BEA2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

BEA101 for Students ONLY

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

W315

Attention all students and student advisors... we'll be talking all BEA student opportunities in Las Vegas.

Moderators

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

Heather Birks

Executive Director, BEA

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

Student Spotlight, Other | BEA, Other

10:15am PDT

Generative AI in Video Journalism: Innovation, Ethics, and Impact

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

W311

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

Jiachun Hong

Assistant Professor of Digital Media, Utah Tech University

Speakers

Kyle Dorius

Utah Tech University

Yanfang Wu

University of Miami

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

Interactive Media & Emerging Technologies, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | AI Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

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

W312

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

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

Production Aesthetics & Criticism, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Writing, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

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

W308

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

Michael Bruce

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

Speakers

Travis R. Bell

Associate Professor, University of South Florida

Andrew C. Billings

University of Alabama

Brody Ruihley

Miami University (Oxford)

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

Sports, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory | Research, Research/Theory | Student Spotlight, Research/Theory

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

W312

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

John W. Owens

Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati

Speakers

Steven Hames

Adviser, VIking Fusion - Berry College

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.

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 →

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

Student Media Advisors, Industry Issues & Updates | BEA, Industry Issues & Updates | Student Spotlight, Industry Issues & Updates

12:00pm PDT

From Campus to Kickoff: Building the Valley Sports Network

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

W303

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

Kevin Lyons

San Bernardino Valley College

Speakers

Nicholas Van Luven

San Bernardino Valley College

Juan Francisco Brambila

Intern III, San Bernardino Valley College

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W303

Two-Year/Scholastic Institutions, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

1:15pm PDT

Aircheck: The Student Newscast Experience

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

W307

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

Bruce Finklea

Professor and Coordinator of Mass Communication, University of Montevallo

Speakers

Boriana Treadwell

Senior Lecturer, University of Miami

Anjelica Trinone

West Virginia University

Dwayne Cheddar

Professor of Communication,, Oakwood University

Richard Previte

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W307

News, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

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

W311

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

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

Seth Berquist

Indiana State University

Jay Jacinto

University of Texas at Arlington

Lauren Koppelmann

John Carroll University

Andrew Walker

University of West Georgia

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W311

Student Media Advisors, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Radio & Audio Media, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

2:15pm PDT

Applying for BEA Scholarships @ the BEA Info Desk

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT

West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby

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

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

BEA, Special Event | Student Spotlight, Special Event

2:30pm PDT

AERho Honor Society questions answered @ the BEA Info Desk

Saturday April 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby

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

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

Student Spotlight BEA

3:00pm PDT

A Conversation with Lifetime Achievement in Creative Scholarship recipient John Woody

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

W310

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

Michael Bruce

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

Speakers

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

Our Own Way: How Student Leaders Take Initiative in Radio and Film

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

W312

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

Aaron Rios

Speakers

Danna Ramos

University of the Incarnate Word

Nydia Perez

University of the Incarnate Word

Leland Campbell

University of the Incarnate Word

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W312

Student Media Advisors, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory | Student Spotlight, Research/Theory

4:15pm PDT

Off Script: Students Take the Lead on Creative Media Education

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

W304

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

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

Keaton Schallhorn

University of Oklahoma;

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 →

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.

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

Documentary, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Production Aesthetics & Criticism, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Filmmaker Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

4:15pm PDT

Resumes, reels and portfolios:Getting your first newsroom job

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

W312

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

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

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

News, Industry Issues & Updates | BEA, Industry Issues & Updates | Student Spotlight, Industry Issues & Updates

5:00pm PDT

AERho Alumni Meet-Up: Casual Networking in the BEA Exhibit Hall

Saturday April 18, 2026 5:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

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