Howell Raines, former executive editor of The New York Times and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, will speak about his career in journalism at 6 p.m. at UF’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service in Pugh Hall.
Mike Foley will lead the free event in an interview format. Foley, a master lecturer in UF’s College of Journalism and Communications, will ask Raines about his experience stepping into position five days before Sept. 11, the Jayson Blair scandal and his opinions on the present state of journalism. Following the program, attendees will be able to ask questions.
“I think a young journalist or someone wondering about journalism could certainly use his insight into the business, both then and now,” Foley said.
About 150 people are expected to attend, said spokeswoman Shelby Taylor.
UF student Leila Milgrim said she’s excited to hear Raines speak.
“I’m excited to gain insight about the business from such an established guy who has had such a great career,” the 21-year-old journalism senior said.
Raines began his career at The New York Times in 1978 as a national correspondent based in Atlanta. He held several positions for the publication over the years, ending as executive editor in May 2003, when he was dismissed because of the Jayson Blair scandal.
An internal investigation found 36 of Blair’s stories over a six-month period contained faked bylines or evidence of plagiarism.
The Hugh Cunningham Professorship in Journalism Excellence and the College of Journalism and Communications are sponsoring the program.
