Top journalists to discuss ‘presidents and the press’

Published November 22, 2017 This content is archived.

Some of the area’s most distinguished journalists will come together Nov. 29 for a “Presidents and the Press” roundtable to discuss the role of a free media in American politics.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 6 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo.

Featured in the roundtable panel are:

  • Jody Kleinberg Biehl, director of UB’s journalism certificate program.
  • Rose Ciotta, a winner of the Pulitzer Gold Medal for Public Service while a reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and former investigative reporter for WIVB-TV and The Buffalo News.
  • Lee Coppola, retired dean of the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University and a member of the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
  • Dan Herbeck, award-winning investigative journalist for The Buffalo News and author of “American Terrorist.”
  • Robert J. McCarthy, political reporter for The Buffalo News.
  • Jay Wendland, political science professor at Daemen College.

“Historically, the presidents and the press have always had a contentious relationship,” says Biehl, who organized the roundtable. “By definition, the job of the press is to serve as a watchdog on those in power.

“This panel will examine the historical changes in that role over time, and how that affects the American public. Presidents have always spoken to the public, and that method of delivery has changed with technology: FDR had fireside chats; Donald Trump tweets.”

For more information, visit the Association for a Buffalo Presidential Center website or call (716) 881-3010.