Mort Rosenblum’s impressive resume and long list of awards make him a stand out journalist, author and editor. With all of Rosenblum’s accomplishments, it’s no wonder the journalist was awarded the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson’s Local Genius Award.
The noteworthy journalist and educator could be called a hidden gem in the UA School of Journalism. Before teaching at the UA, Rosenblum worked as an editor, worldview columnist, chief international correspondent and the chief of bureau. Not only has Rosenblum held many positions at respectable news agencies around the world, but he is also an author.
“Awards are good,” Rosenblum said. “They kind of encourage you.”
Rosenblum also said “recognition amongst your peers” is another benefit of receiving an award.
Before the talk started, presenters introduced Rosenblum. Their words boasted and helped the mostly older crowd understand why Rosenblum was chosen to receive the Local Genius Award.
“We chose to award him with the honor because he has journalistic integrity at a time where that’s really not a thing,” said Samuel Ireland, the executive director of MOCA.
Following the introduction, Rosenblum took the microphone and immediately started talking about the latest Donald Trump v. American journalist fiasco. The 20-minute speech about Trump led to a question and answer portion. The range of topics that the journalist covered included politics, the upcoming presidential election and the current state of journalism.
“You need someone who is objective, but also someone who can interpret it fairly,” Rosenblum said in response to a question about the millennial generation becoming news journalists. “It is looking at the situation, but also looking at the situation and coming to a conclusion.”
Rosenblum also talked about the changes that he has seen throughout his journalism career. He ended the talk with an answer to how student journalists will adapt to changes in the future.
“It is easier than ever to become a student journalist,” Rosenblum said. “Richard Engel was one of the university students they just found drinking coffee and he got picked up by NBC. It’s a pretty good case, but they send you off to the most dangerous fucking places.” Engel is now the chief foreign correspondent for NBC News.
The diverse audience, full of old people and students alike, heavily applauded the journalist at the end.
“I heard about the event from a friend who loves the Museum of Contemporary Art and I’ve always been interested in journalism,” said Derric Vaughan, a junior studying anthropology and French. “I thought that his viewpoints were really relatable and he had some very good advice to give to aspiring journalists. I wish to have a career that is half as interesting as his is.”
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