, reinforcing our standing as "the world's leading professional organization for journalists". This sets us up for more progress and excitement in the year ahead.
The events were book-ended by the NPC inaugural gala, where President Barack Obama appeared via taped video statement and by the well-attended and heavily reported appearance by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

While we had sought the video statement months before the gala was held, it came together just a day before we saw it. Inaugural organizers, including our staff, did an excellent job keeping the secret so it would have maximum impact, most of all on me. As it was shown, it took a few minutes for me to understand what was really happening, beginning with President Obama's memorable line, "From one president to another....". I had high expectations for the inaugural, and they were exceeded in nearly every way imaginable.

Thanks to my long-time colleague at The Associated Press, Mark Smith, a former president of The White House Correspondents' Association, for his masterful effort in getting the Obama video completed. I'm also grateful to our NPC Director of Broadcast Operations, Vija Udenans, for her work on it. For many years, she worked as a senior producer for ABC News covering The White House and is a new member of our NPC professional team.

As a follow-up, I have written a letter to President Obama to thank him for his statement. And, taking it one step further, we’ve invited him to address our Speakers Luncheon venue in person. In my letter, I noted that many American presidents have appeared or visited the NPC over the years. It would also be fitting if he chose to affirm our First Amendment freedoms since the U.S. is hosting World Press Freedom Day this year. This special day's events will be held at The National Press Club in May.
We do hope the president accepts our invitation to speak.

Another remarkable day occurred as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke spoke at an NPC luncheon, at my invitation. The event had a huge amount of news coverage. There were as many television cameras as could be accommodated, including for live coverage.
I felt it was important to begin the Q-and-A section of the luncheon with issues relating to the central bank's transparency and whether it might hold regular news conferences. Chairman Bernanke said the Fed is reviewing its options, including more opportunities for direct access for reporters. Most of the questions that followed were necessarily related to the economy and the Fed's monetary policy.

Given our unique standing, we must lead the discussion on issues relating to journalism and freedom of the press. That's why we issued a statement condemning the Egyptian government for its crackdown on reporters. Since then, there have been reports that the Egyptian reporter shot during the unrest has died. The White House has referenced "very disturbing reports" of "systematic targeting" of journalists in Egypt.

This has been an incredible month amid the NPC's storied history. Between our top-notch staff, our wonderful members and good friends, and we will continue to work hard to keep the positive momentum going this year.