Joseph Kahn, deputy foreign editor of the New York Times, answers questions from students during a session in Kane Hall on Oct. 12. Photo by Kristina Bowman.

By LAILA ZAYAN -

What does it take to be a foreign correspondent these days? Joseph Kahn, deputy foreign editor of the New York Times, said the majority of his reporters are highly seasoned; in addition, they are skilled at reporting on serious, dangerous and risky topics as well as being efficient and punctual.

Kahn spoke on Wednesday, Oct. 12 in Thomson Hall to a room of about 15 students. His visit was sponsored by the Department of Communication.

One student asked him, “Is journalism dying?” Kahn was quick to say that “while the media is undergoing a financial recession,” the international element of journalism is growing, not shrinking. This seemed to reassure the students, based on the nodding of heads around the room.

As foreign editor, Kahn was asked if the presence of his reporters around the world puts them at risk. His response was simple. “It’s not what reporters are reporting about,” he said, “but where they are reporting.” Baghdad, for example, is the most expensive place to report on due to the necessary security and caution to protect reporters. Kahn said it costs about $2 million a year for two reporters there.

Kahn himself has worked as a foreign correspondent in China. He won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting at the New York Times for a series on injustice in China’s rapidly evolving legal system. Prior to the Times, he worked for several news organizations including the Dallas Morning News.

Nick Visser, news editor of the UW Daily, asked Kahn, “Should breaking news be first, or best?”

“Both,” said Kahn. He explained that the Times has been praised for its timeliness and efficiency, but what reporters and staff at the Times are taught to keep in mind is that  breaking news is constantly being updated. With breaking news, “you’ll hardly see a timestamp longer than an hour,” said Kahn.

Journalism student Marissa Loew said she found the talk with Kahn “a little depressing.” She explained that as a journalism student, she knows the future is already uncertain, but she didn’t realize that being a foreign correspondent “would be so difficult.”

In wrapping up, Kahn encouraged the students to continue with their journalism aspirations, saying that it takes time and determination to get where you want to be.

Laila Zayan is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.