What does the landscape of journalism look like today—or more specifically, the world of newspaper journalism? In one of the most famous quotes about newspapers, Thomas Jefferson once said: “…were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I … Read more…
By Ronald E. Yates The other day I came across a story that really disturbed me. The headline read: “Newspapers Move to Outsource Foreign Coverage.”“Outsource foreign coverage?” What does that mean? As I read further I was horrified to discover that my old employer, the Chicago Tribune, was one of … Read more…
What will happen in 2009 on the various news fronts? For example, whither the economy—both national and global? What about international events? Where will the news come from? Where will the hot spots be? What will be the major national stories? I have shaken the bones and cast them upon … Read more…
By Ronald E. Yates What will happen in 2009 on the various news fronts? For example, whither the economy—both national and global? What about international events? Where will the news come from? Where will the hot spots be? What will be the major national stories? I have shaken the bones … Read more…
I promised in this blog to write about areas of international interest in general and the work of foreign correspondents in particular. If you have followed the blog thus far you have been treated to some pieces I wrote while a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. While these may … Read more…
(This is a profile of Tokyo, Japan done in the 1990s. Not much has changed in one of the world’s biggest, loudest, most expensive cities) CITY LIMITS: TOKYO HAS REACHED THEM IN HUMAN PERSEVERANCE By Ronald E. Yates It’s the world’s biggest, noisiest, most expensive and arguably least livable city. … Read more…
(This is a 1990s profile of Japan’s “all girl” theater–immortalized in the book “Sayonara” by James A. Michener and the classic film of the same name starring Marlon Brando) Japan’s Takarazuka Theater makes women, and men, of talented girls It is late afternoon and 18 teenage girls, wearing simple jackets … Read more…
(Among the more tragic stories I covered in my career was the Tiananmen Square tragedy—or massacre—depending on one’s perspective. It occurred almost 20 years ago in the world’s largest square with much of the world watching. Here are my recollections of that terrible night—one that I shall never forget. Ron … Read more…
Few jobs in the world have been subjected to as much mythology and stereotyping as that of the foreign correspondent. Scenes of the gallant foreign correspondent, dressed in requisite trench coat, running off to cover war and other forms of mayhem in far away places is the stuff of legend … Read more…