Focus on the Media

John Northrop, Jr. · Steve Suitts · Allen Tullos · Candace Waid · Larry Goodwyn · Gloria Blackwell · Sue Thrasher · Leonard Conway · John English · Bruce MacMurdo · David Underhill · Diane Thomas · Steve Cummings · David Doggett · Steve Hoffius

The Institute for Southern Studies

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 The South has a remarkable record of producing more than its share of talented writers. Names like Faulkner, O'Connor, Wolfe, Warren, Welty, readily come to mind. Less noticed, however, is the region's equally distinguished contribution in the field of journalism. Among national broadcasters, editors and writers who started in the South are Tom Wicker, Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Clifton Daniel, Willie Morris, Robert Sherrill, Nelson Benton, Charles Kuralt, Larry King, Marshall Frady, Frank McGee.

Why has the South produced so many creative journalists — and why would so many go North? We can't be sure. But a couple of thoughts come to mind. First, Southerners do seem to have a certain romance with the written and spoken word. There is a relish for sounds, unique expressions, and the embellished story. Reporting— like conversation — has always demanded more than the exchange of a few facts, and many of our brethran have been only too willing to turn their preoccupation with language and penchant for irrelevant detail into successful careers.