Welcome back, matadors!
On Tuesday, February 2nd CSUN’s RTDNA was visited by Dan Shelley. Dan Shelley is the National Executive Director of the RTDNA and he took the time to sit down with us and share more information about the organization with club members.
The Radio Television News Digital Association was founded in 1946 as the National Radio News Editors and has changed names over the years. The RTDNA is an organization with members that are in the fields of radio, reporters, digital news, television, producers, executives, students, and educators. The RTDNA was created to set standards for journalists and to defend the First Amendment.
Dan Shelley has worked as a journalist and news director for many years. He has worked for many stations such as CBS and Urban One (formerly known as Radio One). Shelley also worked as Senior Vice President of Digital Content Strategy at Iheartmedia. After serving as part of the Board of Directors for twenty years as well as serving as treasurer and Chairman of the Board, Dan became the National Executive Director.
The Radio Television News Digital Association offers many opportunities for its members to help aid them in having a successful career in media. One resource provided by the association is their scholarship opportunities for students. During the meeting, Shelley explained that the RTDNA has three specific missions, “ Number one is to provide professional development to all journalists. From students until the senior level...The second is recognizing outstanding responsible journalism through the Edward R Murrow awards…The third main area is defending the First Amendment”.
Dan Shelley encourages upcoming graduates and recent graduates to apply for fellowships with the RTDNA for young professionals in the industry. Former RTDNA award recipients include David Louis at KGO and David Muir of ABC World News.
Four years ago, the RTDNA formed The Voice of the First Amendment Task Force. This group was formed to be an active voice for the free press in places like Congress and help fight for freedom of the press. Shelley explained, “ The First Amendment is not only to protect journalists but is there to protect the public.”
Another important aspect of the organization is the RTDNA Code of Ethics. The RTDNA Code of Ethics is a guideline of ethical practices for journalists to be able to create a stable foundation for their work. Dan Shelley shared some important points of the code:
Truth and accuracy above all
Independence and Transparency
Accountability for Consequences
CSUN’s RTDNA was very glad to have Dan Shelley come speak to members at our first meeting of the semester and we can’t wait to have him back.
If you would like to read the full RTDNA Code of Ethics you can find them on the RTDNA website or here: https://www.rtdna.org/content/rtdna_code_of_ethics.
If you would like to learn more about the scholarship opportunities offered by the RTDNA you can find them on the RTDNA website or here: https://www.rtdna.org/content/scholarships
If you are interested in becoming part of CSUN’s RTDNA stop by one of our meetings every Tuesday at 5 pm PST.
Check out the full video on the RTDNA YouTube Channel.