As a journalist, Robin Wright has covered nine wars and six revolutions on six different continents, and she is still on the edge of every major conflict and compromise around the world.
Wright is coming to speak at The University of Memphis tonight at 7 p.m. in the Rose Theater — to share her personal experiences in the field of journalism.
Wright, who is an award-winning Los Angeles Times journalist, said that she has been to China several times recently, covering the visits of Colin Powell and George W. Bush.
In addition to working at the Los Angeles Times, Wright has written a book about her experiences in Iran, where she has been visited many times over the past 20 years. The book chronicles the bloodshed, corruption and the insurgence of religious militancy, while explaining the complexities of the Iranian culture and revealing the lives of the Iranian people.
Her unique understanding of countries with turbulent governments — in combination with her visits to Afghanistan pre-September 11 — has made her a valuable source in understanding the situation there and its application to the progress of the war on terrorism.
Wright said that in addition to her travel as a reporter, she also gets to travel on her own to speak about her experiences.
According to Wright, she has plans to take time to take in the sights while she is in Memphis.
“I’ve spoken all over the world, and I’ve never really had the chance to see much, but your people have been kind enough to offer to take me to two icons of American culture — the Civil Rights Museum and Graceland,” said Wright.
While at The U of M, Wright, who has been recognized for “Best Reporting Requiring Exceptional Courage and Initiative,” has been asked to tell the more personal side of living the life of a world-class reporter in the ever-changing field of war correspondence.
According to Wright, war correspondence has redefined itself since Vietnam, in terms of getting the American public involved in what is going on.
“Rather than automatically endorsing a war, Americans are asking questions, and that’s set the coverage of war since,” said Wright.
According to Wright, there are two main things she wants students to take away from the lecture.
“Journalism is more about seeking the truth than writing,” said Wright. “Good journalism is really chronicling contemporary history.”
Wright’s lecture is sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists Student Chapter and SAC co-sponsorship. It is free and open to the public.
