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Curator’s CornerThe Journey of the 2009 Nieman Fellows—And ofthe FoundationIn their experiences, conversations and future directions, they create a portrait ofwhat is happening in journalism today.BY BOB GILESDramatic changes in the world of journalism weighedheavily on the lives and outlook of the Nieman classof 2009: news of layoffs from their newsrooms (andof one of their newspapers disappearing), worry about thefuture of newspapers, uncertainty about their own pathsas journalists. Even as fellows wrestled with these realities,what remained firm was their knowledge that journalismis essential as a bulwark of democracy. Over time, thetransformative nature of the Nieman experience broadenedtheir outlook, encouraging them to envision rolesin journalism’s future and finding their places in it. Theylearned how emerging technologies enable connectionswith larger and well-targeted audiences while at the sametime empowering them to tell their stories on multipleplatforms and to interact more directly with the publicwhile still adhering to journalism’s core values.The fellows also found many supportive voices joiningthe conversation throughout the year speaking to the valueof journalism. Following a ceremony at Lippmann House,when the fellows received certificates for completion oftheir fellowships, Harvard University President Drew Fausturged them to use the digital tools wisely in moving pastthe mere rapid transmission of information into the tougherwork of ensuring understanding. “Go forth,” she said, “tochange the world not only in a way that will enable us tosurvive but to thrive.”A few days earlier, Martin Baron, editor of The BostonGlobe, had reminded the fellows that “Good journalism,as you know, does not come cheap. The most powerfuljournalism—breakthrough journalism—can be shockinglyexpensive.” He warned that the “end of reporting that requiresa major investment of resources … means we willsee a huge void in American journalism. And it will allowpeople who are powerful, or crafty, or both, to engage inwrongdoing without fear of being held accountable.”That same evening, the Nieman class honored one ofits own, Fatima Tlisova, with the Louis M. Lyons Awardfor Conscience and Integrity in Journalism. In presentingthe award to Fatima, a brave reporter and sensitive spirit,David Jackson, her classmate, said that we were bearingwitness to the reality that “no government can commit seriouscrimes against its own citizens—can practice abduction,torture or genocide—without first silencing the press.” [Onpage 49 are descriptions of Tlisova’s investigative reportingwith excerpts from remarks she and Jackson made at theLyons Award ceremony.]Tlisova, like many journalists, is at risk in her homeland,and she knows a life of struggle lies ahead by retainingher dedication to bearing witness. Like her, many NiemanFellows come from nations torn by conflict and often inthe grip of authoritarian rulers employing repressive measuresto restrict press independence and freedom. For ayear, they live in what Jackson called a “privileged exile.”For them, uncertainties lie ahead as they weigh the risksof returning home against the difficulties of finding waysto stay in the safe sanctuary that America offers.In this time of challenge and crisis for journalists andlegacy news organizations, the Nieman Foundation remainsfundamentally optimistic. Our fellowship program is forwardlooking—providing fellows with the all-too-rare opportunitytoday of being able to think deeply and reflect on how theycan best contribute to journalism’s future while fosteringthe values of excellence and high purpose.Throughout its existence, the foundation has spoken ina variety of ways to the widening range and of journalism’spossibilities.• Since the first issue of Nieman Reports was published in1947, it has been fulfilling its founding purpose: to explorethe responsibilities of the press and expand understandingabout how journalism can be strengthened.• The Nieman Watchdog project revolves around the ideathat asking the right questions lies at the core of meaningfuljournalism. In serving as a surrogate for the public,the press is obliged to ask probing questions, from townmeetings to the state house to the White House.• On the Narrative Digest, well reported, powerfully writtenstories demonstrate why long-form journalism matters asa way of conveying deeper understanding. Here excellentstorytelling is showcased and its methods explained.• The Nieman Journalism Lab, launched last fall in responseto industry’s search for workable business models forjournalism in the era of digital media, provides real timeupdates on the rapidly shifting ground on which journalismis rebuilding.These endeavors speak to the enduring principles ofquality journalism. At a time when some believe the bestof times are in the rearview mirror, the paths that lie aheadfor this year’s fellows and for the foundation—while sureto be bumpier than usual—are embedded in promise. Nieman Reports | Summer 2009 3