Gerald Boyd returned to the National Association of Black Journalists today to make his first major speech since resigning as managing editor of The New York Times. He said he shares some of the blame in what he called, “the Jayson Blair scandal,” and rejected reports that he “looked the other way” as Blair faltered. Boyd said he should have done more to share Blair’s record as the reporter moved from one editor to another. Of all that has been reported on the scandal, the statements that annoyed him most were those that said Boyd had been Blair’s mentor.
Boyd said he has not lost his passion for journalism and has thought of editing or teaching. “I’m here to listen for an offer,” he said, arms outstretched. He recalled his career achievements at the Times and said the opportunity to have been “in the trenches” with Times staff is “something I will never forget, and something I will tremendously miss.”
For Alecia Swasy, NABJ is a new experience. The former business editor for the St. Petersburg Times is here recruiting in her new role as deputy managing editor of the Virginian-Pilot. On the way from Dallas’ airport, she asked a fellow cab rider about the convention, and just then, things happened. The cab driver veered right across three lanes near the Dallas Cowboys football stadium. He pulled onto the interstate shoulder, grabbed his heart, and breathed heavily. In the minutes that followed, Swasy gave medical advice while her fellow passenger called 911. The driver appeared to recover by the time an ambulance and fire truck pulled up. An emergency worker drove the passengers to a nearby hotel to call another cab. Whatever happens, Swasy won’t say her first NABJ experience was dull.
