Haskins Promotes Political Engagement

RICHMOND, Va. – Now more than ever, it’s important for journalists to be credible and knowledgeable, says a former blogger.

Conaway Haskins believes professional journalists, specifically broadcast journalists, are essential to informing the public about politics. However, they don’t always correctly relay the information to the public.

“You can look at this when you watch CNN,” Haskins said. “They parade out a democrat and a republican and the journalist basically moderates…Nobody asks the questions of how or why. I think that does a real disservice to the public.”

Haskins remarks came during a lecture to students in a Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) journalism class.

The founder of Southofthejames.com, he attributes the lack of providing correct information to a lack of understanding.

Haskins believes the general population is not as attuned to political issues as it is to issues involving sports or entertainment and cites the highly publicized Britney Spears and Kevin Federline relationship as an example.

Math was also a notable part of Haskins lecture.

“Did you know that black males who don’t earn a high school degree have a 60 percent chance of going to jail,” Haskins said. “And a 30 percent chance if they [black men] graduate with a degree.”

Haskins encouraged future journalists to educate themselves about politics and global issues.

“No generation can afford not to be engaged,” Haskins said.

Conaway B. Haskins III is currently the Deputy State Director for U.S. Sen. James H. Webb (D-Virginia). Haskins’ job entails a number of duties. His department aids citizens when problems arise, secures grants, and nominates students to service academies like West Point. Haskins’ blog, titled South of The James, delved into topics concerning culture, media and politics in Metro Richmond, The Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond, according to the blog’s web site.