BEA2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

Gender & Sexuality Division - Top Research Presentation

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Moderator: Roger Allman , Grand Valley State University

Open Paper Competition
1st Place: Femi Emmanuel Folorunsho, Ball State University; Reimagining Heroism: Female Empowerment and Leadership in Marvel's Fantastic Four (2025)

2nd Place: Cheng-Nan Hou, I-Shou University; From Print to Platform: Queer Media, Cultural Activism, and Pedagogical Transformation in Taiwan’s Pink Economy

Patrick M. Johnson, Indiana University Northwest; Gay for Play: Homocapitalism in the Video Gaming Industry

Dustin Serrano Ardine, Regent University; Queer Theory and Identity

Moderators

Roger Allman

Grand Valley State University

Speakers

Dustin Serrano Ardine

Regent University

Dustin Ardine (Ph.D., Regent University, 2025) is an actor, writer, and scholar who attained his PhD in Communications and the Arts from Regent University, with a focus in Film and Media Studies. An Alpha Epsilon Rho (AERho) Honor Society member since 2024, his research interests include rhetorrection... Read More →

Patrick M. Johnson

Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, Department of Communication, Indiana University Northwest

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 →

CHENG-NAN HOU

I-SHOU UNIVERSITY

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W303

Gender & Sexuality, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory

10:15am PDT

Crafting AI-Resistant Assignments: Strategies for Digital Media Curriculum

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

W303

This panel discussion presents innovative pedagogical strategies to prevent AI-based plagiarism. As AI models become more sophisticated, educators are challenged to craft assignments that guarantee authentic student work. Each panelist will share tested course designs that prioritize original thought and personal voice, as well as strategies that are structured to minimize generative AI-involvement. Join us for a collaborative conversation on building a culture of academic integrity and student authenticity in our digital media programs.

Moderator: Toni Perry, Liberty University
Panelists: Shaun Cashman, Liberty University
Nadine El Sayed, American University in Cairo
Roger Rome, Liberty University

Moderators

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

Roger Rome

Assoc. Professor, Liberty University

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 →

Shaun Cashman

Liberty University

Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W303

Media Management & Content Strategies, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | AI Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

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

12:45pm PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Student Showcase Session - News & Audio Competition

Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT

W303

Join us for this series of sessions showcasing the work of our Festival of Media Arts Student News & Audio winners.

Moderator: Heather Dunn, Arizona State University

Radio Reporting Category
Best of Festival: Boone Kilpatrick, Syracuse University; 40 Feet In the Air

Sound Engineering and Production
1st Place: Dylan Singletary, Liberty University; You Love You

1st Place: Seth Krispin, Regent University; Boy From Two Blocks Down

Moderators

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Speakers

Seth Krispin

Regent University

Boone Kilpatrick

Syracuse University

Dylan Singletary

Liberty University

Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W303

Radio & Audio Media, Festival of Media Arts | Student Spotlight, Festival of Media Arts | BEA, Festival of Media Arts | News, Festival of Media Arts

2:00pm PDT

The 2026 State of the Broadcast News Industry

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

W303

As published on the RTDNA website, “The RTDNA/Newhouse School at Syracuse University Newsroom Survey is the only comprehensive annual research of radio and television newsrooms.” This session, led by the survey’s researchers, will present the latest findings, providing an overview of the current state of local radio and television news. This includes information on staff demographics, worker safety, management hiring and retention decisions, and use of new technologies including AI.
Moderator: Keren Henderson, Syracuse University
Panelists: Timothy Mirabito, Syracuse University

Moderators

Keren Henderson

Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Speakers

Timothy Mirabito

Syracuse University

Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W303

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

3:15pm PDT

News Division Meeting

Sunday April 19, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

W303

In a rapidly changing information landscape, strong journalism matters more than ever.

Join the News 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: Carey L. Higgins-Dobney, University of Kentucky
Vice Chair, Programming: Keren Henderson, Syracuse University
Vice Chair, Research: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama
Communications Chair: Tabitha Ann Bartoe, Regent University, WKEF/WRGT

Moderators

Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky

Speakers

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 →

Keren Henderson

Associate Professor, Syracuse University

Tabitha Bartoe

Regent University

Sunday April 19, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
W303

News, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

4:30pm PDT

Mas Que Palabras: Navigating the Future, Promise, and Pressure of Bilingual Media

Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

W303

This panel examines the evolving landscape of Spanish-language media and its impact on higher education. Panelists will explore industry shifts, curriculum adaptation, financial pressures including federal funding cuts, and the growing scrutiny of bilingual offerings. They will discuss strategies to balance innovation, accountability, and community impact while preparing students and organizations to navigate rapidly changing industry, cultural, and financial realities.

Moderator: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Panelists: Glenda R. Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas
Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University
Raul Aguirre, REA Media Group

Moderators

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

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 →

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 →

Raul Aguirre

REA Media Group

Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
W303

Multicultural Studies, Other | BEA, Other

9:00am PDT

10:15am PDT

11:30am PDT

12:45pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

4:30pm PDT

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