NICK CLOONEY hosts REEL JOURNALISM

In the first of a 4 part series, the Newseum and American University School of Communications distinguished journalist-in-residence, Nick Clooney began a behind-the-scenes and in front of the screen examination of the “sometimes accurate and sometimes questionable depictions of journalist and journalism.”

The series entitled Reel Journalism began with Broadcast News (1987). The invited speakers were  veteran CBS News journalist, Bob Schieffer, and CBS News producer, Susan Zirinsky (the model on which James L. Brooks based his Jane Craig character played in the film by Holly Hunter).

The amiable and well-versed Clooney began the evening with a humorous comment about how his obituary was already written. Stating, matter-of-factly, that it would lead by mentioning his famous relations - sister and popular singer Rosemary Clooney and son, Academy-Award® winning actor, director, producer George Clooney - before ever mentioning any of his own accomplishments. Far too modest an assessment for Mr. Clooney has logged more than 50 years in journalism from coast to coast, at both the national and local level. Clooney knows about journalism, history and film and how they all intersect. Read the evidence in his 2002 book, “The Movies that Changed Us: Reflections on the Screen.”

This film series is sponsored through a partnership between American University’s School of Communication and the latest museum to come to Washington, The Newseum.

I have worked as a broadcast journalist by profession for more than 15 years now. When I first saw Broadcast News 20 years ago I was engaged in the romantic comedy imagining I’d find love before I’d find a career. Instead my personal life and career are playing out much like the plotline of the film. When I met Academy-Award® winner James L. Brooks at a WGA event in 1997, I told him based on my first hand observations of Washington, DC broadcast journalism he had gotten it right! Upon watching the film again at this event, I was touched by the truthfulness of nearly every situation. I have lived this film.

Judging from the opinions and observations of Bob Schieffer (he said this and Good Night and Good Luck (2005) are two of the best films ever made about the profession) and Susan Zirinsky who was a consultant/associate producer on the film echoed how well it captured the day-to-day process of bringing the evening news to America.

Perhaps someday, I’ll do a scene by scene analysis of the truthfulness of this contemporary American classic! Right now I am too busy living it.

Look for my personal list of the best films about journalism in a future post related to this series. Feel free to comment on your own journalistic favorites.