Loading…
BEA2026 has ended
arrow_back View All Dates
Saturday, April 18
 

9:00am PDT

Mobile Journalism Workshop
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
With a focus on documentary and non-fiction storytelling Mobile Journalism author Robb Montgomery returns showcase fresh case studies from the field. Participants will get an exclusive screening of winning documentary films from the recent Mobile Journalism Awards that were shot on smartphones and small cameras. He will also demonstrate how to create a 3D modeled immersive multimedia online exhibit using a free phone app, open source software, and Anthropological qualitative research methods. Montgomery also will reveal how he filmed a documentary film scene about virtual sex using a MetaQuest VR headset.
Moderator: Robb B Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP
Moderators
avatar for Robb Montgomery

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism
Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs.   He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W311

9:00am PDT

Geopolitics, Platform Power, and the Remaking of Arab Media: Egypt and the Arab World, 2011–2025
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Over the past decade, media systems in Egypt and the wider Arab region have been reconfigured by intersecting forces: securitized state policy, cross-border media competition among Gulf powers, platform governance over speech, and the rapid diffusion of AI-enabled newswork. These dynamics reshape who sets agendas, how conflicts are framed, and which publics are reachable—especially during crises (e.g., the 2017 intra-GCC rift, Gaza/Palestine coverage since 2023; and climate diplomacy around COP28).
Empirically, Egypt exemplifies renewed ownership concentration and regulatory centralization, while transnational broadcasters (Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, Sky News Arabia) continue to project soft power and contest narratives region-wide. At the same time, platform moderation and algorithmic distribution increasingly mediate visibility of Arabic content, with mounting evidence of asymmetric enforcement during conflict. Finally, newsrooms across MENA experiment—unevenly—with AI for translation, verification, and automation, under conditions of economic precarity and regulatory risk.
Importantly, diaspora media outlets and transnational content creators extend these dynamics beyond the Arab region. Arab diasporas in Europe and North America rely on satellite television, digital-native platforms, and community media to follow regional developments, while simultaneously refracting Arab affairs through the lens of immigrant life abroad. Content about wars in Gaza, protests in Sudan, or reforms in Egypt not only sustains transnational ties but also shapes debates on integration, discrimination, and political mobilization in host societies. In turn, Arab affairs affect immigrants’ sense of identity, belonging, and activism, as seen in diaspora-led digital campaigns on Palestine, or the mobilization of Egyptian communities in the US and UK around regime politics. This dual circulation highlights the mutual entanglement of Arab and diaspora media ecologies, where geopolitical shifts at home reverberate through immigrant publics abroad and vice versa.
This panel advances a comparative, multi-method account of these shifts, integrating policy analysis, content/platform studies, newsroom research, and diaspora media scholarship to theorize “geo-platformized media orders” in the Arab world, with Egypt as an anchoring case.

Dr. Hussein Amin: moderator
Dr. Ahmed ElGody: discussant
Dr. Mahitab Ezz El Din: panelist

Dr. Rasha Allam: panelist

Dr. Nadine ElSayed: panelist

Prof. Salma ElGhetany: panelist

Moderator: Hussein Amin, American University in Cairo
Panelists: Rasha Allam, American University in Cairo; Platform Power under Authoritarianism: Social Media, Influencers, and the Future of Egyptian Media
Mahitab Ezz El Din, Linnaeus University; Arab Diaspora Media in Sweden: Countering Disinformation and Mediating Migrant Experiences
Nadine El Sayed, The American University in Cairo; The Shifting Political Economies of the Egyptian Media
Salma El Ghetany, American University in Cairo; Platform Power, Algorithmic Silences, and Fast Moving Consumer News in Arab Media
Respondent: Ahmed El Gody, Orebro University
Moderators
avatar for Hussein Amin

Hussein Amin

Professor, American University in Cairo
Dr. Hussein Amin is Director of the Kamal Adham Center for Television and Digital Journalism, and Professor at the department Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the American University in Cairo. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Arab M... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Rasha Allam

Rasha Allam

Associate Professor and Chair, American University in Cairo

avatar for Salma El Ghetany

Salma El Ghetany

American University in Cairo
avatar for Nadine El Sayed

Nadine El Sayed

Associate professor of practice, The American University in Cairo
Nadine El Sayed is an associate professor of practice at the Journalism and Mass Communication Department. Prior to joining AUC, El Sayed was the senior editor leading the regional custom media publications at Springer Nature, the biggest scientific publisher in the world, and an adjunct faculty... Read More →
avatar for Mahitab Ezz El Din

Mahitab Ezz El Din

Associate Professor, Linnaeus University, Sweden
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W306

9:00am PDT

Stoke the Fire: Translating Broadcast Newsroom Energy For The Classrooms
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
With humor and lively energy, former newsroom professionals working in a variety of industries share how the culture of broadcast news sharpened their communication, crisis management, and relationship-building skills for classrooms, PR, and beyond. They’ll reflect on newsroom camaraderie, mentorship, and translating those lessons for students. Attendees will learn how the newsroom mindset inspires resilience, adaptability, and creativity across industries. This is a spirited, fast-paced panel.

Panelists: Justin Kree, Pima Community College
David Marino, Freese and Nichols
Hailee Tavoian, City of Sahuarita, Arizona
Moderator: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Moderators
avatar for Terry Filipowicz

Terry Filipowicz

Pima Community College
Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz has been a Teamwork and Leadership in Small Groups Online Course Subject Matter Expert, Computer Information Systems Artificial Intelligence Course Development Team Member, Artificial Intelligence Governance Council Member and part of the Business and Industry... Read More →
Speakers
HT

Hailee Tavoian

Pima Community College
DM

David Marino

Freese and Nichols, Inc.
JK

Justin Kree

Pima Community College
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W307

9:00am PDT

What are the ideal sizes and roles for student group field productions, to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and teamwork for narrative, documentary, promotional, or news videos?
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Should it be a standard 4-person team of Writer / Director / Reporter, Videographer, Editor, and Production Manager, with rotating roles, or something else? And should the number and roles change if the class is an Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced class? Our panel will provide various viewpoints and guidance, to help teachers and students create a structure for producing quality productions.
Moderator: James McNab, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University
Panelists: Nathan Gibbs, Point Loma Nazarene University
Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University
James McNab, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University
Moderators
avatar for Nathan Gibbs

Nathan Gibbs

Professor, Point Loma Nazarene University
Gibbs has taught media production and journalism courses at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, since 2022. Prior to joining PLNU, he served as the general manager of an on-campus NPR station, oversaw ESPN+ streaming, build out podcast studios, and ushered in... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Dennis Conway

Dennis Conway

Professor, Valdosta State University
I teach Screenwriting, Performance and Production classes. I also serve as the Editor of the BEA's The Journal of Media Education.
avatar for James McNab

James McNab

Assistant Teaching Professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication - Iowa State University
I’m a media producer and educator with over 800 broadcast credits spanning sports, news, corporate media, and live events. At Iowa State University, I teach video production and broadcast journalism, emphasizing real-world, hands-on learning. My work bridges the classroom and the... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W309

9:00am PDT

Algorithms and Heartbeats: Creating Radio Content that Embraces the Digital and the Deeply Human
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is reshaping the audio landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As algorithms increasingly prioritize content with the widest reach, there is a growing risk of radio becoming homogenized. However, the power of radio lies in human connection. This panel explores content creation strategies that blend the digital with the deeply human, combining thoughtful AI prompts with human-crafted prose. It focuses on creating content that embeds algorithms but embodies a heartbeat.

Moderator: Mardi Delport, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
Panelists: Tony R. DeMars, Lamar University
Andrew Morgan David, Morgan Media
Mardi Delport, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

Moderators
avatar for Mardi Delport

Mardi Delport

Senior lecturer, Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), South Africa
Mardi Delport is a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) in South Africa. She lectures various media-related modules for under- and postgraduate students including Broadcast Journalism, Media Studies... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Tony DeMars

Tony DeMars

Professor, Department of Communication and Media, Lamar University
BEA Past President.  Previous service with BEA includes past convention program chair, elected positions in multiple interest divisions, leadership roles in the Festival of Media Arts, District 5 Board Representative, and Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Radio and Audio Media.
avatar for Andrew David

Andrew David

Morgan Media
Andrew David has a BBC career spanning BBC Radio 2 through BBC Local Radio to anchoring the Midland’s Region's nightly news show, He was a senior manager at BBC Radio Nottingham and worked at the University of Lincoln where he set up and ran the UK's first community radio station... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W305

9:00am PDT

Student Media at Liberal Arts Colleges: Opportunities, Challenges and Unique Student-Centered Experiences
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Liberal arts colleges provide unique opportunities and challenges for student media. Learn how one advisor oversees student TV, radio, and an online newspaper, and how students are gaining experience through cross-training. Discover how collaboration, community engagement, and AI use enhance content creation, and explore how partnerships, including one with the New York Islanders, have created student-centered experiences. Finally, discover how cross-department collaboration is equipping students with valuable skills for today’s media.

Moderator: Chad Whittle, Georgia College & State University
Panelists: Bradley L. Weaver, Westminster College; The Relevance of Well-Rounded Student Media
Kaley Martin, Using Intro Media Courses for Cross-Disciplinary Recruiting

Moderators
avatar for Chad Whittle

Chad Whittle

Assistant Professor of Communication, Georgia College & State University
Speakers
avatar for Bradley Weaver

Bradley Weaver

School of Communication Faculty, Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Teaching broadcast communications & broadcast journalism at Westminster College since 2000. Broadcast journalist since 1985.
KM

Kaley Martin

University of Montevallo
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W310

9:00am PDT

BEA101 for Students ONLY
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Attention all students and student advisors... we'll be talking all BEA student opportunities in Las Vegas.
Moderators
avatar for Sandy Henry

Sandy Henry

Professor, Drake University
I am the BEA Faculty Fellow for Student Programs. I'd love to hear about your student's needs and ideas you have for expanding student opportunities, both at the convention and throughout the year.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Birks

Heather Birks

Executive Director, BEA
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W315

9:00am PDT

Teaching AP Style: Our Tips and Tricks
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Every budding journalist has to learn AP Style, but it’s not something students are necessarily motivated to learn. Quizzes? Kahoot? Worksheets? Lectures? What works? This panel brings together different ideas to teach AP Style to students. It will be interactive—so bring your knowledge!
Moderator: Julia Largent Kuttler, McPherson College
Panelists: Tom Hallaq, Kansas State University
Jen Smith, University of Kentucky
Stephanie L. Elder, University of South Florida
Moderators
avatar for Julia Largent Kuttler

Julia Largent Kuttler

Associate Professor of Communication, McPherson College
Associate Professor of Communication and Student Media Adviser (newspaper & podcast studio) at McPherson College in central Kansas. I study documentaries and fandom, both separately and in tandem. I like cats.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Stephanie L. Elder

Dr. Stephanie L. Elder

Associate Professor of Instruction, University of South Florida
DT

Dr. Tom Hallaq

Associate Professor, Kansas State University
avatar for Jen Smith

Jen Smith

assistant professor, University of Kentucky
I am a recovering sportswriter who worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader in various positions for more than 20 years, including copy editor, designer, news and sports reporter. While working in the sports department for most of my career, I covered everything from high school sports... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W308

9:30am PDT

BEA2026 Exhibit Hall & Lounge
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:30am - 6:30pm PDT
Look at the schedule for mid-day break and the Saturday reception in the exhibit hall kicking off at 5:15 pm.

AEJMC
Asbury University
B&H
Cuez.app
Gray Television
Hearst
ICA
Lorensbergs/Connect2
Routledge / Taylor & Francis
University of Tampa
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:30am - 6:30pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

10:15am PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Faculty Showcase Session & Awards - Audio & Documentary Competitions
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Please join us as we recognize all of the Faculty Festival winners from Audio, Documentary & Scriptwriting competitions.  

After the awards are handed out, we will hear from our Best of Competition winners.
Confirmed Presenters

Faculty Audio
Short-Form Production Category
Haitian Church in Pine Hills Fights Fear with Faith; Rick Brunson, University of Central Florida

Faculty Documentary
Short-Form Documentary Category
Chicken Ghetto; Sangsun Choi & Paul Lee, Kennesaw State University
Moderators
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Speakers
avatar for Sangsun Choi

Sangsun Choi

Assistant Professor, Kennesaw State University
Sangsun Choi is a visual storyteller who focuses on discovering the unique meaning behind ordinary life. He believes that this value can be revealed through exquisite observation and artistic representation. Originally from South Korea, he has created dozens of works about child labor... Read More →
RB

Rick Brunson

Senior Instructor, University of Central Florida

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W308

10:15am PDT

The BEA Oral History Project
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
The BEA Oral History Project is gathering the life histories of BEA members to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organization. In this session, BEA members who are interested in oral history, either to help with this particular project or in general, will learn about the project and how the oral history interview is different from the traditional journalistic interviews. We'll discuss oral history best practices, including release forms, how to develop questions, online v. in person interviewing, archival practices, and also include an interviewee from the project.

Moderator: Kathleen M Ryan, University of Colorado Boulder
Panelists: Kim Fox, American University in Cairo (interviewee)
Michael Dale Bruce, University of Alabama (interviewee)
Glenda R. Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas
Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Moderators
avatar for Kathleen M. Ryan

Kathleen M. Ryan

Associate Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
Speakers
avatar for Kim Fox

Kim Fox

Professor of Practice, American University in Cairo
The first and only double BEA Best of Festival Winner in the same year; podcaster (Ehky Ya Masr Podcast) and executor of the podcasting trifecta: teaching, researching and producing podcasts.
https://soundcloud.com/ehkyyamasr

Founder and organizer of PodFest Cairo, Egypt and Africa... Read More →
avatar for Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Dept. Chair, Associate Professor & Director of Digital Media Center, University of Alabama

avatar for Glenda Balas

Glenda Balas

Professor, University of North Texas - Dallas
Dr. Glenda Balas is a Professor in Communication and Technology at the University of North Texas at Dallas. She was formerly Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNT Dallas; Professor and Chair of the Communication and Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico; and Chair... Read More →
avatar for Stacey O. Irwin

Stacey O. Irwin

Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W313

10:15am PDT

“Beating the System”: Identifying and Countering Students’ AI Detection Evasion
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Today’s attempts by students to bypass generative AI detectors have created a global academic integrity crisis. This panel examines the growing “cat-and-mouse game” between students and AI detection systems, and the cunning methods they use to avoid being flagged. From detection to prevention, our panelists will offer practical solutions for educators that include redesigning assignments and embracing AI literacy. This session is a call to action to adapt, thrive, and restore authenticity in student work.

Moderator: Toni Perry, Liberty University
Panelists: Shaun Cashman, Liberty University
Roger Rome, Liberty University
Moderators
avatar for Toni E. Perry

Toni E. Perry

Instructor & Doctoral Candidate, Liberty University
An award-winning professor with twelve years of experience teaching, coaching, and mentoring in higher education. An accomplished digital media/ marketing communications/events professional with over 25 years of experience in communications, broadcast media, production, public relations... Read More →
Speakers
RR

Roger Rome

Assoc. Professor, Liberty University
SC

Shaun Cashman

Liberty University
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W303

10:15am PDT

Generative AI in Video Journalism: Innovation, Ethics, and Impact
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
This panel explores how generative AI can be applied responsibly in photo, audio, and—most notably—video storytelling within the field of journalism. Panelists will share class projects and real-world experiences, address technical challenges, and examine the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI-driven tools in storytelling.

Moderator, Jiachun Hong, Utah Tech University
Panelists: Kyle Dorius, Utah Tech University
Yanfang Wu, University of Miami

Moderators
avatar for Jiachun Hong

Jiachun Hong

Assistant Professor of Digital Media, Utah Tech University
Speakers
KD

Kyle Dorius

Utah Tech University
YW

Yanfang Wu

University of Miami
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W311

10:15am PDT

Artificial Intelligence and Arab Media: Challenges and Opportunities
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, societies, and media landscapes worldwide, and the Arab region is no exception. Governments across the Middle East and North Africa are increasingly investing in AI strategies to drive digital transformation, diversify economies, and enhance public services. At the same time, challenges such as limited research infrastructure, uneven access to data, regulatory gaps, and skills shortages continue to hinder effective adoption. This presentation explores the dual trajectory of AI in the Arab world: the opportunities it creates for innovation, education, media, and governance, alongside the socio-technical and ethical challenges it raises. Drawing on regional policy frameworks, case studies, and global comparisons, the discussion will highlight how Arab states can leverage AI responsibly while addressing risks related to employment, privacy, and algorithmic bias. The presentation aims to contribute to a critical dialogue on ensuring that AI deployment in the Arab context is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with local priorities.

Panelists: Hussein Amin, American University in Cairo; Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World: Challenges and Opportunities
Ahmed El Gody, Orebro University; The Role of Social Media Influencers in the UAE as a Tool of Soft Power
Salma El Ghetany, American University in Cairo; AI Policy Agendas in the Arab World: Between Aspiration and Implementation
Khaled H. Alqahs, Kuwait University; Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Broadcasting Education: A Comparative Study of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Universities
Respondent: Mahitab Ezz El Din, Linnaeus University
Speakers
avatar for Hussein Amin

Hussein Amin

Professor, American University in Cairo
Dr. Hussein Amin is Director of the Kamal Adham Center for Television and Digital Journalism, and Professor at the department Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the American University in Cairo. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Arab M... Read More →
avatar for Ahmed El Gody

Ahmed El Gody

orebro university
Ahmed El Gody, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer Media and communication Studies, Örebro University Sweden. He is the author of Journalism in a Network: Role of ICTs in Egyptian Newsrooms. He also authored a number of book chapters and journal articles on political communication in the Middle... Read More →
avatar for Salma El Ghetany

Salma El Ghetany

American University in Cairo
avatar for Khaled Alqahs

Khaled Alqahs

Assistant Professor, KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
Assistant professor, Mass Communication Dept., Collage of Arts, Kuwait University. Ph.D. in Broadcasting (2000), Southern Illinois University- Illinois, USA. TV Director and producer. Newspaper columnist.  TV & Radio host. Media Trainer and expert in Dealing with media, Media crisis... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W304

10:15am PDT

The Global Communication Repository: Case Study for Research and Teaching to Bridge the Global South and the Global North
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
The panel will discuss best practices of case study research with the panelists' experience in writing case studies and introduce the Global Communication Repository as the outlet for publishing case study research.

Moderator: Louisa Ha, Bowling Green State University
Panelists: Rasha Allam, American University of Cairo
Miao Guo, University of Connecticut
Todd Holmes, California-State University Northridge
Moderators
avatar for Louisa Ha

Louisa Ha

Professor, Bowling Green State University
Speakers
avatar for Rasha Allam

Rasha Allam

Associate Professor and Chair, American University in Cairo

avatar for Miao Guo

Miao Guo

Associate Professor, University of Connecticut
avatar for Todd Holmes

Todd Holmes

California State University- Northridge

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W305

10:15am PDT

News Division - Top Research Presentations
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Moderator: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama

Debut Competition
1st Place Paper: Hyacinth Balediata Bangero, Bowling Green State University; Faiswal Kasirye, Bowling Green State University; Saadia Farooq, Bowling Green State University; Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti, Bowling Green State University; S M Russel Rabbi, Bowling Green State University; The Social Media Framing of Artificial Intelligence by ‘Mega-Influencer’ News Outlets: A Multi-Platform Analysis of Sources, Trends, and Influence

2nd Place Paper: Hey-Jeong An, Kyungpook National University; Heejay KIM, Kyungpook National University Daegu, Korea; PANSOO KIM, Kyungpook National University; Analyzing RE100 Discourse in Korea: A BERTopic-Based Clustering and Social Constructionist Interpretation

Open Competition
1st Place Paper: Robert Lance Holbert, University of Pennsylvania; Nathan Walter, Northwestern University; Brandon Harrison, University of Pennsylvania; Huma Rasheed, University of Pennsylvania; Camille Saucier, Clemson University; An Exploration of Parental-Filial Communication Dynamics Following a Political Assassination: The Case of Charlie Kirk

2nd Place Paper: Cory L. Armstrong, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Matthew VanDyke, The University of Alabama; Take cover now! Communicating about catastrophic danger before, during and after tornados in rural areas: A case study
Moderators
avatar for Chandra Clark

Chandra Clark

Associate Professor, University of Alabama
Multimedia journalism educator, electronic news/broadcast producer for life, and community journalism advocate. The transition from professional newsroom and freelance producer/pr practitioner includes helping the public and educators understand the role of broadcast journalism in... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Bowling Green State University

HA

Hey-Jeong An

Kyungpook National University

RH

Robert Holbert

University of Pennsylvania

CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W307

10:15am PDT

Do Student Podcasts belong on Senior Seminar Demo Reels? While growing in academia as a Production class exercise, are podcasts what Future Employers wish to see?
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Our panel provides opinions, advice, and recommendations for teachers grappling with the ascending role of podcasts in our Video Production programs. The issues of podcast audience size, monetization strategy, niche, and quality will be discussed. And we'll debate whether most future employers would simply prefer a more varied, traditional video resume.
Moderator: Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University
Panelists:
Dennis Patrick Conway, Valdosta State University
Moderators
avatar for Dennis Conway

Dennis Conway

Professor, Valdosta State University
I teach Screenwriting, Performance and Production classes. I also serve as the Editor of the BEA's The Journal of Media Education.
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W312

10:15am PDT

Sports Division Meeting
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Sports media goes well beyond the game itself.  Join us to explore creative endeavors, storytelling, and industry shifts shaping this dynamic space.

Connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Kyle J. Miller, Northwest Missouri State University
Vice Chair: Eric Esterline, University of Florida
Paper Chair: Nick Artman, Slippery Rock University
Speakers
avatar for Nick Artman

Nick Artman

Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University
avatar for Eric Esterline

Eric Esterline

Senior Lecturer, University of Florida
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W309

10:15am PDT

Industry Bound: Guiding students through their final stretch
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
The panel discusses supervising senior students' capstone projects, showcasing their multimedia projects and discussing the journey we took together along the term/year; helping them find their voices and tune their angles, overcoming obstacles, finding the balance between supporting them and yet giving them enough autonomy and space to find their way independently ahead of graduation to prepare them for the industry they're joining in just a few weeks time.

Panelists will discuss how they try to create a newsroom environment with an editorial leadership team, small teams to tackle episodes/verticals, and the work is expected to reach a professional quality that most students have not experienced in classes.

Moderator: Nadine El Sayed, The American University in Cairo
Panelists:Lauren Bavis, Syracuse University
Dwyane A. Cheddar, at the Department of Communication at Oakwood University and the Director. of the Oakwood. University Broadcasting Network (OUBN)
Jayne Cubbage, Bowie State University
Susan G. Reid, Georgia State University
Todd O'Neill, Middle Tennessee State University
Moderators
avatar for Nadine El Sayed

Nadine El Sayed

Associate professor of practice, The American University in Cairo
Nadine El Sayed is an associate professor of practice at the Journalism and Mass Communication Department. Prior to joining AUC, El Sayed was the senior editor leading the regional custom media publications at Springer Nature, the biggest scientific publisher in the world, and an adjunct faculty... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Susan Reid

Susan Reid

Assistant Professor of Directing, Georgia State University, School of Film, media & Theatre
Susan G. Reid is an Assistant Professor of Directing at Georgia State University and a nationally recognized director, writer, producer, and acting coach. She produced the feature film Rejuvenation (Amazon Prime, Tubi), led by Executive Producer of The Walking Dead, Tom Luse. Working... Read More →
JC

Jayne Cubbage

Bowie State University
DC

Dwayne Cheddar

Professor of Communication,, Oakwood University
avatar for Lauren Bavis

Lauren Bavis

Professor of Practice, Syracuse University

TO

Todd O'Neill

Middle Tennessee State University
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W310

10:15am PDT

College at the Crossroads: Shifts in Workforce Development, Industry, and Higher Education
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Does workforce training’s focus on job placement undermine teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and general education? This panel explores the role of colleges in balancing industry-driven demands with broader academic goals. Panelists from higher education and industry will discuss how institutions can meet workforce needs while preserving long-term educational value in an evolving landscape.

Moderator: Brian Lane Shelton, Harper College
Panelists: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Aaron Atkins, Weber State University
Amanda Abens, Pima Community College
Jo Frohwein, Iowa Valley Community College
Cristina Clapp, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
Alex Hlavaty, Studio Network Solutions


Moderators
avatar for Brian Lane Shelton

Brian Lane Shelton

Associate Professor, Harper College
Speakers
avatar for Terry Filipowicz

Terry Filipowicz

Pima Community College
Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz has been a Teamwork and Leadership in Small Groups Online Course Subject Matter Expert, Computer Information Systems Artificial Intelligence Course Development Team Member, Artificial Intelligence Governance Council Member and part of the Business and Industry... Read More →
avatar for Aaron Atkins

Aaron Atkins

Assistant Professor, Weber State University
AA

Amanda Abens

Pima Community College
JF

Jo Frohwein

Iowa Valley Community College
CC

Cristina Clapp

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers
AH

Alex Hlavaty

Studio Network Solutions
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W306

10:15am PDT

Current Issues in Research and Teaching on Race: A High Density Session
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
This extended high density session highlights the breadth of recent research and teaching about race and media, with extensions into gender and class. Panelists will present brief overviews of their original research or teaching techniques, and then open to further discussion with the audience. Topics include identity-focused news sites, news coverage of Muslim women activists, the ambiguous Latina in Barbie, arguments about Native American mascots, Black identity in The Blackening, explainer podcasts in teaching, African American and African Immigrant perspectives on casting in Black historical films, and race and class in Abbott Elementary.

Moderator: Brad Gorham, Syracuse University
Panelists:
Christopher S. Josey, University of Missouri, Tanner Smith, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign & Julius Matthew Riles, University of Missouri; Breaking the model: Examining the content of Asian American identity focused news sites

Meriem Mechehoud, Independent Scholar; Framing Muslim Women Activists Abroad: Audience Perceptions and the Power of Stereotypes

Arthur D. Soto-Vásquez, University of Nevada, Las Vegas & Raisa F. Alvarado, California State University, San Bernardino; The Ambiguous Latina in Barbie

C. Richard King, Columbia College, Chicago; Seances and Spiritualists: Undead Indian Mascots and Rhetorics of Resuscitation

Derek Blackwell, Prairie View A & M University & Gretta Blackwell, Prairie View A & M University; “You Got Some ‘Splaining To Do”? Exploring the Pedagogical Potential of Explainers in Media Studies Classrooms

Adelaja Oriade, Denison University; Contesting Authenticity: African American and African Immigrant Audience Perspectives on Casting in Black Historical Films

Betsy Pike, Ball State University & Robert Alan Brookey, Ball State University; Class is Not Dismissed: Abbott Elementary and Approaches to Inequality

Andrew C. Billings, University of Alabama & Yifan Wu, University of Alabama; Fairness or Fear?: Media Coverage of Trans, Intersex, and Sex-Tested Female Athletes

Respondent: Rebecca Ann Lind, University of Illinois at Chicago
Moderators
avatar for Brad Gorham

Brad Gorham

Associate Professor, Communications;, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Brad Gorham is an Associate Professor in the Communications Department in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is also the Director of the Center for Global Engagement for the school and former director of the Media Studies master's program and former chair of the... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Andrew C. Billings

Andrew C. Billings

University of Alabama

avatar for Rebecca Ann Lind

Rebecca Ann Lind

Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

avatar for Rob Brookey

Rob Brookey

Director of Graduate Studies, Ball State University
CR

C. Richard King

Columbia College Chicago
Intercepting the Game: Representing the NFL in Austria

As football travels, its changes. While the rules and play of the game remain largely same, it takes on new meanings, often expressed in imaginative and unexpected ways. This is very much the case in Austria, where American football allows for rewriting of the local and the global. In... Read More →
avatar for Betsy Pike

Betsy Pike

Associate Professor, Ball State University
Dr. Betsy Pike’s academic research interests explore the interdisciplinary connections between experiential learning, creativity, and story. She teaches media production and criticism in the Media department at Ball State University.
CJ

Christopher Josey

University of Missouri
avatar for Arthur Soto-Vasquez

Arthur Soto-Vasquez

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
W315

11:15am PDT

Student Research-in-Progress Digital Poster - Session 1
Saturday April 18, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Zainuddin Muda Zainuddin Monggilo, University of Alabama; From Reactance to Resilience: A Systematic Review of Inoculation Theory in Digital Advertising and Public Relations

S M Russel Rabbi, Bowling Green State University & Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti, Bowling Green State University; AI Related News Posts on Social Media: The Impact of Framing and Source Attribution on Comment Quality

Xihui Wang, University of Connecticut; Carolyn A. Lin, University of Connecticut & Xiaowen Xu, Butler University; A Meta-Analysis of Influencer Credibility and Purchase Intention: Comparing Human vs. Virtual and Macro vs. Micro Influencers

Tereia Joe Kuhns, Regent University; A Qualitative Study of User Experiences with AI Chatbots vs Human Agents in Customer Service

Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti, Bowling Green State University & S M Russel Rabbi, Bowling Green State University; Audience Attitudes towards Health AI News Coverage Across the Facebook pages of US Major News Outlets: A Social Media Analysis

Elira Canga, Arizona State University; Behind Closed Chats: Exploring Disinformation Flows in Albanian Diasporic Communities on Encrypted Apps

Alexander Justice Laudeman, Middle Tennessee State University & Jason Bernard Reineke, Middle Tennessee State University; Decoding Representations of Sexual Minorities in the Star Wars Films

Angela Lynn Dodson, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; Faculty Artificial Intelligence (AI) Self-Efficacy and Integration: A Mixed-Methods Study Using Socio-Technical and Innovation Diffusion Lenses

Moderators
avatar for Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Dept. Chair, Associate Professor & Director of Digital Media Center, University of Alabama

Speakers
avatar for Angie Dodson

Angie Dodson

Faculty Development Coordinator, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
I am a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy and Faculty Development Coordinator with over 25 years educator experience. My work focuses on AI literacy, innovative pedagogical approaches, and inclusive instructional practices in higher education, including... Read More →
avatar for Elira Canga

Elira Canga

Research & Teaching Assistant / PhD Student, Arizona State University
SM

S M Russel Rabbi

Bowling Green State University
avatar for Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti

Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti

Bowling Green State University
XW

Xihui Wang

University of Connecticut
TK

Tereia Kuhns

Regent University
AL

Alexander Laudeman

Middle Tennessee State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

12:00pm PDT

Innovative Uses of AI in Live Production
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This session will focus on specific Innovative Uses of AI in Live Production plus other real world production applications that BEA Member Universities have implemented during the 2026-27 Academic Year to meet their unique production requirements and instructional needs. Customer examples will focus on how educators phased in new solutions this year by adding to existing workflows during a conservative budget cycle. Open Q&A session will follow.
 

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W313

12:00pm PDT

That's an Assignment?!
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This panel explores assignments that on paper may seem odd, unusual, or far-fetched for students but in the end, have a strong impact on the classroom. Drawing upon their own experience, panelists share their experiences with some creative assignments that both surprise and deliver.
Moderator: Jonathan Vinson, Huntington University
Panelists: Kim Fox, American University in Cairo
Jonathan Vinson, Huntington University
Samuel Varghese
Moderators
JV

Jonathan Vinson

Huntington University
Speakers
avatar for Kim Fox

Kim Fox

Professor of Practice, American University in Cairo
The first and only double BEA Best of Festival Winner in the same year; podcaster (Ehky Ya Masr Podcast) and executor of the podcasting trifecta: teaching, researching and producing podcasts.
https://soundcloud.com/ehkyyamasr

Founder and organizer of PodFest Cairo, Egypt and Africa... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W315

12:00pm PDT

Social Media Special Interest Group - Research-in-Progress
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
BEA is debuting Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in 2026.  The Social Media SIG seeks scholarship that examines the ever-evolving role of social media. Topics can include engagement, algorithms, ethics, pedagogy, misinformation & more.

Moderator: Amanda Czuprynski, Regent University

Panelists: Tabitha Ann Bartoe, Regent University; Exploring The Impact of Meteorologists’ Language on Public Response

Mohammed Huraysi, King Khalid University; Mobilizing the Margins: A Frame Analysis of Zohran Mamdani’s Digital Campaign Strategy and Audience Activation

Michael R. Kotowski, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Christopher J. Carpenter, Western Illinois University; Catherine A. Luther, University of Tennessee,Knoxville; Matthew J. A. Craig, Central Michigan University; Benjamin D. Horne, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Martin Johannes Riedl, University of Tennessee; Opinion Leaders’ Social Media Usage and Counter-Misinformation Practices

Yanqin Lu, Bowling Green State University; Yining Yan, Shanghai International Studies University; Social media influencers equalize civic engagement gaps: Evidence from a national survey in China
Moderators
avatar for Amanda Czuprynski

Amanda Czuprynski

Regent University
Speakers
CL

Catherine Luther

University of Tennessee @ Knoxville
TB

Tabitha Bartoe

Regent University
MH

Mohammed Huraysi

King Khalid University
YL

Yanqin Lu

Bowling Green State University
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W311

12:00pm PDT

From Challenge to Creativity: International Documentary Production in Low-Resource Environments
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Making an international documentary in low-resource settings requires creativity amid unpredictable conditions. Filmmakers may work alone in unfamiliar cultures, face ethical questions about representation, and confront how their own experiences shape the narrative. While such challenges can be disorienting, they often open unexpected possibilities for deeper reflection and more innovative documentary storytelling.

Moderator: Sangsun Choi, Kennesaw State University
Panelists: Larry Tung, Fashion Institute of Technology
Jiachun Hong, Utah Tech University
Robin Canfield, Actuality Abroad
Tynymgul Eshieva, Assistant Professor, American University of Central Asia
Moderators
avatar for Sangsun Choi

Sangsun Choi

Assistant Professor, Kennesaw State University
Sangsun Choi is a visual storyteller who focuses on discovering the unique meaning behind ordinary life. He believes that this value can be revealed through exquisite observation and artistic representation. Originally from South Korea, he has created dozens of works about child labor... Read More →
Speakers
TE

Tynymgul Eshieva

Assistant Professor, American University in Central Asia
avatar for Robin Canfield

Robin Canfield

Director of International Programs, Actuality Abroad
Robin Canfield is an accomplished storyteller, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. He co-founded Actuality Abroad and leads documentary workshops around the world, producing films that highlight the efforts of local changemakers. Under his guidance, Actuality Abroad has mentored... Read More →
avatar for LARRY TUNG

LARRY TUNG

Assistant Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology
Assistant Professor
Department of Marketing Communications
FashionInstitute ofTechnology
Documentary filmmaker
avatar for Jiachun Hong

Jiachun Hong

Assistant Professor of Digital Media, Utah Tech University
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W304

12:00pm PDT

Teaching TV History in the Streaming Era
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This panel is designed for instructors teaching either explicit broadcast history courses, or classes that incorporate historical learning outcomes, addressing a student population who has come of age in a time of increased digital media consumption and reduced engagement with traditional over-the-air television. Panelists will discuss best practices for teaching the historical formation of U.S. broadcast systems and technology, regulation and production practices, attending to the challenges of teaching subjects that are difficult to discuss, such as nuclear holocaust in The Day After or programs such as The Cosby Show, strategies to expand curriculum beyond the major networks and primetime schedules, and ways to incorporate historical content into other media studies courses. Time will be allotted for engaged discussion with panel attendees.
Moderator: Eleanor Patterson, Auburn University
Panelists: Kyra Hunting, University of Kentucky
Alfred Leonard Martin, University of Miami
Eleanor Patterson, Auburn University
Molly Schneider, Columbia College Chicago
Moderators
avatar for Eleanor Patterson

Eleanor Patterson

Auburn University
Speakers
KH

Kyra Hunting

The University of Kentucky, United States of America
MS

Molly Schneider

Associate Professor, Columbia College Chicago
AM

Alfred Martin

University of Miami
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W309

12:00pm PDT

2026 Communication Technology Update
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This panel explores the latest developments in communication technologies, including electronic mass media, computers, health care, consumer electronics, networking, and telephony, with special emphasis on how AI, regulatory climate, and climate change are impacting the communication industries. The second half of the session will be an interactive discussion among the attendees and the presenters, designed to allow all BEA participants to contribute to our understanding of the trajectory of these technologies.
Moderator: Augie Grant, University of South Carolina--Retired
Panelists: Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University
Jeffrey Wilkinson, Florida A&M University
Sharon Baldinelli, Ph.D, MPH, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Eric P Robinson, University of South Carolina
Moderators
avatar for Augie Grant

Augie Grant

University of South Carolina--Retired
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Meadows

Jennifer Meadows

Professor, Chico State University
Jennifer Meadows is a Professor of Media Arts in the Media Arts, Design, and Technology Department at California State University, Chico.  She is the 2025-2026 BEA President.  Her research and teaching focuses on communication technology, emerging technologies, diversity and inclusion... Read More →
avatar for Jeff Wilkinson

Jeff Wilkinson

Professor, Florida A&M University
avatar for Eric  Robinson

Eric Robinson

Associate Professor, University of South Carolina
avatar for Sharon Baldinelli, Ph.D, MPH

Sharon Baldinelli, Ph.D, MPH

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W307

12:00pm PDT

The Future Is Freelance in the Digital World: Race, Gender, and Journalism
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
The journalism landscape is quickly changing, with many prominent voices leaving traditional TV and newsroom roles to pursue independent careers through podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and social media platforms. For journalists like Don Lemon, Jemele Hill, and others, this shift offers both new opportunities and major challenges. Especially for Black women and minority journalists, independence gives greater autonomy and direct links with audiences, but it also raises important questions about visibility, sustainability, and systemic inequalities.
Another vital aspect to explore is the increasing overlap between journalists and influencers. As journalists use the same platforms as influencers, questions about credibility, authority, branding, and how audiences view “news” in the digital age come up. Should we be preparing students to navigate—or even embrace—this overlap? What ethical, professional, and pedagogical strategies can we provide to help them balance reporting with personal voice and audience engagement?
Panelists will share insights and teaching strategies on how to educate for this new era of journalism, and whether (and how) these roles should be integrated into our curricula.
Moderator: Brittney Nix-Crawford, University of North Carolina Charlotte
Panelists:
Sheri Janine Booker, Morgan State University
Jayne Cubbage, Bowie State University
Moderators
avatar for Brittney Nix-Crawford

Brittney Nix-Crawford

Lecturer Professor of Communication Studies and Journalism, University of North Carolina Charlotte


Speakers
JC

Jayne Cubbage

Bowie State University
avatar for Sheri Booker

Sheri Booker

Lecturer, Morgan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W306

12:00pm PDT

Making Magic: Where Storytelling Meets Strategy and Technology
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
This panel of industry professionals demonstrate how to create compelling narratives, leverage strategic marketing, and utilize technical excellence to transform ordinary podcasts into standout media experiences. Rather than treating these elements as separate skill sets, the session demonstrates how their integration creates podcasts that not only captivate audiences but build sustainable, growing communities.

Moderator: Brenda K Jaskulske, University of North Texas
Panelists: Valerie GELLER, Geller Media International
Gagan Nirula, National Association of Broadcasters
Josh Miely, National Association of Broadcasters,
Michael Khatcheressian, Coaster Radio podcast
Sandy Warr, City St George’s University
Moderators
avatar for Brenda K. Jaskulske

Brenda K. Jaskulske

Principal Lecturer, University of North Texas
Teach audio, podcasting, radio history, and multi-camera video production courses at the University of North Texas.  Member, Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors. Voice Talent.
Speakers
avatar for Sandy Warr

Sandy Warr

Senior Lecturer, City St George’s University
Hello, (First timer here)
I am a multi award winning Radio anchor (BBC and commercial) and a Senior Lecturer in Audio and Podcasting at City St George's University where I developed and launched a dedicated MA in Podcasting. I also teach some of our modules for study abroad students on how to understand London... Read More →
GN

Gagan Nirula

National Association of Broadcasters
avatar for Valerie GELLER

Valerie GELLER

Author/ Intl Broadcast Consultant/Trainer, Geller Media International
Valerie Geller trains broadcasters and podcasters in 35 countries to be more effective, engaging and powerful communicators and to help grow their audiences.Valerie Geller’s new third edition of BEYOND POWERFUL RADIO — An Audio Communicator’s Guide to the Digital World for News... Read More →
JM

Josh Miely

National Association of Broadcasters
avatar for Michael Khatcheressian

Michael Khatcheressian

Creator of CoasterRadio Podcast and award-winning video producer, Coaster Radio Podcast
Michael Khatcheressian is an Emmy winning producer, director and editor. He has over 25 years of experience creating innovative programming for national networks, local broadcast stations, production companies and organizations.

Mike is currently vice president of media production for the National Association of Broadcasters.  He produces high-profile video productions, national television spots, online media and live, interactive programming for the organization. He creates original content for NAB’s... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W310

12:00pm PDT

Service Learning & Community Engagement Division Meeting & Showcase
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. Join us to share ideas that connect students, communities, and media practice.

Meet with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair:  Erika Grodzki, Lynn University
Vice Chair: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama
Vice Chair: Kim Zarkin, Westminster University

This annual competition recognizes service learning and/or Community Engagement project samples from active faculty or Scholastic Highschool teacher participants that engage their students through community awareness, preservation, and heartfelt endeavors.
2026 Winner: Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania; Project Green Lancaster
Moderators
avatar for Dr. Erika Grodzki

Dr. Erika Grodzki

Professor, Lynn University

Speakers
avatar for Chandra Clark

Chandra Clark

Associate Professor, University of Alabama
Multimedia journalism educator, electronic news/broadcast producer for life, and community journalism advocate. The transition from professional newsroom and freelance producer/pr practitioner includes helping the public and educators understand the role of broadcast journalism in... Read More →
avatar for Stacey O. Irwin

Stacey O. Irwin

Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →
KZ

Kim Zarkin

Westminster University
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W302

12:00pm PDT

How Media Shapes the Mainstreaming of Sports Gambling: A Beyond Sports Initiative Discussion
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
One of the four main focus areas of the University of Alabama's Beyond Sports Initiative focuses on the role sports gambling/gaming plays in modern society. This panel will focus on past findings and future investigations in the area, ranging from connections between betting and media dependency, the ubiquitous nature of sports media advertising/sponsorship, and the development of a sports betting addiction scale.
Moderator: Michael Bruce, University of Alabama
Panelists: Andrew C. Billings, University of Alabama
Brody Ruihley, Miami University (Oxford)
Travis R. Bell, University of South Florida

Moderators
avatar for Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Dept. Chair, Associate Professor & Director of Digital Media Center, University of Alabama

Speakers
TR

Travis R. Bell

Associate Professor, University of South Florida
avatar for Andrew C. Billings

Andrew C. Billings

University of Alabama

avatar for Brody Ruihley

Brody Ruihley

Miami University (Oxford)

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W308

12:00pm PDT

The State of College Media: Insight From The 2025 National Student Media Convention
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
The College Broadcasters Inc. host the National Student Media Convention each year and attract hundreds of students who work at college media outlets all around the country. This panel will feature members of the CBI Board of Directors who will share what they learned about the current state of college media from their interactions with attendees at their most recent convention in Denver.

Moderator: John W. Owens, University of Cincinnati; Vice President, CBI
Panelists: Anabella P Poland, Montclair State University - WMSC FM; President, CBI
John Devecka, Loyola University Maryland, Development Director, CBI
 Jasen Sokol, John Carroll University
Steven Hames, Berry College
Moderators
avatar for John W. Owens

John W. Owens

Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati
Speakers
avatar for Steven Hames

Steven Hames

Adviser, VIking Fusion - Berry College

avatar for Jasen Sokol

Jasen Sokol

Director/General Manager, WJCU 88.7 FM, John Carroll University
I'm the Director and General Manager of WJCU, the radio station at John Carroll University.
avatar for Anabella Poland

Anabella Poland

President, College Broadcasters, Inc.
General Manager of WMSC-FM, leading the station to national recognition including "Best College Radio Station" awards and six National Broadcasters Association Marconi Award nominations. Previously served as Director of Talent & Industry Relations at SiriusXM Radio and Segment Producer... Read More →
avatar for John Devecka

John Devecka

Operations Manager, WLOY, and CBI Development Director, Loyola University Maryland
Feel free to ask me about community engagement projects, alumni engagement and general radio stuff.  4 years at WVBU FM in college, 12 years building radio stations followed by 21 years running WLOY Loyola Radio in Baltimore.  I've seen some stuff 😂

I am Groot, CBI Development Director as well... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W312

12:00pm PDT

From Campus to Kickoff: Building the Valley Sports Network
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
San Bernardino Valley College is launching the Valley Sports Network (VSN)—a student-run, faculty-guided initiative blending journalism and live sports media. This session explores how an academic program can create a professional-grade sports brand from the ground up. Attendees will see how VSN integrates traditional reporting with real-time sports coverage through:

Mini-Documentaries spotlighting SBVC’s football program and the student-athletes who power it.
Broadcast Segments for the college’s half-hour news show, bringing game highlights and in-depth features to a wider audience.
Social & App-Based Interstitials designed for TikTok, Instagram, and the KVCR app—short-form storytelling for the next generation of sports fans.
The power of faculty led projects powered by student staff.

Panelists will share production workflows, cross-disciplinary training methods, and strategies for mentoring students in a converged newsroom environment. Whether you teach broadcast journalism, manage a campus station, or want to bridge sports and storytelling, you’ll learn how to launch a sustainable, scalable sports network that prepares students for the rapidly evolving sports media industry.

Moderator: Kevin Lyons, San Bernardino Valley College
Panelists: Nicholas Ronald Van Luven, San Bernardino Valley College
Juan Francisco Brambila, San Bernardino Valley College
Moderators
KL

Kevin Lyons

San Bernardino Valley College
Speakers
NV

Nicholas Van Luven

San Bernardino Valley College
avatar for Juan Francisco Brambila

Juan Francisco Brambila

Intern III, San Bernardino Valley College
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W303

12:00pm PDT

Writing Textbooks that Win
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Explore winning strategies for textbook authors—from safeguarding IP to contract negotiation and choosing a publishing path.

This session follows the unconference format: rather than a fixed agenda, participants collectively shape the discussion and share expertise, so everyone’s questions and insights take center stage.

Join fellow attendees for a lively, peer-driven exploration of writing prep, workflows, and the pros and cons of self-publishing, academic, and corporate publishing.

Moderator: Robb Montgomery
Facilitators: William Hanff, Peter Orlik
Moderator: Robb B Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP
Panelists: William Hanff, University of District of Columbia
Peter B. Orlik, Central Michigan University (emeritus)
Moderators
avatar for Robb Montgomery

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism
Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs.   He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for William Hanff

William Hanff

Assistant Professor, University of District of Columbia
William Hanff received his BA in Radio/Television from the George Washington University (GWU) in 1994, his MS in Broadcasting from Boston University (BU) in 1996, and his Ph.D. in Media Philosophy from the European Graduate School (EGS) in 2006. His dissertation title was “Documentary... Read More →
avatar for Peter B. Orlik

Peter B. Orlik

Central Michigan University (emeritus)
BEA's Scholarship Committee Chair
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W305

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - MICHEL HAIGH
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

MICHEL HAIGH's research focus is on: Mass Media; Public Relations

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Quantitative Content Analysis


Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Michel M. Haigh

Michel M. Haigh

Professor, Texas State University
Michel M. Haigh brings a mix of practical and teaching experience to her position at Texas State. She joined the faculty in July of 2017. lty at Penn State from 2006-2017 where she taught public relations writing, campaigns, research methods, freshmen seminar, and mass media and society... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - AUGIE GRANT
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

AUGIE GRANT's research focus is on: New media; audience behavior; convergent journalism; teaching mass media

Approaches: Quantitative & Qualitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Observation
Scale Development & Validation
Interview
Participant Observation
Focus Group
Network Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Augie Grant

Augie Grant

University of South Carolina--Retired
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SERENA MILLER
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SERENA MILLER's research focus is on: Sociology of knowledge, art, & science; concept explication and qualitative and quantitative theory building; scale development and validation; alternative journalism; Journalism practice; professional boundary management

Approaches: Critical, Qualitative & Quantitative

Methods: Observation, Scale, Development & Validation, Quantitative Survey, Quantitative, Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Consensual Qualitative Analysis, Interview Participant, observation, Focus group, Visual methods, Thematic analysis, Textual analysis. Quantitative Ethnography & Action Research

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Serena Miller

Serena Miller

Michigan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - CORY ARMSTRONG
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

CORY ARMSTRONG's research focus is on: gender, disaster communication, news content, decision-making

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Meta-analysis
Focus group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - GLENN CUMMINS
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

GLENN CUMMINS's research focus is on: Sports Media; Media Psychology; Parasocial Interaction; Biometrics

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Eye-tracking
Cognitive/media neuroscience

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Glenn Cummins

Glenn Cummins

Professor, Texas Tech University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

CAA's Great Ideas for Assessment (GIFA)
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
The BEA Great Ideas for Assessment (GIFA) is a forum where faculty can share their expertise in assignment assessment techniques, effective program evaluation methods, or streamlined accreditation processes. GIFA provides the platform to share your expertise with colleagues facing similar challenges. Come see the 2026 GIFAs.
Moderator: Timothy E. Bajkiewicz, Virginia Commonwealth University
Panelists: Weiyan Wang, Missouri State University; Assessing Growth, Coherence, and Outcomes in a Flexible Audio Production Curriculum;
Tamara J. Welter, Baylor University; Teaching for Retention in the Age of AI: An Oral Final Exam Model
Gretchen Macchiarella, California State University, Northridge; Data Collection in Canvas for All Levels of Assessment
Chad Whittle, Georgia College & State University; Using Audio Quizzes as an Assessment Tool in a Podcasting Course
Caroline E. Sawyer, University of South Carolina, Beaufort; Advisory Boards as Evaluative Infrastructure: A Framework for Industry-Aligned Assessment in Production Education
Moderators
avatar for Tim Bajkiewicz

Tim Bajkiewicz

Associate Professor, Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture (formerly School of Mass Comm), Virginia Commonwealth University
Assoc. Prof. of Broadcast Journalism
Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Speakers
avatar for Gretchen Macchiarella

Gretchen Macchiarella

associate professor, California State University- Northridge
I focus on emerging technologies and how journalists can use them, both professionally and in academic settings. 
avatar for Chad Whittle

Chad Whittle

Assistant Professor of Communication, Georgia College & State University
avatar for Weiyan Wang

Weiyan Wang

Asso. Professor, Missouri State University
avatar for Tamara Welter

Tamara Welter

Baylor University
CS

Caroline Sawyer

University of South Carolina Beaufort
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W304

1:15pm PDT

History Division Meeting
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Understanding where media has been helps us imagine where it is going so come and be part of the conversation on preserving and interpreting media history.

Join the History Division meeting in Las Vegas to connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: George Henry Bovenizer, University of South Alabama
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Hailey Baldock, York University
Moderators
avatar for George Bovenizer

George Bovenizer

Assistant Professor, Broadcast Journalism, University of South Alabama
Hello. I'm an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of South Alabama. Before joining the faculty in 2021, I had an award-winning 27-year career in broadcast journalism. I worked at NBCUniversal in Los Angeles for the last 14 years of my professional... Read More →
Speakers
HB

Hailey Baldock

PhD Student, History, York University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W303

1:15pm PDT

The Impact and Advantages of an International Background in Academia
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
This panel explores the distinctive advantages that professors with international backgrounds bring to the classroom. Initially, each panelist will share their personal narratives, highlighting how experiences abroad have shaped their pedagogical approaches and informed their research trajectories. Subsequently, a moderated discussion will delve into the broader implications of international experience including how an international background influences teaching and curriculum development, and the role of cultural diversity in fostering an innovative academic atmosphere.
Moderator: Roxane Coche, University of Florida
Panelists: Erika Grodzki, Lynn University
Helena Vanhala, Robert Morris University
William Davie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Hyacinth Balediata Bangero, Bowling Green State University
Camilo Perez Quintero, Regis University
Moderators
avatar for Roxane Coche

Roxane Coche

University of Florida
Speakers
avatar for Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Bowling Green State University

CP

camilo perez quintero

Regis University
avatar for William Davie

William Davie

Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Dr. William R. (Bill) Davie holds a professorship from the Louisiana Board of Regents and is the Mass Communication/Broadcasting Coordinator for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has authored and coauthored research papers, journal articles, and books on electronic media... Read More →
HV

Helena Vanhala

Robert Morris University
avatar for Dr. Erika Grodzki

Dr. Erika Grodzki

Professor, Lynn University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W309

1:15pm PDT

Telcom Update 2026 - Everything about media is changing.
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
What is the state of media universe?Telcom Update is now 30 years old and the media world is changing rapidly; there are many questions. Do services like YouTubeTV and Sling spell the end of cable? Will AI spell death to copyright and change ‘Fair Use’? How will AI impact local journalism? Are broadcasters and cable ready for the fragmentation of sports? Should there be a federal right of publicity law? Will the FCC change ownership rules? Can Next Gen TV save broadcasters? Can rural public radio survive without federal funding? With the FCC’s new 2025 EEO rules is DEI dead? What will state-level age verification laws do to the Internet? Finally, there are many difficult questions for the Supreme Court on what role government has in the new media frontier. These issues are some that will be addressed in this year’s panel.

Moderator: Fritz J. Messere, SUNY - Oswego
Panelists: Kim A. Zarkin, Westminster University, Current First Amendment Issues in Media 
Laurie Thomas Lee, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Important Privacy Issues Related to Media
Amy Sindik, Central Michigan University, FCC and Regulatory Issues Impacting Broadcasting 
Paul J. MacArthur, Utica University, Cable, Satellite and Online Video Issues 
Moderators
avatar for Fritz J. Messere

Fritz J. Messere

Retired Dean, SUNY - Oswego
I am the retired Founding Dean of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at SUNY Oswego.  Prior to that I was chair and professor of broadcasting and telecommunications in the Communication Studies department.  I am a long-time (meaning old) member of BEA and have chaired... Read More →
Speakers
PM

Paul MacArthur

Professor, Utica University
avatar for Laurie Lee

Laurie Lee

Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
AS

Amy Sindik

Central Michigan University
KZ

Kim Zarkin

Westminster University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W312

1:15pm PDT

Exploring the 100 Best Black Podcasts of 2025 and Their Impact
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
This panel will explore the content of the 100 Best Black Podcasts as well as their creators based on the list generated by FeedSpot. In addition to exploring the hosts and content, we'll explore metrics for the top performers via social media metrics such as Facebook, Twitter and IG followers. Panelists also will explore various formats and key topics that range from "The Read," which focuses on hip-hop and pop culture, to "Black Girl Finance" for "money minded sisters."

Moderator/panelist: Kim Fox of American University in Cairo. Other confirmed panelists: Dorothy Bland of the University of North Texas, Marquita Smith of the University of Mississippi. Up to two more panelists could be added, including a male podcaster who made the top 100 list. We are inviting John Allen Hendricks, a department and of mass communication at Stephen F. Ausin University in Nacogdoches and author of several books including Radio's Second Century and The Radio Station: Broadcasting, Podcasting, and Streaming.)
Moderator: Dorothy Bland, University of North Texas
Panelists: Kim Fox, American University in Cairo
Marquita Smith, University of Mississippi
John Allen Hendricks, Stephen F. Austin State University
Moderators
avatar for Dorothy Bland

Dorothy Bland

Professor, University of North Texas
Dorothy M. Bland, Ph.D., is a journalism professor at the University of North Texas Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism. In 2019, she was honored as one of the top 35 women in higher education by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. During her tenure as a journalism dean, student enrollment, faculty and staff grew. Under her leadership, the Mayborn launched a master’s degree in digital communication analytics plus earned AEJMC’s Equity and Diversity Award. She worked 25 years in the news industry... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kim Fox

Kim Fox

Professor of Practice, American University in Cairo
The first and only double BEA Best of Festival Winner in the same year; podcaster (Ehky Ya Masr Podcast) and executor of the podcasting trifecta: teaching, researching and producing podcasts.
https://soundcloud.com/ehkyyamasr

Founder and organizer of PodFest Cairo, Egypt and Africa... Read More →
avatar for John Allen Hendricks

John Allen Hendricks

Professor & Chair, Stephen F. Austin State University
avatar for Marquita Smith

Marquita Smith

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research, University of Mississippi
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W310

1:15pm PDT

Aircheck: The Student Newscast Experience
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
The student-produced newscast is a hallmark of many mass communication programs; however, the experience students get can vary drastically at different universities. From differences in technology to facilities to scheduling, no two newscast classes are quite the same. On this panel, faculty from four universities will discuss how they guide aspiring broadcast journalists through their student newscast experience.

Moderator: Dr. Bruce Finklea, University of Montevallo,

Panelists:
Dr. Richard Previte, Liberty University,
Boriana Treadwell, University of Miami,
Dr. Dwayne Cheddar, Oakwood University,
Anjelica Trinone, West Virginia University,
Moderators
avatar for Bruce Finklea

Bruce Finklea

Professor and Coordinator of Mass Communication, University of Montevallo
Speakers
avatar for Boriana Treadwell

Boriana Treadwell

Senior Lecturer, University of Miami

AT

Anjelica Trinone

West Virginia University
DC

Dwayne Cheddar

Professor of Communication,, Oakwood University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W307

1:15pm PDT

Three Case Studies: Preparing Students for Meaningful Community Leadership
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
This panel explores how democratic discourse, community problem-solving, leadership, and civic engagement can be fostered through communication courses. Presenters share insights on how their courses have empowered students to gain knowledge, build leadership skills, and develop potential solutions for pressing social issues, such as climate change, homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges among youth. Through these courses in professional communication, web writing, and sports reporting, communication students hone their skills in sports communication, web design, and advanced public speaking.

Moderator: Glenda R Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas
Professional Communication Capstone Assignment: Teaching Leadership, Citizenship, and Engagement

Panelists:
Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Writing Toward Understanding: A Civic Engagement Study Through Sustainability Web Writing
Adam J. Kuban, Ball State University, Taking the Lead to Fulfill a Need: Reviving Local HS Sports Coverage to Strengthen Community Connections
Moderators
avatar for Glenda Balas

Glenda Balas

Professor, University of North Texas - Dallas
Dr. Glenda Balas is a Professor in Communication and Technology at the University of North Texas at Dallas. She was formerly Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNT Dallas; Professor and Chair of the Communication and Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico; and Chair... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Adam Kuban

Adam Kuban

Professor, Ball State University
Professor — reporting & writing, documentary storytelling, sports, science/sustainability, community engagement, (critical) service learning, project-based curriculum
avatar for Stacey O. Irwin

Stacey O. Irwin

Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W305

1:15pm PDT

Skills vs. Specialization: Preparing Students for Sports Media and Beyond
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
This panel examines the ongoing conversation between teaching broad, transferable academic skills and preparing students for specific sports media careers. Educators will explore how universities can best equip students with writing, research, and critical thinking skills while also addressing the demand for technical training and job-ready experience. Panelists will also highlight how these skills apply beyond sports media, providing graduates with pathways into communications and related industries.

Moderator: Chris Bacon, Middle Tennessee State University
Speakers: Eric Esterline, University of Florida
Moderators
avatar for Chris Bacon

Chris Bacon

Middle Tennessee State University
Speakers
avatar for Eric Esterline

Eric Esterline

Senior Lecturer, University of Florida
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W308

1:15pm PDT

The Future of Radio: Communal and Generational Impact of Student Voices in College Radio Part Duex
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Year two for a panel of students offering their voices on their importance to college radio. Hear about the new and different perspectives college students provide, including their experiences in college radio. Listen to how they encourage others to speak up/out when they see their peers doing the same. They will discuss the challenges of running a station and working with their peers. Lastly, hear the truths they want their leaders to know.

Moderator: Shawn Isaacs, University of West Georgia
Panelists: Seth Berquist, Indiana State University
Jay Jacinto, UT-Arlington
Lauren Koppelmann, John Carroll University
Drew Walker, University of West Georgia

Moderators
avatar for Shawn Isaacs

Shawn Isaacs

General Manager, University of West Georgia
I have 25 combined years of radio experience in small market radio and college radio. As the General Manager of WOLF Radio since 2010 and WOLF Sports Network since 2014, I've lead students to Atlanta market jobs and over 30 national and international award reconitions. The most prized... Read More →
Speakers
SB

Seth Berquist

Indiana State University
JJ

Jay Jacinto

University of Texas at Arlington
LK

Lauren Koppelmann

John Carroll University
AW

Andrew Walker

University of West Georgia
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W311

1:15pm PDT

Writing Division Division Meeting
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Strong media begins with strong writing.  Join us to talk about creativity, craft, and the evolving role of writing across platforms.

Connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Melissa Jackson, CloudCatcher Productions
Vice Chair: Leslie Kreiner Wilson, Pepperdine University
Paper Chair: Carey Martin, Liberty University
Moderators
MJ

Melissa Jackson

CloudCatcher Productions
Speakers
avatar for Carey Martin

Carey Martin

Professor, Liberty University
screenwriting, directing, film & television history
LK

Leslie Kreiner Wilson

Pepperdine University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W302

1:15pm PDT

From Tool to Partner: A Practical Playbook for Ethical, Transparent AI Collaboration
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
In the evolving landscape of scholarship, artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative collaborator, augmenting the capabilities of researchers across disciplines. By leveraging AI tools for data analysis, literature synthesis, and creative ideation, scholars can accelerate discovery while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Crucially, this collaboration does not require ceding our intellectual independence; rather, it invites a redefinition of scholarly agency—where human judgment, ethical reasoning, critical interpretation, and moral application remain central. AI serves as a catalyst for innovation, enhancing our ability to recognize patterns, explore complex questions, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. As such, integrating AI into academic practice represents not a surrender of autonomy, but a strategic partnership that requires a digital mindset and expands the horizons of 21st-century research.
Moderator: Mary E Myers, Regent University
Panelists: Robert Mott, Liberty University
Wes Hartley, Liberty University
Moderators
avatar for Mary E. Myers

Mary E. Myers

Assistant Professor, DSC Program Coordinator, Regent University
I am full-time faculty at Regent University and work primarily in Regent University’s Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) program. The DSC degree program is a one-of-a-kind, applied doctoral degree program, like a JD or MD. It incorporates real-world, real-life applications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Robert Mott

Robert Mott

Communication Department Chair, Online, Liberty University
WH

Wes Hartley

Liberty University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W306

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - MICHEL HAIGH
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

MICHEL HAIGH's research focus is on: Mass Media; Public Relations

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Quantitative Content Analysis


Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Michel M. Haigh

Michel M. Haigh

Professor, Texas State University
Michel M. Haigh brings a mix of practical and teaching experience to her position at Texas State. She joined the faculty in July of 2017. lty at Penn State from 2006-2017 where she taught public relations writing, campaigns, research methods, freshmen seminar, and mass media and society... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SHUHUA ZHOU
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SHUHUA ZHOU's research focus is on: Media effects, media psychology, AI communicators

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
Cognitive/media neuroscience
Eye-tracking

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

Shuhua Zhou

City University of Hong Kong
Dr. Shuhua Zhou is a Chair Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at City University of Hong Kong. He previously served as the Leonard H. Goldenson Professor in Radio and Television Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism and was a professor and associate dean... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - AUGIE GRANT
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

AUGIE GRANT's research focus is on: New media; audience behavior; convergent journalism; teaching mass media

Approaches: Quantitative & Qualitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Observation
Scale Development & Validation
Interview
Participant Observation
Focus Group
Network Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Augie Grant

Augie Grant

University of South Carolina--Retired
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SERENA MILLER
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SERENA MILLER's research focus is on: Sociology of knowledge, art, & science; concept explication and qualitative and quantitative theory building; scale development and validation; alternative journalism; Journalism practice; professional boundary management

Approaches: Critical, Qualitative & Quantitative

Methods: Observation, Scale, Development & Validation, Quantitative Survey, Quantitative, Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Consensual Qualitative Analysis, Interview Participant, observation, Focus group, Visual methods, Thematic analysis, Textual analysis. Quantitative Ethnography & Action Research

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Serena Miller

Serena Miller

Michigan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - STEPHEN PERRY
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

STEVE PERRY's research focus is on: Media History, Peace Journalism, Disaster Warning Dissemination, Media Effects, Religious Communication

Approaches: Critical
Qualitative
Quantitative
History

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
History
Interview
Thematic Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Steve Perry

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University
Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee. 
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - GLENN CUMMINS
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

GLENN CUMMINS's research focus is on: Sports Media; Media Psychology; Parasocial Interaction; Biometrics

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Eye-tracking
Cognitive/media neuroscience

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Glenn Cummins

Glenn Cummins

Professor, Texas Tech University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - ROGER COOPER
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

ROGER COOPER's research focus is on: Audience Analysis, Sports, Olympics, Professional Development for Creative Professions

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Quantitative
Survey
Interview
Focus Group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
RC

Roger Cooper

Associate Professor, Ohio University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SHUHUA ZHOU
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SHUHUA ZHOU's research focus is on: Media effects, media psychology, AI communicators

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
Cognitive/media neuroscience
Eye-tracking

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

Shuhua Zhou

City University of Hong Kong
Dr. Shuhua Zhou is a Chair Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at City University of Hong Kong. He previously served as the Leonard H. Goldenson Professor in Radio and Television Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism and was a professor and associate dean... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - CORY ARMSTRONG
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

CORY ARMSTRONG's research focus is on: gender, disaster communication, news content, decision-making

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Meta-analysis
Focus group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - STEPHEN PERRY
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

STEVE PERRY's research focus is on: Media History, Peace Journalism, Disaster Warning Dissemination, Media Effects, Religious Communication

Approaches: Critical
Qualitative
Quantitative
History

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
History
Interview
Thematic Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Steve Perry

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University
Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee. 
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - ROGER COPPER
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

ROGER COOPER's research focus is on: Audience Analysis, Sports, Olympics, Professional Development for Creative Professions

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Quantitative
Survey
Interview
Focus Group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
RC

Roger Cooper

Associate Professor, Ohio University

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

Applying for BEA Scholarships @ the BEA Info Desk
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Stop by the BEA Booth in the exhibit hall and find out about what scholarships are available to BEA student members. 
Hosted by BEA Scholarship Committee Chair: Peter B. Orlik, Central Michigan University
Speakers
avatar for Peter B. Orlik

Peter B. Orlik

Central Michigan University (emeritus)
BEA's Scholarship Committee Chair
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby

2:15pm PDT

Faculty Research-in-Progress Digital Poster - Session 1
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Moderator: Rebecca Ann Lind, University of Illinois at Chicago

Ginger E. Blackstone, University of Arkansas; A Modern Course Design Challenge: Embracing and Implementing A.I. Tools Ethically in Journalism Education

Ed Youngblood, Auburn University; Susan Ann Youngblood, Auburn University & Angie Chung, Auburn University; Audience reactions to the AI-generated country song Walk My Walk

Marquita Smith, University of Mississippi; Bars of Liberation: Hip-Hop Feminism, Lyrical Self-Definition, and the Multiplicity of Black Womanhood

Ashley Larson, San Francisco State University & Morgan Butler, Lindenwood University; Breaking Down the Feed: Understanding the Sources Behind Social Media News Consumption

Gregory Pitts, Middle Tennessee State University & Twange Kasoma, Appalachian State University; Misinformation, Social Media, and Democratic Backsliding in Georgia

Cheryl Bracken, Bowling Green State University & Bridget Rubenking, University of Central Florida; Moral Representations in Streaming and Broadcast and Cable Programming

Robert O. Apiyo, University of Tampa; Osman Osman, New York University & Kevin Charles Mudavadi, Georgia State University; Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and the Digital Divide: Challenges, Lessons, and Opportunities in the Global South

**Kyle J. Miller, Northwest Missouri State University & Christina C Smith, Georgia College; Navigating the unknown: Analyzing general managers’ perceptions of federal funding cuts to NPR stations in a Midwestern state

Please see attached poster and click on the poster to listen to the presentation.

Moderators
avatar for Rebecca Ann Lind

Rebecca Ann Lind

Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Speakers
avatar for Robert O. Apiyo

Robert O. Apiyo

University of Tampa
avatar for Ed Youngblood

Ed Youngblood

Professor, Auburn University
I'm a professor of Media Studies at Auburn University. My current research looks at media accessibility, with a focus on online media, including websites and video captions, though I'm hoping to begin doing some media technology history research in the next year or two. From a teaching... Read More →
avatar for Bridget Rubenking

Bridget Rubenking

University of Central Florida

avatar for Gregory Pitts

Gregory Pitts

Professor, School of Journalism and Strategic Media, Middle Tennessee State University
avatar for Marquita Smith

Marquita Smith

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research, University of Mississippi
avatar for Kyle J. Miller

Kyle J. Miller

Associate Professor, Northwest Missouri State University
I'm an associate professor at the Northwest Missouri State University School of Communication and Mass Media. I teach media writing, broadcasting/digital, sports media and media literacy courses. I also oversee our Mass Media program's Senior Seminar course and Professional Advisory... Read More →
avatar for Ginger Blackstone

Ginger Blackstone

Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
Interests: Live TV production, streaming, the news industry, artificial intelligence, Cultivation Theory, framing, broadcast, digital platforms, and sometimes political media.

I received my Ph.D. from the University of Florida (2016). I teach broadcast and multimedia journalism cl... Read More →
avatar for Cheryl Bracken

Cheryl Bracken

Bowling Green State University
SA

Susan Ann Youngblood

Auburn University
MB

Morgan Butler

Lindenwood University
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

2:30pm PDT

AERho Honor Society questions answered @ the BEA Info Desk
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
AERho Honor Society questions answered @ the BEA Booth
Stop by the BEA Booth and ask questions about BEA’s Institutional Honor Society Alpha Epsilon Rho (AERho). Find out about honor society requirements, induction options, application windows and resources available to faculty who are interested in nominating students and alumni information.

The incoming 2026 class as well as other active alumni members may pick induction ceremony materials and exclusive AERho member swag at this time and location as well. 

Hosted by Alpha Epsilon Rho
National Chair: Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Speakers
avatar for Stacey O. Irwin

Stacey O. Irwin

Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby

3:00pm PDT

AI in the Faculty Toolkit: How Professors Teach, Research, and Advise
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Faculty are navigating the same AI revolution their students are — and many are experimenting with how these tools can support their own work as teachers, scholars, and mentors. This panel will explore the ways faculty are incorporating AI tools into their professional lives, both to streamline tasks and to reimagine what’s possible.

Panelists will share practical strategies for using AI in their daily work as faculty, from class planning to time management. Presentations will also discuss the opportunities to use AI to promote student engagement in learning. The session aims to provide a candid and balanced discussion about the opportunities and tensions AI introduces into higher education.
Moderator: Tom Nelson, Elon University
Panelists: Leighton C Peterson, Miami University
Jessalynn Strauss, Elon University
Shanetta Pendleton, Elon University
Moderators
TN

Tom Nelson

Elon University
Speakers
JS

Jessalynn Strauss

Associate Professor, Elon University
LC

Leighton C Peterson

Associate Professor of Anthropology, Miami University
SP

Shanetta Pendleton

Elon University
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W303

3:00pm PDT

The Search for Digital Responsibility: When Violence Goes Viral
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Recent gruesome viral moments that landed in the feed of unaware digital media users reminds us that the conversation around obscene material is not at a satisfactory close. What kind of impact do these visuals have on us? What would thoughtful policy proposals look like? And can we balance the weight of free speech with protective measures, ensuring a win-win for all?

Moderator: Amy E. Bonebright, Liberty University
Panelists: Chris Underation, PhD, Gordon College
Russ Jones, PhD, Liberty University
Moderators
avatar for Amy Bennett Bonebright

Amy Bennett Bonebright

Assistant Professor of Journalism, Liberty University
Former newspaper reporter and managing editor turned academic. Master’s in journalism and public relations, and currently working on an MFA in digital media production. Passions include technology, changing field of journalism, saving local and community news, sports, social media... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Russ Jones

Russ Jones

Liberty University
CU

Chris Underation

Gordon College
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W304

3:00pm PDT

Public mistrust in Media: How inequalities drive mistrust of health information
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Abstract: Inequalities in healthcare contribute to media distrust by crushing public faith in both health institutions and news reporting. This lack of trust is driven by historical abuses, ongoing discriminatory treatment, and imbalanced media coverage that often ignores and/or misrepresents the experiences of marginalized communities.
Moderator: Chalise Macklin, University of Memphis
Panelists: Dorothy Bland, University of North Texas
Brian Bentley, Clark Atlanta University
Vanessa Botelho, CUNY Newmark
Sharon Baldinelli, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Moderators
CM

Chalise Macklin

University of Memphis
Speakers
avatar for Dorothy Bland

Dorothy Bland

Professor, University of North Texas
Dorothy M. Bland, Ph.D., is a journalism professor at the University of North Texas Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism. In 2019, she was honored as one of the top 35 women in higher education by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. During her tenure as a journalism dean, student enrollment, faculty and staff grew. Under her leadership, the Mayborn launched a master’s degree in digital communication analytics plus earned AEJMC’s Equity and Diversity Award. She worked 25 years in the news industry... Read More →
avatar for Brian Bentley

Brian Bentley

Associate Dean Arts & Sciences/Assistant Professor Mass Media Arts, Clark Atlanta University
Dr. Brian Bentley has dedicated 24-plus years to higher education, earning educational accolades with a doctorate while working to complete a second doctorate. In addition, he has earned three master’s degrees: an MA in Mass Communications, an MFA in Creating Writing, and an MBA... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Baldinelli, Ph.D, MPH

Sharon Baldinelli, Ph.D, MPH

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
VB

Vanessa Botelho

CUNY Newmark
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W308

3:00pm PDT

Bridging Classrooms and Newsrooms: Teaching Special Projects Through Professional Partnerships
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
This panel explores how faculty design and teach special project classes that partner with professional news organizations to produce publishable, real-world work, ideally while filling coverage gaps. Panelists will discuss strategies for negotiating partnerships, integrating newsroom expectations into course structures, and mentoring students toward professional-quality content. Presentations include case studies, syllabus models, and examples of student projects that successfully met both academic and industry standards.
Moderator: David Smith, Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University Reed School of Media and Communications
Panelists: Ashton Marra, Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University Reed School of Media and Communications; Tracking West Virginia State Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution Reporting Project

Gretchen Macchiarella, Associate Professor, Cal State Northridge; CSN community reporting projects

Rick Brunson, Senior Instructor of Journalism, University of Central Florida; “Sounds of Central Florida” and “Unheard Society” projects

Moderators
DS

David Smith

Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University

Speakers
avatar for Gretchen Macchiarella

Gretchen Macchiarella

associate professor, California State University- Northridge
I focus on emerging technologies and how journalists can use them, both professionally and in academic settings. 
RB

Rick Brunson

Senior Instructor, University of Central Florida

AM

Ashton Marra

Teaching Assistant Professor, West Virginia University

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W306

3:00pm PDT

A Conversation with Lifetime Achievement in Creative Scholarship recipient John Woody
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Steve Anderson & John Woody are the first recipients of the BEA Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship Award. In this session, we'll have a conversation with John about his career progression alongside the rise of technological innovations that have defined modern storytelling. We will discuss key moments in the growth of the field while offering some insights he has gleaned about academia and BEA over the course of his long and successful career.

Moderators
avatar for Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Dept. Chair, Associate Professor & Director of Digital Media Center, University of Alabama

Speakers
avatar for John Woody

John Woody

Emeritus Professor, James Madison University
John M. Woody dedicated thirty years to James Madison University, where he served as a full professor of Media Studies until his retirement in 2015. Specializing in advanced video post-production, he built a reputation for combining creative storytelling with emerging technology... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W310

3:00pm PDT

Radio & Audio Media Division - Top Research Presentation & JRAM Outstanding Article of the Year
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Moderator: Brad Clark, Mount Royal University

Debut Competition
1st Place: Angelica Kalika, University of Colorado Boulder; Community Radio Journalism: Actor-Network Theory and Structuration in a Hyper-Local News Organization

2nd Place: Jayne Cubbage, Bowie State University; WBSU Radio—From Revolution to Evolution—Getting Some Love on the Radio at an HBCU

Open Competition
1st Place: George Bovenizer, University of South Alabama; Turning Up the Volume on the Voice of a Black Broadcasting Pioneer: Jocko Maxwell’s Contributions to Sports Radio and Negro Leagues Preservation

Presentation of the Journal of Radio & Audio Media (JRAM) Outstanding Article of the Year:
Presented by: JRAM Editor: Noah Arceneaux, San Diego State University

2025 Recipient: Maria Rae, Deakin University, Australia & Kirsten Diprose, Deakin University, Australia;
Bush podpreneurs: How rural women podcast producers are building digital and social connectivity
Journal of Radio & Audio Media, Volume 32, 2025 - Issue 2, 333–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376529.2024.2328690

Drawing on interviews with Australian rural women producers, Marie Rae and Kirsten Diprose reframe podcasting not simply as an expressive or cultural practice, but as a form of entrepreneurial and connective labor that bridges social, geographic, and infrastructural divides. In foregrounding the figure of the “bush podpreneur,” this study makes a significant contribution to scholarship on podcasting, rural media, and digital inequality, while underscoring the enduring importance of sound as a tool for connection beyond metropolitan centers.
Moderators
avatar for Brad Clark

Brad Clark

Professor, Mount Royal University
Brad teaches in both the broadcast and journalism programs at MRU and is the co-director of the Community Podcast Initiative. Recently, his teaching has focused on narrative media, including magazine writing and podcasting. His passion for audio storytelling developed over the course... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kirsten Diprose

Kirsten Diprose

PhD Candidate and Rural Podcaster, Deakin University, Australia
Kirsten Diprose is a podcaster and researcher based on a farm in south-west Victoria, Australia.  Prior to this, Kirsten was a journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), based mainly in newsrooms in Melbourne and regional Victoria. She continues to be a regular... Read More →
avatar for Noah Arceneaux

Noah Arceneaux

Professor of Media Studies, San Diego State University
Editor of Journal of Radio & Audio Media
DJ,KEUN 105.5 FM (Eunice Louisiana)
avatar for Angelica Kalika

Angelica Kalika

Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
Angelica Kalika is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Journalism. She holds a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley (2006), MA in Newsgathering from the University of Colorado (2012), and a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder (2019). Specializing in alternative media, her r... Read More →
avatar for George Bovenizer

George Bovenizer

Assistant Professor, Broadcast Journalism, University of South Alabama
Hello. I'm an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of South Alabama. Before joining the faculty in 2021, I had an award-winning 27-year career in broadcast journalism. I worked at NBCUniversal in Los Angeles for the last 14 years of my professional... Read More →
JC

Jayne Cubbage

Bowie State University
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W305

3:00pm PDT

Religion & Media Division - Division Meeting
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Media and faith intersect in complex and meaningful ways.  Join us for a thoughtful conversation on the role of religion in media and culture.

At the Religion & Media Division meeting in Las Vegas you'll connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Heather McLaughlin, Olivet Nazarene University
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Femi Folorunsho, Ball State University
Moderators
avatar for Heather McLaughlin

Heather McLaughlin

Chair, Assoc. Professor, Department of Communication, Olivet Nazarene University
I teach various hands-on courses in multimedia production, including non-linear editing, multimedia storytelling, corporate video production and studio production. I'm well-versed in Adobe Creative software products, various content management systems, and proficient in the operation... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Femi Folorunsho

Femi Folorunsho

Ball State University
A dynamic professional with expertise in digital communication, data science, and content marketing and management. My passion lies at the intersection of media, culture, and performance, where I leverage my diverse skills to drive impactful results. With a keen understanding of gender... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W302

3:00pm PDT

Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship Podium Session: From Walter Cronkite to AI Anchors: Perception, Attention and Credibility of News
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Shuhua Zhou is the 2026 recipient of the BEA Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship Award (LAS).  Dr. Zhou will receive his award right before this special podium session presentation. 

This presentation traces the evolving landscape of broadcast news from the trusted, authoritative voice of Walter Cronkite to the hyperrealistic, algorithm-driven era of AI anchors, exploring how these technological shifts fundamentally alter our cognitive relationship with information. By drawing on a series of his own studies, Dr. Zhou examines the underlying psychological mechanisms—specifically perception and attention—that shape how audiences process news and assign credibility and what this these mean for the future of news. 
Speakers
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

Shuhua Zhou

City University of Hong Kong
Dr. Shuhua Zhou is a Chair Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at City University of Hong Kong. He previously served as the Leonard H. Goldenson Professor in Radio and Television Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism and was a professor and associate dean... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W309

3:00pm PDT

Sports Division - Top Research Presentations
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Moderator: Nick Artman, Slippery Rock University
Open 1st Place Paper: Travis R. Bell, University of South Florida; Brian Petrotta, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; The gender dichotomy of wagering expertise: A content analysis of Daily Wager/ESPN BET Live shows during March Madness

Open 2nd Place Paper: Nathan Alexander Towery, The University of Mississippi; Bumsoo Park, University of Nevada Las Vegas; Nicholas Richard Buzzelli, High Point University; Samuel David Hakim, Clemson University; Sugarcoating the reaction: Fan response to the postponement of the 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl

Open 3rd Place Paper: Kevin Hull, University of South Carolina; Minhee Choi, Texas Tech University; Now Hiring (sort of): Examining U.S. Local Television Sports Broadcaster Job Listings

Open 4th Place Paper: Greg Hoplamazian, Loyola University Maryland; Max Verheyen, Loyola University Maryland; Social Media Promotion for Non-Revenue Sports: Best Practices for College Athletics Programs on Instagram
Moderators
avatar for Nick Artman

Nick Artman

Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University
Speakers
TR

Travis R. Bell

Associate Professor, University of South Florida
avatar for Kevin Hull

Kevin Hull

University of South Carolina
GH

Greg Hoplamazian

Associate Professor of Communication, Loyola University Maryland
NT

Nathan Towery

The University of Mississippi
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W313

3:00pm PDT

Our Own Way: How Student Leaders Take Initiative in Radio and Film
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Small college campuses require small programs to aid themselves, leaving a fair amount of work for students to elevate their media programs. This panel explores the challenges and adversities, along with the similarities and differences, faced by student media leaders and their peers when growing a student-run college radio station and a student-led film production simultaneously. Topics explored include fundraising, obstacles faced, and learning through the ongoing processes.

Moderator: Aaron J Rios, University of the Incarnate Word
Panelists: Danna Ramos, University of the Incarnate Word
Nydia Perez, University of the Incarnate Word
Leland Campbell, University of the Incarnate Word

Moderators Speakers
avatar for Danna Ramos

Danna Ramos

University of the Incarnate Word
NP

Nydia Perez

University of the Incarnate Word
LC

Leland Campbell

University of the Incarnate Word
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W312

3:00pm PDT

The Third Annual Two-Year College/High School Teaching Showcase
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
This panel features the first, second, and third place winners of the annual Two-Year College/High School innovative assignment contest. Come in and steal some great assignment ideas!
Moderator: Tom McDonnell, Metropolitan Community College
Frank Barnhart, Columbus State Community College
Brian Wheeler, Pikes Peak State Community College
Moderators
avatar for Tom McDonnell

Tom McDonnell

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Metropolitan Community College
Speakers
avatar for Frank Barnhart

Frank Barnhart

Professor, Columbus State Community College
Frank Barnhart is a Professor in the Humanities Department at Columbus State Community College and the Lead Instructor of Theatre. He received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2010 and was a finalist in 2017 and 2018. He was named Best Director of the Year by the Central Ohio... Read More →
avatar for Brian Wheeler

Brian Wheeler

Faculty / Chair / Dungeon Master, Pikes Peak State College
Brian Wheeler has served as Department Chair of Broadcasting, Electronic, and Emerging Media at Pikes Peak State College since 2011. Before transitioning to academia in 2009, he built a career in commercial production, creating content for regional advertisers across the country... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W311

3:00pm PDT

Screenwriting Craft: How to Hook 'Em
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
This interactive workshop opens with a lively slide presentation, showcasing some of the most memorable opening scenes in modern cinema as well as examining what makes these moments irresistible to audiences. From there, the session shifts into hands-on practice: attendees are invited to share their own opening pages aloud and receive constructive feedback from peers. Whether they’re polishing a screenplay or just starting out, colleagues will leave with sharper tools for grabbing attention with a "unique hook" from the very first scene.

Moderator: Leslie Kreiner Wilson, Pepperdine University
Panelists: Carey Martin ,Liberty University
Lucas Martins Néia, Senac University Center (CAS), Brazil
Andrea Baltazar, Weber State University

Moderators
LK

Leslie Kreiner Wilson

Pepperdine University
Speakers
avatar for Carey Martin

Carey Martin

Professor, Liberty University
screenwriting, directing, film & television history
avatar for Andrea Baltazar

Andrea Baltazar

Asst. Professor, Weber State University
Andrea Baltazar is a writer-director with a growing professional portfolio of work in film and television. She has also worked on various media projects as an on-location sound mixer and video editor. In addition to her professional work, Andrea teaches digital media, film, and television... Read More →
LN

Lucas Néia

Senac University Center - Santo Amaro Campus
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W307

4:15pm PDT

AI Special Interest Group - Research-in-Progress
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
BEA is debuting Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in 2026.  The Artificial Intelligence (AI) SIG is dedicated to advancing research at the intersection of AI and media. We welcome work on AI in journalism, broadcasting, ethics, pedagogy, regulation, etc.
Moderator: Mary E Myers, Regent University

Ahmed El Gody, Orebro University; Digitizing News Culture in the UAE: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in UAE Newsrooms

Daud Isa, Point Park University; Setting the Chatbot Agenda: A Network Agenda Setting Study of ChatGPT, Perplexity, and U.S. News Media

 Isaac Ray Caputo, Bethune-Cookman University; Teaching Radio and Audio Production in the age of A.I.

Visual Storytelling in the Age of AI, Scott Alboum, [email protected]; Rider University

Moderators
avatar for Mary E. Myers

Mary E. Myers

Assistant Professor, DSC Program Coordinator, Regent University
I am full-time faculty at Regent University and work primarily in Regent University’s Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) program. The DSC degree program is a one-of-a-kind, applied doctoral degree program, like a JD or MD. It incorporates real-world, real-life applications... Read More →
Speakers
SA

Scott Alboum

Rider University
I'm currently running the television studio at Rider University. I also teach courses in Communication and Journalism.
avatar for Ahmed El Gody

Ahmed El Gody

orebro university
Ahmed El Gody, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer Media and communication Studies, Örebro University Sweden. He is the author of Journalism in a Network: Role of ICTs in Egyptian Newsrooms. He also authored a number of book chapters and journal articles on political communication in the Middle... Read More →
avatar for Isaac Ray Caputo

Isaac Ray Caputo

Instructor, Bethune-Cookman University
avatar for Daud Isa

Daud Isa

Assistant Professor, Point Park University
I teach journalism, multi/digital media, broadcast, and graduate courses. I study social/semantic networks, network agenda setting, social media, social movements, and int'l communication. I have 10yrs of experience in print and broadcast media, including Al Jazeera English... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W306

4:15pm PDT

Off Script: Students Take the Lead on Creative Media Education
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
This panel discussion between current creative media production students and professors will talk about what works in the classroom. Students will lead the conversation, sharing what assignments, teaching methods, and feedback have pushed them to do their best creative work, and the professors will respond and discuss how to put these ideas into practice. The discussion will cover what kinds of projects get students excited, how critique sessions can be helpful instead of discouraging, creating environments where creativity thrives, and mentoring approaches that help students find their own creative voice.

Moderator: Ralph Beliveau, University of Oklahoma
Panelists: Scott Hodgson, University of Oklahoma
Traci Easley Williams, University of Oklahoma
Molly Horn, University of Oklahoma
Keaton Schallhorn, University of Oklahoma
Nathan Pooler, University of Oklahoma
Kate Needham, University of Oklahoma
Kevin Hahn, University of Oklahoma
Moderators
avatar for Ralph Beliveau

Ralph Beliveau

Professor, University of Oklahoma
Dr. Beliveau is the Area Head for Creative Media Production and Professional Writing at the University of Oklahoma and affiliate faculty in both Film and Media Studies and Women and Gender Studies. He writes and teaches about media education and literacy, race, horror media, documentary... Read More →
Speakers
KH

Kevin Hahn

Instructor, University of Oklahoma
Accomplished educator and digital media professional with 20+ years of combined experience in video production and higher education instruction. Master's degree in Journalism with Creative Media Production focus from the University of Oklahoma with extensive graduate teaching experience... Read More →
avatar for Molly Horn

Molly Horn

University of Oklahoma
I am a senior majoring in creative media production with a minor in film and media studies. I am set to graduate in May of 2026 with my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma. At the University of Oklahoma, I serve as the Director of Special Projects for Gaylord College's... Read More →
avatar for Kate Needham

Kate Needham

Senior Producer, University of Oklahoma
Hello! My name is Kate Needham, and I am a senior majoring in creative media production with a minor in entrepreneurship at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in May of 2026. I serve as Senior Producer for Gaylord Hall Productions, a client video-production company at Gaylord... Read More →
avatar for Keaton Schallhorn

Keaton Schallhorn

University of Oklahoma;
avatar for Nathan Pooler

Nathan Pooler

Director of Project Development - Greenlight, University of Oklahoma
Hi, I'm Nathan Pooler, a student in broadcast and film. Whether I'm behind the camera, in the control room, or in the producer's chair, I live for the craft of bringing compelling content to life.
I will be graduating from the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College of Journalism... Read More →
avatar for Scott Hodgson

Scott Hodgson

Professor, University of Oklahoma
Storytelling that makes an impact is my passion.  Helping other do the same is my career.  Since 2006 I have been teaching in Creative Media Production at the University of Oklahoma. My focus is documentary, corporate and commercial production.
avatar for Traci Williams

Traci Williams

Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma
I've spent more than 25 years doing what I love — teaching students how to tell stories that matter. My work sits at the intersection of film and television production, scriptwriting, visual media, and Africana studies, and every course I teach is built around one core belief: representation... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W304

4:15pm PDT

Representing Poverty in Television, Film, and Music
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
This panel examines media representations of poverty in film, music and television to assess how they extend or reinforce stereotypes about poverty in the United States and Canada.

Moderator: Hailey Baldock , York University
Panelists: Walter J. Podrazik, University of Illinois, Chicago; It’s Hard To Find Nice Things on the Poor Side of Town: Examining TV’s narrative challenges (and successes) in engaging audiences with programs for and about the hard-scrabble lives among us
Anne F. MacLennan, York University; Penniless and Empty-Handed”: Media Representations of Poverty in Entertainment Media in the United States and Canada
Christine Cooling, York University; The Joker’s Poverty in Text and Film: From Personal Tragedy to Systemic Critique
Hailey Baldock, York University; Framing South Central: Representations of Urban Poverty in Boyz n the Hood and Straight Outta Compton
Alyson Steele, York University; Frozen Divides: Media Depictions of Poverty and Class Struggle in Snowpiercer

Moderators
HB

Hailey Baldock

PhD Student, History, York University
Speakers
avatar for Anne MacLennan

Anne MacLennan

Associate Professor, York University
Talk to me about Broadcasting, Media and History!
avatar for Walter Podrazik

Walter Podrazik

Adjunct Lecturer, University of Illinois at Chicago
CC

Christine Cooling

York University
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W307

4:15pm PDT

Interactive Multimedia & Emerging Technology Division - Top Research Presentations
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Moderator: Aaron Atkins, Weber State University

Debut Competition
Debut 1st Place Paper: Youssef Yakoub; Hood College; Virtual Reality or Zoom: User Experience in Collaborative Communication

Open Competition
1st Place Paper: Hocheol Yang, California Polytechnic State University; How Immersive User Experience Enhances Learning: A Mixed Method Study on VR, Presence, and Motivation

2nd Place Paper: Chun Shao, Marquette University; From Service Quality to Loyalty: Exploring User Engagement with AI Chatbots via SEM-ANN Analysis


Moderators
avatar for Aaron Atkins

Aaron Atkins

Assistant Professor, Weber State University
Speakers
YY

Youssef Yakoub

Hood College
CS

Chun Shao

Marquette University
avatar for Hocheol Yang

Hocheol Yang

Assistant Professor, California Polytechnic State University
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W313

4:15pm PDT

Media and Journalism Education in the Age of AI: Reshaping Boundaries and Future Practices
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping both the media ecosystem and journalism education with unprecedented force. While AI enhances content production and distribution, it also raises pressing debates around algorithmic ethics, information authenticity, and human–machine relations. This panel, featuring scholars from Communication University of China, City University of Hong Kong, and other international institutions, will explore how technological transformations redefine media practices and educational paradigms, and how global collaboration can address these shared challenges.

Moderator: Shuhua Zhou, City University of Hong Kong
Panelists: Weihua Wu, Communication University of China, Reproducing Intangible Cultural Heritage with Generative AI: A Critical Media Study of Z-Generation Youth in China
Seok Kang, University of Texas - San Antonio, Transformations and Directions of Future Newsrooms with Artificial Intelligence: Shaping, Redefining, and Challenging Journalistic Practices
YUEHONG YU, Communication University of China, What Should Content Creators Do in the Age of Artificial Intelligence? Core Competencies and Practical Pathways
Xiaodong Gui, Communication University of China
Jiabiao Xu, Shaanxi Normal University, Reconstructing Capabilities and Redefining Boundaries: Diverse Transformation Paths in Journalism Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Yuping Jin, Xinjiang University
CHANGCHUN XUAN, Xiamen University
Shiwen Wu, The school of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University
Moderators
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

Shuhua Zhou

City University of Hong Kong
Dr. Shuhua Zhou is a Chair Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at City University of Hong Kong. He previously served as the Leonard H. Goldenson Professor in Radio and Television Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism and was a professor and associate dean... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Seok Kang

Seok Kang

Professor, University of Texas - San Antonio
WW

Weihua Wu

Communication University of China
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W303

4:15pm PDT

Has DEI Jumped the Shark? Rethinking Diversity in Journalism Education
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
In journalism education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts once signaled progress — a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, confronting bias, and broadening the lens of storytelling. So, what went wrong?

Critics charge that DEI initiatives in higher ed have overreached — stifling down-to-earth conversation with language-policing, "woke indoctrination," and fear of saying the wrong thing. When everything can be labeled a microaggression, are we still fostering dialogue — or just managing landmines? And where does viewpoint diversity fit in a space that claims to be inclusive but often feels ideologically narrow?

While some institutions are rebranding their diversity efforts, others are abandoning them altogether in the face of rising opposition. We’ll examine the pitfalls of diversity training done badly, where good intentions meet poor execution, and offer concrete strategies for doing better in ways that avoid playing into the hands of DEI opponents.
Moderator: Suzanne Lysak, Chapman University
Panelists: Elliott Lewis , Syracuse University
Cheryl L. Gardner, California State University, Fresno 
Jennifer Woodard, Middle Tennessee State University
Moderators
SL

Suzanne Lysak

Chapman University

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Woodard

Jennifer Woodard

Assistant Dean, Middle Tennessee State University
Dr. Jennifer Bailey Woodard, who was trained and educated in journalism as an undergraduate at MTSU, joined the faculty of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media after graduating from the University of Georgia with an M.A. in mass communication. She received her Ph.D. at Indiana... Read More →
avatar for Elliott Lewis

Elliott Lewis

Professor of Practice, Syracuse University

avatar for Cheryl L. Gardner

Cheryl L. Gardner

California State University, Fresno

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W308

4:15pm PDT

Resumes, reels and portfolios:Getting your first newsroom job
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Getting the first job after college can be tough. We share advice and feedback on what makes a good resume, reel and portfolio and offer tips to get noticed by hiring managers.
Moderator: Heather Dunn, Talent Dynamics/ASU
Moderators
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W312

4:15pm PDT

Creating Learning Experiences in Professional Productions
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Professional productions provide opportunities for students to move beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in real learning environments. By participating in live broadcasts, studio productions, documentary work, film productions, and other industry-level projects, students gain hands-on skills that reinforce theory and coursework. This panel brings together faculty who have integrated students into their professional productions. Attendees will learn how these experiences prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Moderator: Michael Crews, Georgia College & State University
Panelists: Valerie Turco, SUNY New Paltz
Nick Artman, Slippery Rock University
Heather Elliott-Famularo, University of Connecticut
Hussein El Moataz, American University in Cairo
Moderators
MC

Michael Crews

Georgia College & State University
Speakers
avatar for Hussein El Moataz

Hussein El Moataz

Adjunct Instructor, American University in Cairo
Experienced Media Producer and Media Production Instructor conducting research on social media and news dynamics. Proficient in content creation, social media management, and public relations. Recognized for excellence as an award-winning documentary filmmaker.
avatar for Nick Artman

Nick Artman

Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University
avatar for Heather Elliott-Famularo

Heather Elliott-Famularo

Dept. Head / Professor, Digital Media & Design, University of Connecticut
VT

Valerie Turco

SUNY New Paltz
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W310

4:15pm PDT

Radio & Audio Media Division - Division Meeting
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Audio continues to inform, inspire, and connect audiences in powerful ways, come talk about the ideas shaping radio, podcasting, and sound storytelling.

Join the RAM Division meeting in Las Vegas to connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: David Crider, SUNY - Oswego
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Brad Clark, Mount Royal University
Moderators
avatar for David Crider

David Crider

Assistant Professor/Advisor, WNYO-FM, SUNY - Oswego
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Williamson

Jennifer Williamson

Program Director, WVST-FM/Adjunct Professor for Audio Production, Virginia State University
avatar for Brad Clark

Brad Clark

Professor, Mount Royal University
Brad teaches in both the broadcast and journalism programs at MRU and is the co-director of the Community Podcast Initiative. Recently, his teaching has focused on narrative media, including magazine writing and podcasting. His passion for audio storytelling developed over the course... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W305

4:15pm PDT

Religion & Media Division - Top Research Presentations
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Moderator: Heather McLaughlin, Olivet Nazarene University 

Debut Competition
1st Place:  Maurice N. Emelu, John Carroll University; Formation at the Frontier: Pope Leo XIV Discourse on AI and Digital Media,

2nd Place: Heba Abd El Fattah Ashour, The American University in Cairo; Exploring the Role of Religious Media in Shaping Public Perceptions towards Climate Change in Egypt

Open Paper Competition
Steve Perry, Regent University; “Memoriam” Listings Reveal Issues of Professional Access, Life Expectancy, and Mobility for Nazarene Women Clergy
Moderators
avatar for Heather McLaughlin

Heather McLaughlin

Chair, Assoc. Professor, Department of Communication, Olivet Nazarene University
I teach various hands-on courses in multimedia production, including non-linear editing, multimedia storytelling, corporate video production and studio production. I'm well-versed in Adobe Creative software products, various content management systems, and proficient in the operation... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Heba Ashour

Heba Ashour

The American University in Cairo
I am a lecturer and media professional with extensive experience spanning academia and the broadcasting industry. I specialize in teaching hands-on courses in digital journalism, including mobile journalism, shooting, reporting, voice-over, and scriptwriting. My academic work is complemented... Read More →
avatar for Steve Perry

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University
Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee. 
avatar for Maurice N. Emelu

Maurice N. Emelu

Associate Professor, John Carroll University
Director of the graduate program in digital marketing and communication strategy and associate professor of communication (digital media) at the Tim Russert Department of Communication, John Carroll University.

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W302

4:15pm PDT

Faculty Research-in-Progress Digital Poster - Session 2
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Moderator: Rebecca Ann Lind, University of Illinois at Chicago

Daniel Marshall Haygood, Elon University; Pac-10 Basketball is on the Air! – Putting the Nation’s Most Successful Basketball Conference on Television in the Early Decades of Sports Broadcasting

Carolyn Malachi, Howard University; Resonance Lab

Charlie Gee, Lincoln Memorial University; The Efficacy of Media Training Techniques: The Long Term Impact on Croatian Journalists

Jody-Ann Kadine Tyson, Independent Researcher; The Third Person Effect: Media Portrayal of Minorities and Social Media Algorithmic Output

Tamara J. Welter, Baylor University; Visibility as Labor: Social Media, Gender, and the Professional Boundaries of Women Broadcast Journalists

Eleanor Patterson, Auburn University; What the Battle of Jimmy Kimmel Live Taught Us About Network Television Distribution Culture in the Digital Age

Yousef Aldaihani, Kuwait University & Jae-Hwa Shin, University of Southern Mississippi; When News Finds You: Algorithmic Curation and Political Engagement

Greg Hoplamazian, Loyola University Maryland; AI Authorship in Sports Crisis Communication: Viewer Perceptions of GenAI Use in Athlete Reputational Crises

Moderators
avatar for Rebecca Ann Lind

Rebecca Ann Lind

Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Speakers
avatar for Jae-Hwa Shin

Jae-Hwa Shin

Professor, University of Southern Mississippi
CG

Charlie Gee

Lincoln Memorial University
GH

Greg Hoplamazian

Associate Professor of Communication, Loyola University Maryland
JK

Jody-Ann Kadine Tyson

Independent Researcher
avatar for Eleanor Patterson

Eleanor Patterson

Auburn University
DH

Daniel Haygood

Professor of Strategic Communications, Elon University
CM

Carolyn Malachi

Howard University
avatar for Tamara Welter

Tamara Welter

Baylor University
YA

Yousef Aldaihani

Kuwait University
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

4:15pm PDT

Content Creation is more than just "Influencers," it could be another way forward for Student Media
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Universities and colleges are beginning to adopt content creation programs, minors or certificates, acknowledging this is now a multi-billion dollar business employing both entrepreurial creators and those in the corporate and non-profit worlds. Is this a way to engage students who aren't intersted in traditional television or radio news courses, and may not be interested in filmmaking. Each of the panelists have unique stories of how they are approaching content creation in their schools. This panel is designed to spark a conversation about the viability of such programs and to see how recently launched programs are doing.

Moderator: Brian Rackham, PhD, of Practice, Northern Arizona University
Panelists: Vic Costello, Assoc. of Cinema and Television Arts, Elon University
Mary Beth Earnhardt, Professor, Journalism, Youngstown State University
Aaron Chimbel, Dean, Jandoli School of Communication, St. Bonaventure University

Moderators
avatar for Brian Rackham, Ph.D.

Brian Rackham, Ph.D.

Director Media NAU Innnovation Center, Northern Arizona University
Brian Rackham is an educator, national award-winning multimedia journalist, and news executive with more than 30 years of experience in multiple platforms. He is a Professor of Practice in Journalism at Northern Arizona University and Director of the NAU Media Innovation Center. His... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Vic Costello

Vic Costello

Associate Professor, Elon University
Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2021-22); past Producer and Chair of the BEA Festival of Media Arts and District 2 board representative. Author of Multimedia Foundations: Core Concepts for Digital Design.
avatar for Aaron Chimbel

Aaron Chimbel

Dean and Professor, St. Bonaventure University
MB

Mary Beth Earnheardt

Youngstown State University
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W309

4:15pm PDT

Going high tech
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
This session will focus on incorporating high-tech tools into your curriculum. Tech tools featured include Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality.
Moderator: Andy Curran, University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
Panelists: Amanda Czuprynski, Morgan Community College
  • Paul Hemenway, Lamar University
  • Don Hancock, University of Cincinnati
    Moderators
    avatar for Andy Curran

    Andy Curran

    Professor, Digital Media Communications, University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
    Professor & Coordinator of Digital Media Communications academic degree program
    Doctor of Education, Instructional Design & Technology, University of Cincinnati (2013)
    Master of Education, Instructional Design & Technology, University of Cincinnati (1996)
    Bachelor of Science in Comm... Read More →
    Speakers
    PH

    Paul Hemenway

    Lamar University
    avatar for Don Hancock

    Don Hancock

    Associate Professor, Film/TV, Media Production, University of Cincinnati
    Donald Hancock is an Emmy Award-winning producer, professor and an active member of the media community. He has an MA in Film and Television from Savannah College of Art and Design and a BFA in E-Media from CCM. Previously, Hancock worked as a producer at CET, Cincinnati’s PBS Member Station... Read More →
    avatar for Amanda Czuprynski

    Amanda Czuprynski

    Regent University
    Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
    W311

    5:00pm PDT

    AERho Alumni Meet-Up: Casual Networking in the BEA Exhibit Hall
    Saturday April 18, 2026 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
    AERho alumni are invited to a Meet-Up in the BEA Exhibit Hall to connect and network. If you were ever inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Rho honor society, or will be this year, join us. No agenda-just casual conversation on the first full day of the convention.
    Moderators
    avatar for Stacey O. Irwin

    Stacey O. Irwin

    Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
    Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

    My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →
    Saturday April 18, 2026 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
    W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

    5:15pm PDT

    Exhibitor Happy Hour
    Saturday April 18, 2026 5:15pm - 6:30pm PDT
    Saturday April 18, 2026 5:15pm - 6:30pm PDT
    W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall
     

    Share Modal

    Share this link via

    Or copy link

    Filter sessions
    Apply filters to sessions.
    Filtered by Date - 
  • 2026 Research Symposium: Communicating in an AI Driven World
  • AI Spotlight
  • BEA
  • Curriculum Assessment & Administration
  • Documentary
  • Filmmaker Spotlight
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • History
  • Interactive Media & Emerging Technologies
  • International
  • Law & Policy
  • Media Management & Content Strategies
  • Multicultural Studies
  • New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight
  • News
  • Podcast Spotlight
  • Production Aesthetics & Criticism
  • Radio & Audio Media
  • Religion & Media
  • Research
  • Service Learning & Community Engagement
  • Sports
  • Student Media Advisors
  • Student Spotlight
  • Two-Year/Scholastic Institutions
  • Writing