BEA2025

Broadcast journalists and podcasters must consider how they present themselves and are received by audiences. Journalism educators must consider how to teach lessons on professionalism and talk to students about industry norms for self-presentation. Such conversations can be difficult to navigate. This panel, aimed at student journalists, early-career professionals, and educators, focuses on ways to have constructive dialogue on personal appearance, voice, and delivery. Findings from a new book on this topic will be discussed.
Moderator: Elia M. Powers, Towson University
Panelists: Melissa Greene-Blye, University of Kansas; Elliott Lewis, Syracuse University; Lance Liguez, University of Texas - Arlington; Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University

Everyone dreads it, having challenging discussions as administrative leaders with co-workers. However, no one escapes unscathed. This panel shares communication strategies and practices for navigating conversations with difficult faculty and staff and when the answer has to be “no.” What’s on your list of what to do and not do?
Moderator: Pat F. Sanders, University North Alabama
Panelists: Kim Fox, American University in Cairo
Jennifer Bailey Woodard, Middle Tennessee State University
Pat F. Sanders, University North Alabama

Good Morning Indian Country (GMIC) is an award-winning Native student-led weekly Native news program produced collaboratively by students from Haskell Indian Nations University and journalism students at the University of Kansas. MMJs turn local packages weekly, covering events and issues of interest to the local Indigenous community, as well as interviewing guests in studio about issues and events from all across Indian Country.
Moderator: Melissa Greene-Blye, University of Kansas
Proposed panelists:
Shia Blackcloud, GMIC Producer/Haskell Student
Allison Levering, GMIC Anchor/Haskell Student
Victor Organista, GMIC Live Reporter/Haskell Student
Ryn Drummond, GMIC Producer/KU Student
Mily Favilla, GMIC MMJ/KU Student

Altogether, we must equip the next generation to prioritize their well-being and lead with empathy, fostering a culture where they care for themselves and their teams.

This panel is a call to action for educators and industry professionals to rethink how we prepare future leaders. By equipping them with the skills to manage diverse teams and prioritize mental health, we can develop broadcast leaders who are resilient, inclusive, and ready to meet the complex demands of today's media landscape. This session will feature insights from top industry professionals and provide the latest trends, tools, and practices to bring real-world relevance into the classroom.

Why This Matters Now: As the media industry continues to evolve rapidly, it is more critical than ever that broadcast leaders are equipped not only with technical skills but also with empathy and cultural competence to manage diverse newsrooms and support their teams' mental health. This panel offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading professionals who will share actionable strategies to transform teaching and leadership approaches, ensuring that students are ready to thrive in today's challenging and multicultural media environment.

Including this panel in the BEA Convention is essential to advancing the conversation around multiculturalism, mental health, and leadership in journalism. This is not just about preparing students for careers in media—it's about preparing them to lead with compassion, integrity, and resilience in an increasingly complex and diverse world.
Moderator: Kortni Alston Lemon, Gardner-Webb University
Panelists: Ken Lemon, National Association of Black Journalists, President
Dedrick Russell, WBTV
Karen Ladley, Carter Center for the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism & Mental Health Parity Collaborative
Marie Torres, TV News Spectrum Networks, Raleigh and NABJ Wellness Task Force

Join us for an enlightening panel that unveils the secrets to improving your media program on the global stage with BEA Latin America. Since its inception in 2019, BEA Latin America has hosted transformative conferences in vibrant cities like Merida, Mexico; Bogota, Colombia; and Quito, Ecuador. This session promises to equip you with practical strategies to expand your media program's reach, ensuring international publications, presentations, and funding opportunities. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights and actionable ideas that will propel your broadcast program to new heights!
Moderator: Jose Soto, DePaul University
Panelists: Tony R. DeMars, Lamar University; Jose Soto, DePaul University; Jesus Ayala, California State University - Long Beach; Teresa C. Puente, California State University - Long Beach

As the BEA celebrates its 70th anniversary, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the landscape of media education and representation. This panel seeks to commemorate the leadership, and the strides they made in fostering diversity within broadcast education while addressing the contemporary challenges faced by organizations committed to multicultural representation. In an era where diversity initiatives are increasingly under scrutiny, this panel will explore the vital role of BEA, particularly the Multicultural Division in promoting inclusive practices, amplifying underrepresented voices, and preparing the next generation of media professionals to navigate an ever-evolving, diverse media landscape.
Moderator: Marquita Smith, University of Mississippi
Panelists: Dhyana Ziegler, Former Chair and Founding Member of the Diversity Committee/Multicultural Division
Dwight M. Ellis, Bowie State University and former Vice President of NAB
Phylis West Johnson, San Jose State University, and former Chair of the Paper Competition and Founding Member of the Diversity Committee/Multicultural Division
Jennifer Woodard, Middle Tennessee State University and Current Chair of the Multicultural Division

Media has long been a powerful force in shaping public perceptions of African Americans, often reinforcing stereotypes or, conversely, providing more authentic and empowering portrayals. With Generation Z emerging as a media-savvy and socially conscious generation, their response to these representations is shaping both public discourse and media trends.

This panel will explore the dual role media plays in influencing perceptions of African Americans and how Generation Z, with its heightened awareness of social justice and representation, is responding to these portrayals. From news and social media to entertainment platforms, this discussion will focus on the evolving expectations of young audiences, their demand for more nuanced and authentic depictions, and how media creators can meet these expectations while challenging harmful stereotypes.

The panel will examine key questions, such as: How do media portrayals of African Americans impact Generation Z’s understanding of race and identity? What role does social media activism play in shaping media representation? And how are media professionals responding to the changing demands of this generation?
Moderator: Braxton Wardell Laster, University of Mississippi
Panelist: Larry Miller, Lane College

In recent years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have garnered unprecedented national attention from major brands, retailers, and media outlets. This panel will explore the key factors that contributed to this heightened visibility and discuss how HBCUs can leverage their newfound platform while maintaining control over their narratives. The conversation will emphasize the importance of preserving authentic storytelling, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these institutions, and ensuring that external partnerships align with the values and mission of HBCUs. Through a dialogue with experts in branding, education, and media, this panel aims to equip HBCUs with strategies to harness the power of this attention while fostering a sustainable, meaningful narrative that continues to uplift Black excellence and innovation.
Moderator: Sheri Janine Booker, Morgan State University
Panelists: Tammira Lucas, Lecturer, Coppin State University
Maya Gilmore, Executive Director of Charm TV

The aim of this panel is to provide space to discuss the two different worlds emerging in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education. DEI initiatives are on solid ground in some regions, while in others DEIA programs are being slashed or eliminated altogether. Panelists will discuss the state of DEI on their campuses - private and public - and share insights into how they are adjusting to new DEI realities.
Moderator: Jennifer Fleming, California State University - Long Beach
Panelists: Hub Brown, University of Florida
Jessica Retis
Jennifer Henderson, Trinity University

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are those with an enrollment of at least 25% Hispanic students. But being an HSI is about more than numbers and federal recognition. Panelists will discuss how the word “serving” means leading organizational and curriculum change through a framework centered on equity, familia, and culturally-responsive pedagogy. They will talk about institutions ill-equipped to serve emerging populations, reshaping media programs, and how one institution drives Latino student success while fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

Moderator: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Panelists: Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University
James E. Machado, MFA, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Vanessa Arellano, Director of Provost's Office Initiatives and Assistant to the Provost, Pima Community College

Radio entrepreneurs have always tried to set the trends or figure out how to capture audiences in new ways. Most recently TikTok radio, launched in 2021, was created from a partnership between TikTok, Pandora and Sirius XM. What is the future for local radio and how will radio be defined in 2050? This panel reviews the past 70 years of radio, with the hope of offering some strategies and direction for its future.
Moderator: Phylis West Johnson, San Jose State University
Panelists: Jonathan Pluskota, Colorado State University Pueblo; Music Radio Formats
Alex Kirt, Northwest Missouri State University; Rediscovering Local Radio
Josh Shepperd, University of Colorado Boulder; Learning from History
Phylis West Johnson, San Jose State University; Radio in the Metaverse
Dona Nichols, San Jose State University & Producer if the documentary She Sang; The Rise of Black Country

Diversity in media representation matters. Many say we’ve made great strides in the depiction of gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity, and body type in today’s media, but stereotypes still abound, and the straight, white, thin, cisgender male still seems practically ubiquitous. What exactly does the future hold? This panel seeks to promote discussion of prevalent and controversial issues related to depiction of the “Other” in media, and explores how we as educators can better teach them.
Moderator: Roger Allman, Grand Valley State University
Panelists: Jennifer Rachel Billinson, Nazareth University; Victor D. Evans, Seattle University; Alexandra M. Vilela, James Madison University

This panel brings together accomplished Black women who have navigated the complex media industry to share their personal and professional experiences. From overcoming barriers to representation and inclusion, to achieving groundbreaking successes, the panelists will offer insights into what it means to be a Black woman in media today. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical advice, they will discuss their challenges, triumphs and how their identities have shaped their careers. Attendees will gain a richer understanding of the unique journeys of Black women in media, as well as inspiration and strategies for advancing in the field.
Moderator: Kim Fox, American University in Cairo
Panelists: Traci Easley Williams, University of Oklahoma; Shari Okeke, Toronto Metropolitan University; Dorothy Bland, University of North Texas; Enid Patricia Wells, Kennedy-King College; Chetachi Egwu, University of Maryland Univ. College

Debut Paper Competition
1^st Place Debut Paper: ‘So Many Uncomfortable Spaces’: A Qualitative Study On How BIPOC Journalists Navigate Identity and Expectations In American Broadcast Newsrooms; Kristina Vera-Phillips, Arizona State
2^nd Place Debut Paper: Role of Social Media in Indian Women’s decision to move to the US; Prerna Sandilya, San Francisco State University
Open Paper Competition
1^st Place Open Paper: Reimagining Futures and Challenging Norms: A Critical Analysis of Afrofuturism, Gender Dynamics, and Aesthetic Representation in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'; Femi Emmanuel Folorunsho, Ball State University
2^nd Place Open Paper: Walt Disney World’s New Little Mermaid with Race Based and Inverse Spiral of Silence Effects; Marisa Joann Hamilton, Regent University; Steve D. Perry, Regent University; Andrea Arterbery, Southern Methodist University; Nicole R. Sheriff, Regent University
3rd Place Open Paper: From Screen to Street: A Phenomenological Analysis of Anti-Hero Verbal and Nonverbal Cues in Everyday Interactions; Amanda Czuprynski, Regent University

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. Obtaining this coveted award is extremely competitive and the process of approval is rigorous and opaque. Finalists are granted their award without much explanation of what got them across the finish line and unsuccessful applicants are left to grasp at straws as to where they went wrong. This panel seeks to demystify the process of applying for a Fulbright grant and examine the various opportunities. The panelists will discuss their successes and failures in navigating the Fulbright application process and their international appointments.

Moderator: James E. Machado, MFA, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Panelists: Katerina Spasovska, Western Carolina University
Madeleine Liseblad, California State University, Long Beach
Andrew Sharma, Salisbury University
Richard Vogel, retired from Culver Stockton College