BEA2026: Full Schedule

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10:15am PDT

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Media is a global conversation. Join us to exchange ideas on international systems, practices, and perspectives shaping communication worldwide.

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: Jeffrey Wilkinson, Florida A&M University
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Roxane Coche, University of Florida

Moderators

Jeff Wilkinson

Professor, Florida A&M University

Speakers

Roxane Coche

University of Florida

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W302

International, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

11:30am PDT

Drones and the Future of Aerial Technology: New Regulations in Times of Emerging Artificial Intelligence

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

W303

This panel explores how emerging aerial technologies are reshaping drone capabilities and prompting new regulatory frameworks. Panelists will examine ethical, legal, and operational challenges in aerial innovation, highlighting implications for journalism, public safety, and environmental monitoring. The session fosters dialogue on balancing innovation with responsible governance in a rapidly evolving field.
Moderator: Dale Blasingame, Texas State University
Panelists: Julian Rodriguez, University of Texas - Arlington
David Smith, West Virginia University

Moderators

Dale Blasingame

Associate professor of practice, Texas State University

Dale Blasingame is an associate professor of practice in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he received the 2017 Presidential Excellence Award for Teaching and 2023 Presidential Excellence Award for Service. Blasingame... Read More →

Speakers

Julian Rodriguez

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Texas - Arlington

Julian Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and Coordinator of the UTA Amon G Carter Foundation Broadcast Production Studio. Julian’s teaching and research interests focus on broadcast journalism... Read More →

David Smith

Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W303

Interactive Media & Emerging Technologies, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | International, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | News, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Law & Policy, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

11:30am PDT

Voice of America and the Evolution of International Broadcasting: History, Technology, and Influence

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

W308

In light of recent cutbacks to U.S. international broadcasting, this panel explores the evolving role of Voice of America (VOA) and its counterparts in shaping global media. From shortwave radio to digital platforms, these broadcasters have long served as tools of public diplomacy. As artificial intelligence and mis/disinformation reshape the media landscape, the mission and credibility of international broadcasting are more vital than ever.
Moderator: Lance Liguez, University of Texas - Arlington
Panelists: Tom L Ingram, University of Texas - Arlington
LaDonna Lynn Aiken, University of Texas - Arlington
Andrew Clark, LeTourneu University

Moderators

Lance Liguez

Faculty Advisor, University of Texas - Arlington

Speakers

Andrew Clark

LeTourneau University

Tom L. Ingram

Advt Professor, University of Texas - Arlington

LaDonna Aiken

Broadcast Specialist, University of Texas - Arlington

I am an assistant professor of practice in broadcast communication at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I teach broadcast production classes, as well as my faculty-led Study Abroad to Japan.

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W308

International, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory

2:00pm PDT

Passport to Publication: Study Abroad Programs That Produce Media Professionals

Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

W305

This panel examines innovative study abroad programs that integrate immersive journalism and video production components, transforming traditional international education into professional media training experiences. Presenters will demonstrate how hands-on reporting assignments, documentary projects, and multimedia storytelling cultivate both global competency and industry-ready skills.

Moderator: James McNab, Iowa State University
Panelists: Andrew Smith, Kansas State University
Daniela Castillo, Colorado State University
David Allen Nelson, University of Central Oklahoma
Nicole Clarity, Hofstra University

Moderators

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 →

Speakers

Daniela Castillo

Senior Instructor, Colorado State University

With over 20 years in the creative field, I've embraced teaching as a passion, marking my 20th anniversary in 2020 and a decade at CSU in 2021. My educational background includes a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Journalism from Technólogico de Monterrey, as well as M.A.s in Multimedia... Read More →

David Nelson

Professor, KZUC-FM Faculty Advisor, University of Central Oklahoma

David Nelson worked 10 years in the broadcast industry in Oklahoma and Texas as an on-air personality, currently a Professor and KCUZ-FM Faculty Advisor.

Nicole Clarity

Assistant Professor, Hofstra University

Emmy Award-winning producer using my 20+ years of news writing and producing experience to educate and train the next generation of media professionals. I teach mainly broadcast and digital journalism courses.

Andrew Smith

News Director/Assistant Director AQ Miller School of Media and Communication, Kansas State University

After 25 years of Emmy-award winning sports journalism I moved my focus to the next generation by working with student media. I’m a storyteller at heart and work with all platforms (tv, radio, print, digital, social, etc. ) at K-State. My other passion is study abroad- I typically... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W305

International, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Curriculum Assessment & Administration, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

10:15am PDT

11:30am PDT

11:30am PDT

2:00pm PDT

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