As we look to 2018, a significant moment in journalism history stands out: the election of Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak, a seasoned health policy correspondent for NPR, as the 112th of the National Press Club. This prestigious organization, representing the crème de la crème of worldwide journalism, saw Kodjak take the helm on January 11, 2019. With her extensive career spanning print and broadcast journalism, Kodjak continues to uphold the mission of press freedom advocacy globally. Let’s take a moment to reflect on her journey, the challenges she addressed, and the camaraderie she fostered within the press community.
Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak: A Stalwart in Journalism
Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak’s election as the 112th president of the National Press Club marked a significant event in the world of journalism on December 7, 2018. A three-time George Polk -on-bet” target=”_blank”>-winner, Kodjak has had an illustrious career in both print and broadcast journalism.
In her acceptance speech, she pledged to uphold the work of her predecessors in advocating for press freedom worldwide. Her mission, as she described it, was to make the club a central player in the fight for quality, fact-based journalism, and to stand up for journalists’ rights the globe.
Promoting Unity and Camaraderie Among Journalists
Throughout her career, Kodjak has emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity among journalists. She sees the National Press Club as a platform where journalists can come together, share experiences, and help each other improve in their profession, transcending the boundaries of their respective media houses.
The Journey of Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak
Before joining NPR in 2015, Kodjak spent two years at the Center for Public Integrity, leading projects in financial, telecom, and political reporting. She also spent over a decade at Bloomberg News, where she reported on the convergence of politics, government, and economics. Kodjak has also co-authored a book on the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill.
The National Press Club, founded in 1908, celebrated the commencement of Kodjak’s presidency with a gala on January 12, 2019. Other elected members included Michael Freedman, Peter Urban, Fouad Arif, and several members to the Board of Governors.
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