It's not often that we get a full-throated explanation of the thinking that goes into a story or a picture.

Kudos to TIME managing editor Richard Stengel for explaining why he went with the cover picture of a mutilated Afghan woman. His blog discusses what went into the decision. And you can read in his words the agony he and his staff went through. But in the end:

bad things do happen to people, and it is part of our job to confront and explain them. In the end, I felt that the image is a window into the reality of what is happening — and what can happen — in a war that affects and involves all of us. I would rather confront readers with the Taliban's treatment of women than ignore it. I would rather people know that reality as they make up their minds about what the U.S. and its allies should do in Afghanistan. Read more »

Author Name: 

Dan Kubiske

Author Email: 

Dan@kubiske.org

Yesterday, the Radio Television and Digital News Association called on its members to contact members of the U.S. Senate to get the Free Flow of Information Act, also known as the federal shield law, out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a vote.

The Free Flow of Information has been passed by the House of Representatives, was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in March after lengthy debate, and today awaits action by the full Senate. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO ACT. We need the 111th Congress to pass the Free Flow of Information Act (S. 448) before the legislative session draws to a close.

The RTDNA call is one more push by journalism groups -- including the SPJ -- to get the legislation passed. Read more »

By Andy Schotz
President, Washington, D.C., Pro chapter, SPJ

The newest D.C. Pro Hall of Famers were inducted on June 15 at the new venue for the chapter's annual awards dinner.

After many years at the National Press Club, we celebrated past and present journalism this year at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant in Washington. About 150 people were there for a tasty, plentiful, family-style meal.

I heard nothing but good feedback from people about the food, the price (we cut ticket prices by 25 percent from last year), the atmosphere and the ease of getting there. If you were there, I'd like to hear what you think, too. My e-mail address is LawnGyland@aol.com.

We're already looking ahead to next year. Read more »

From the National Press Club: “La Americana” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, in the conference rooms.

A panel discussion with the producer/director and Suzanne Gamboa, AP reporter on immigration, will follow. The discussion will focus on freedom of the press and speech and a range of immigration issues, including remittances and the role of immigrants in the national economy.

The film examines the case of a 9-year-old who, after suffering a life-threatening accident, must remain in Bolivia while her mother makes a dangerous and illegal journey to the United States, hoping to earn enough money to save her daughter’s life.

Be sure to check first to see about participation of non-NPC members.

First posted at Journalism, Journalists and the World and SPJ International Committee blog.

At first the July 16 New York Time story about Pakistani legislators claiming university degrees they never earned seemed like a fun story. One that would provide a small insight into Pakistan's politics and earn a chuckle or two. (Pakistani Legislators Face Accusations of Faking Their Degrees) Read more »