About change, James Baldwin once said, "Any real change implies the breakup of the world as one has always known it, the loss of all that gave one an identity, the end of safety." Baldwin could be an absolute drag at times (no pun intended), but his point is well taken as the KCABJ faces its own inevitable change, transition and growing pains.

Here I am, the new newsletter editor, taking on the onerous task of providing an informative, insightful, and hopefully, enjoyable publication written at a level bespeaking the high standards of journalism set by our out-going editor, Lewis Diuguid. By the way, does everyone realize Lewis's last name is palindromic, palindromatic... whatever? In any event, he's done a great job, which I have quickly come to learn requires great effort and commitment. Big shoes and giant footsteps are sure to lead me on.

Change was handed out in abundance at our last monthly meeting. It was presided over - and I choose my words carefully - by our new president (get it, the president presides. Ok Ok I'll stop). It began on time. We had printed nametags, laid out neatly in alphabetical order. We had a typed, detailed agenda. We began on time - did I say that - and we were promised - by President Parran -- we'd adjourn (no lie, that's what she said) in one hour. And we did. From what I've heard, this represents a "break up of the world as one has always known it." From this energy, professionalism and discipline, it is clear that the KCABJ is destined for accomplishment, accolades and astounding growth. Here's a letter from our ambitious new leader:

Anita K. Parran

From Our New President

I am both humbled and excited as I assume the presidency of this great organization! A member for many years, I have watched the chapter thrive because of the tireless energies of many. It is for that reason that I have selected the 2002 theme "Connecting Through Excellence." I have observed many great things that KCABJ has accomplished, but there are many more accomplishments in the future.

There is an indelible synergistic connection between us, no matter our background and experience, and no matter the careers we have elected to pursue. We are all communicators, and therein is the common link.

As we travel into this new millennium, I am hopeful that this KCABJ year will bring us closer together, making commitments to the Greater Kansas City community and to ourselves, as we toil daily with excellence as our benchmark. It is not enough to commit ourselves to our various job positions, the task is also to personally dedicate our energies to the betterment of those impacted by our words and actions.

I am hopeful that the membership will embrace change, elect to participate in new "adventures," and support an organization that has a legacy rich in commitment to excellence and community service. I also hope that each of you will serve as KCABJ ambassadors as we endeavor to increase our membership, and to be identified as an exemplary organization dedicated to excellence.

During the year ahead, you will be asked to complete a member survey, participate in professional development workshops, volunteer for community service activities, and generally supporting our chapter's objectives by giving of your time and expertise. I hope that you will choose to do so. Your participation and input is vitally important to KCABJ...Let's connect - with excellence as our common denominator.

--Anita K. Parran

Network News Blackout

African American Correspondents Absent from Network News Study Finds Minorities and Women Still Underrepresented

No African-Americans were among 2001's 25 most visible network reporters for the first time in five years, according to a new study by the Center for Media and Public Affairs (CMPA). Overall, the study found all minorities and women correspondents rose slightly over the previous year but continue to have a disproportionately small presence on national nightly news with 88 percent of stories still reported by whites and 75 percent by men.

These are the results of CMPA's twelfth annual report on Gender and Minority Representation in Network News study. This report examined the 13,007 news stories broadcast on the ABC, CBS and NBC evening news programs during 2001.

Additional Findings: