Ancil Payne, formerly of King Broadcasting Company in Seattle, expresses his concerns regarding news that is generated as entertainment or for bottom-line results. (photo by Jack Liu)

During Homecoming weekend, the School hosted an ethics symposium titled "Feeding Frenzies, Sound Bites and Responsibility: Journalism Ethics in the '90s." More than 150 visiting alumni, friends, current students and faculty filled the School's largest classroom.

The panelists included Patsy Smullin of California Oregon Broadcasting, Mike Fancher, '68, of The Seattle Times, Professor Tom Bivins, '82 (Ph.D.), of the School of Journalism and Communication, Dan Wieden, '67, of Wieden & Kennedy and Neal Rosen, '74, of Kalt Rosen and Assoc.

Each panelist briefly discussed opinions on ethics in the media today. Fancher listed his 11 elements of journalistic excellence, which ranged from "work with purpose and passion" to "leave the pack behind" to "venture outside your own comfort zone" to "take risks and have fun." The audience contributed to the discussion enthusiastically, raising questions about] today's journalistic practices.