Tudor Vlad and the Journalists of Emerging Democracies

Tudor Vlad of the University of Georgia has worked for 20 years to help journalism programs in emerging democracies “take the media destiny in their own hands.”

Pausing to collect his thoughts in an interview on Monday, Vlad explained how communist regimes throughout the world tend to have the same effects on journalists. “They will do as they are told, and nothing bad will happen. Nothing good will happen either,” Vlad said.

Vlad has emphasized the need for a change of mentality in the journalism programs of these developing countries.
Vlad described this mentality in his rich Eastern-European accent as “the idea that there is a structure above that is thinking for them.”

Working through the Cox International Center, Vlad has changed this viewpoint amongst some journalists in emerging democracies by encouraging them to increase levels of dialogue with the government.

Vlad has also brought these aspiring journalists back to the University of Georgia to study the role of print media in the U.S. and has redesigned the journalism curriculums in these developing countries’ schools.

Responding to a final question regarding the source of inspiration for his work, Vlad thoughtfully nodded his head and said, “helping journalists create and generate accountable and indispensable media is very important.”

Legend Dan Magill's Greatest Accomplishment

Despite his numerous feats in the University of Georgia athletics community, beating the Japanese in the Pacific during World War II was Dan Magill’s greatest accomplishment, the legendary men’s tennis coach said on Monday.
In a visit to a journalism class at UGA, “Coach” Magill gave students personal anecdotes from his life, highlighting his service as a U.S. marine during the Second World War.
Magill has become a sports legend throughout the state of Georgia over his lifetime, notably for leading the UGA men’s varsity tennis team to two NCAA championships, bringing the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame to Athens and founding and promoting the “Bulldogs Clubs” in every county of Georgia.
Despite these many successes, “Coach” said that the greatest moment of his life was when he learned that the Japanese had finally surrendered to the Allied forces.
With a grin on his face, the 89-year-old Magill recounted his company’s celebration upon hearing the news- a two-day binge of medical alcohol spiked with coconut juice.

Harry Hayes Visits Jour 3410 Lab

The Senior Public Service Associate of the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government visited a Journalism 3410 lab, speaking about the increased interest in the consolidation of city and county governments across the state of Georgia.

The visitor, Harry Hayes, said that the economic crisis that local governments are facing has driven them to reduce budget costs and maximize efficiency. Consolidation of adjoining city and county governments is one solution.

Consolidation has always been an ongoing or “evergreen” issue, according to Hayes, but the downturn in the economy has sped up the trend considerably.

OCMS Hosts A Taste of Oconee

Oconee Middle School will host A Taste of Oconee, a fundraiser supporting the school’s Fine Arts program, from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Oconee County Civic Center.

Local restaurants will showcase their foods and OCMS’ own band and chorus will provide live entertainment.

A Taste of Oconee will also feature a raffle of art works and local services.

Tickets are now available for purchase at the Oconee County Civic Center, the Oconee Country Chamber of Commerce and at the front office of OCMS.