BEA2026: Full Schedule

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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

W309

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

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

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.

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

Production Aesthetics & Criticism, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Writing, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

10:15am PDT

Sports Division Meeting

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

W309

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

Nick Artman

Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University

Eric Esterline

Senior Lecturer, University of Florida

Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W309

Sports, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

12:00pm PDT

Teaching TV History in the Streaming Era

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

W309

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

Eleanor Patterson

Auburn University

Speakers

Kyra Hunting

The University of Kentucky, United States of America

Molly Schneider

Associate Professor, Columbia College Chicago

Alfred Martin

University of Miami

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

History, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

1:15pm PDT

The Impact and Advantages of an International Background in Academia

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

W309

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

Roxane Coche

University of Florida

Speakers

Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Bowling Green State University

camilo perez quintero

Regis University

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 →

Helena Vanhala

Robert Morris University

Dr. Erika Grodzki

Professor, Lynn University

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

International, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

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

W309

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

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

Research, Research/Theory | AI Spotlight, Research/Theory | News, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory

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

W309

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

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

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

BEA2026

9:00am PDT

Nathan Gibbs

Dennis Conway

James McNab

10:15am PDT

Nick Artman

Eric Esterline

12:00pm PDT

Eleanor Patterson

Kyra Hunting

Molly Schneider

Alfred Martin

1:15pm PDT

Roxane Coche

Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

camilo perez quintero

William Davie

Helena Vanhala

Dr. Erika Grodzki

3:00pm PDT

Shuhua Zhou

4:15pm PDT

Brian Rackham, Ph.D.

Vic Costello

Aaron Chimbel

Mary Beth Earnheardt

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