The Texas Observer
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The Texas Observer (also known as the Observer) is an American political newsmagazine published bi-weekly and based in Austin, Texas. Though nonpartisan, the publication has historically been an advocate for liberal political policies. [1]
The Observer was founded by Frankie Randolph and founding editor Ronnie Dugger in Austin in 1954 to address topics ignored by daily newspapers in the state — such as issues affecting working people and concerning class and race.[2] Upon its founding, Dugger declared the paper's manifesto as "We will serve no group or party but will hew hard to the truth as we find it and the right as we see it." The publication continues this mission through today by focusing on covering what the mainstream press does not.[2]
For instance, the Observer broke[3] the story of an allegedly crooked narcotics investigation in Tulia, Texas, that led to front-page coverage in The New York Times and other national news outlets. Tom Coleman, the narcotics investigator in the tiny town, was eventually accused of trumping up drug bust information, mostly aimed at African Americans. Coleman claimed he had made more than 100 undercover drug purchases from 46 different drug dealers (40 of whom were black). About a dozen of the accused were sentenced, some for up to 90 years (based almost entirely on his personal accounts with virtually no corroborating evidence) before authorities stopped to investigate Coleman's practices, largely due to the Observer's reporting.[4] Coleman was found guilty of one charge of perjury, for which he was sentenced to seven years probation.
Fitting with its "muckracking" reputation[5], the publication's slogan is: "Sharp reporting and commentary from the strangest state in the Union." The Observer often garners more laurels from those who live outside Texas's borders than those within — The New York Review of Books described it as "That outpost of reason in the Southwest." John Kenneth Galbraith said the Observer is a "well-researched journal which more orthodox Texas statesmen feel should not have the protection of the First Amendment."[1]
The Observer operates on a shoestring budget — it accepts few advertisements, supporting itself through subscriptions and occasional benefit banquets.[1]
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[edit] Awards and distinctions
- Association of Alternative Newsweeklies — 23 awards
- Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors Excellence in State Government Reporting
- Houston Environmental Coalition
- Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award
- James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism
- Katie Award (Press Club of Dallas) — finalist
- Livingston Awards for Young Journalists — finalist
- National Magazine Award — finalist
- Project Censored — eight awards (1991–2003)
- State Bar of Texas Gavel Award — three-time winner
- Utne Reader Best Political Magazine 2005
[edit] Notable staff and contibutors
Notable Observer staff and contributors, past and present:
- Ronnie Dugger
- Jim Hightower
- Molly Ivins
- Larry McMurtry
- James K. Galbraith
- Willie Morris
- Lou Dubose
- Jake Bernstein
- Eileen Welsome
[edit] References
- ^ a b c "Texas Observer". Handbook of Texas. Austin: Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved on 2006-05-16.
- ^ a b About Us. The Texas Observer. Retrieved on April 20, 2006.
- ^ Blakeslee, Nate. "The Color of Justice", The Texas Observer, June 23, 2000. Retrieved on May 16, 2006.
- ^ Blakeslee, Nate. "Can You Hear Me Now?", The Texas Observer, November 8, 2002. Retrieved on May 16, 2006.
- ^ Critics Picks: Media. Best of Austin 2000. Austin Chronicle (2000). Retrieved on April 10, 2006.
