UA Journalism Professor Finalist In National Journalism Award Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Bailey Thomson, associate professor of journalism in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, has been cited as a finalist in the Distinguished Editorial Writing category by The American Society of Newspaper Editors.

Thomson was recognized by ASNE for his series “Century of Shame,” published in “The Mobile Register.” In 1999, Thomson won the editorial writing segment for his series “Dixie’s Broken Heart,” which was also published in the Register. ASNE recognizes individuals in categories including community service photojournalism, non-deadline writing, diversity writing, editorial writing, and commentary writing.

“Bailey Thomson’s ability to continue his professional life, while displaying exemplary scholarly virtues, is remarkable,” said Dr. E. Culpepper Clark, dean of the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “The ASNE writing awards do not go to academics. The fact that in two of the last three years Professor Thomson has been named among the three best editorial writers in the nation is a singular accomplishment among the nation’s journalism programs. At Alabama we not only teach it, we do it.”

Founded in 1922, The American Society of Newspaper Editors is the leading organization of daily newspaper editors in the Americas. It is primarily an organization for its members to share ideas but also carries on a variety of programs, projects and initiatives for the good of the profession of journalism.

Its leaders include editors from newspapers of all sizes. With nearly 900 members, ASNE is the principal organization of American newspaper editors. It is active in a number of areas, including open government, freedom of the press, journalism credibility and ethics, newsroom management, diversity and readership.