Ottaway Visiting Professor Amanda Sperber discusses the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism

Amanda Sperber, the fall 2023 Ottaway Visiting Professor of Journalism at SUNY New Paltz, extolled the need for diverse narratives in international reporting during an Oct. 3 community Q&A with President Darrell P. Wheeler. 

As a foreign correspondent and investigative fellow with Code for Africa, Sperber showed a nuanced understanding of how disinformation works in today’s news cycle, and how easily it can infect coverage of major events, especially across international borders.

“I find that the most effective international reporting is based less on location, and more on the challenges that are keeping working people from realizing their power in the world,” she said.  “The more perspectives we get on one issue, the more we can expand our own minds. Journalists must spend more time thinking about the different people they come across, and that way, they can tell a story that offers readers different ways of looking at the world.”

The format of the event produced a high–energy, wide-ranging conversation tapping into Sperber’s experience and expertise on global issues and media. These were valuable insights coming from a reporter whose work has helped change military policy and shift narratives on state-building and U.S. foreign policy over the course of an award-winning career. Click here for a selection of Sperber’s best work

“It’s a powerful feeling to contribute to society by recognizing someone’s experience with extremely powerful entities,” she said. “I think it means a lot to people to see their stories brought to life in a way that is faithful and respectful.”  

Sperber will make another public appearance in her role as Ottaway Visiting Professor on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in Science Hall 181, with a  lecture titled “Reconsidering Foreign Correspondence.” All are invited to come early for a reception in the Science Hall lobby at 6:30 p.m.

About the James H. Ottaway Sr. Visiting Professorship 

The James H. Ottaway Sr. Visiting Professorship, SUNY New Paltz’s only endowed professorship, is named for the founder of Ottaway Newspapers Inc., who was a leader of the American Press Institute and a lifelong supporter of high-quality journalism in the Hudson Valley and across the globe. 

The Ottaway Visiting Professorship was established in 2000 through the generosity of James H. Ottaway Jr. ’18 HON and Mary Ottaway ’70g (Elementary Education). 

Numerous well-known journalists have preceded Carr as Ottaway professors, including Pulitzer Prize winners, foreign correspondents, book authors, editors, investigative reporters and experts in finance, science, and consumer journalism. 

More information about the Ottaway Visiting Professorship, including biographies of previous professors, can be found at  https://www.newpaltz.edu/ottaway/.