By Bineet Kaur
FRESNO, Calif. (The Collegian) – Fresno State journalism professor Jim Boren, retired executive editor of the Fresno Bee, gave listeners a peek into his 40 years in the industry on Tuesday, February 27.
Boren discussed some of the highlights of his career, like the time in 1988 when George H. W. Bush [then Vice President of the United States] visited Fresno and Boren got the chance to pose a question to him.
Boren asked Bush to discuss how he felt about the Armenian Genocide and Turkey’s role in it. Bush answered that Turkey should take responsibility for the genocide of Armenians. As a result of his reporting, Boren said, Bush’s answer on the issue was documented and used as a reference for others for years to come.
Boren retired from the Bee in January 2018 and began teaching courses in Fresno State’s media, communications and journalism department. In 2016 and 2017, he was also involved in the decision-making process for the Pulitzer Prizes.
Boren said his involvement in journalism stemmed from an interest in athletics. While attending Hoover High School, he became a sports reporter. He began reporting for The Fresno Bee at the age of 19, even before completing his bachelor’s degree from Fresno State, he said.