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Monday, April 20
 

9:00am PDT

Student Winners Celebration - BEA Student Festival of Media Arts Award Ceremony & Signature Station Awardsature Station Awards
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Please join us as we celebrate all the student winners from the 2026 Festival of Media Arts and the 2026 Signature Station Awards. Student winners attending the convention will be individually called on stage to receive their certificates.

BEA Festival of Media Arts Committee Chair: Heather Dunn, Arizona State University

Signature Station Award Winners

Television Signature Station Awards
1st Place: Z News; University of South Florida
Honorable Mention: AUCTV; The American University in Cairo

Radio Signature Station Awards
1st Place: WRHU FM; Hofstra University
Honorable Mention: WQSU 88.9 FM. The Pulse; Susquehanna University
Moderators
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Speakers
avatar for Marjorie Yambor

Marjorie Yambor

Dalton State College
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W316

10:15am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Julie Koehn, Lenwaee Broadcasting Company/WLEN Radio
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
JK

Julie Koehn

President, Lenwaee Broadcasting Company/WLEN Radio
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
W313

10:15am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Linnae Young, Salem Media Group
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Linnae Young

Linnae Young

Chief Revenue Officer, Salem Media Group
Linnae Young is EVP of Salem Media Group. She has been with Salem for 30 years having served in various roles including Regional Sales Manager, GM of Salem National, Regional Vice President, Senior Vice President, and beginning in January of 2023 in her current role. She is also an... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
W313

10:15am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Rick Ramos, Katz Radio Group
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Rick Ramos

Rick Ramos

President, Katz Multicultural, Katz Radio Group
Rick Ramos, a 28-year multicultural media sales specialist, currently serves as the President of Multicultural Partnerships at Katz Media. His extensive career includes New York Sales Manager of Katz Hispanic Media; Vice President Regional Sales Manager of HBC National Sales; Vice... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
W313

10:15am PDT

Alpha Epsilon Rho (AERho) Awards Ceremony
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
We are proud to welcome Alpha Epsilon Rho (AERho) the honor society for electronic media students to the BEA family! At this awards ceremony, we will honor the 2026 AERho Class with their certificates and honor cords. We also invite AERho alumni to join us for light refreshments after the ceremony.

Members of AERho emphasize superior scholarship and creative participation in broadcast, corporate, and digital media production and activity. Membership in AERho exemplifies excellence of work, demonstrated leadership qualities, and service to the organization, the community, and the industry. AERho, founded on April 30, 1943, is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).

Host: National Chair of Alpha Epsilon Rho: Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University
BEA President: Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University
Faculty Fellow for Student Initiatives: Sandy Henry, Drake University
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 →
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.
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 →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W316

11:00am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Erik Hellum, Townsquare Media
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!

Speakers
avatar for Erik Hellum

Erik Hellum

COO, Townsquare Media
Erik Hellum is the Chief Operating Officer, Local Media for Townsquare Media, overseeing 321 radio stations and digital marketing services in 67 markets. He previously was President of GAPWEST, which Townsquare Media acquired in August of 2010. Prior to joining GAP Broadcasting, Hellum... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
W313

11:00am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Kelli Frieler, Vibrant Impact
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!

Speakers
KF

Kelli Frieler

CEO, Vibrant Impact
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
W313

11:00am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Linnae Young, Salem Media Group
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Linnae Young

Linnae Young

Chief Revenue Officer, Salem Media Group
Linnae Young is EVP of Salem Media Group. She has been with Salem for 30 years having served in various roles including Regional Sales Manager, GM of Salem National, Regional Vice President, Senior Vice President, and beginning in January of 2023 in her current role. She is also an... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
W313

11:00am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Tim Clarke, TC Projects Media + Entertainment
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!

Speakers
TC

Tim Clarke

Founder and Strategic Advisor, TC Projects Media + Entertainment
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
W313

11:00am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Erica Farber, RAB
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!

Speakers
avatar for Erica Farber

Erica Farber

President and CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau
Erica Farber is the former President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, having stepped down from her post in April 2024.Farber joined the organization in January 2012, as Executive Vice President, and within months was promoted to President & CEO. Prior to joining the RAB, she... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
W313

11:00am PDT

Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Career Fair & Graduate Student Showcase
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT
The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is excited to sponsor the 2026 industry-wide Career Fair at NAB Show in Las Vegas. Partnering on this year’s event are the BEA, NAB, SMPTE, RTDNA, NABLF & RAB. The event offers high-quality job seekers of all levels a chance to meet with top media industry recruiters and grad school representatives.

American University in Cairo
Asbury University
Beasley Media Group
Chapman University, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Gray Television
Hearst Television
Hubbard Broadcasting
KSL
Lilly Broadcasting
Mount Saint Mary's University
NABLF
Sacred Heart University
The E.W. Scripps Company
The University of Tampa
University of Mississippi
University of North Texas
University of West Georgia


Recruiters can look forward to meeting with all levels of job seekers, including:
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Students 
    Students in attendance are among the top in their class. They are winners from our Festival of Media Arts competition, BEA Scholarship Winners, RAB Student Scholars, BEA Collegiate Media Chapters, & AERho honors society members.
  • Young Professionals 
    Our Career Fair attracts professionals just starting out in the industry. These are up-in-coming media professionals who are interested in advancing their careers in Media.
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

11:00am PDT

BEA Coaching Lounge at the LABF Career Fair & Graduate School Showcase
Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT
Real Talk. Real Feedback. Real Connections.

Step into the Coaching Lounge at the BEA Career Fair for an exclusive opportunity to meet one-on-one with accomplished broadcasting and media professionals. In these dynamic coaching sessions, industry experts will offer personalized career guidance, resume critiques, and reel feedback designed to help you stand out in a competitive media landscape. Whether you’re refining your demo reel, polishing your resume, or seeking insider advice on breaking into the industry, this is your chance to gain practical insights and candid feedback from the people who hire, produce, and lead. Come ready with your questions—and leave with clarity, confidence, and actionable next steps.

Coaching Schedule: 
11:00 am - 3:00 PM
Joyce Kotnik KLAS
Judy Greene FOX 5
Jeff Rosetti KSNV

11:00 am - 1:00 PM
Chandra Clark BEA

1:00 pm - 3:00 PM
Heather Dunn BEA

2:00 pm - 3:00 PM
Tom Hallaq BEA
Val Turco Commercial Radio  

Event Coordinator: Bob Gould 
Moderators
avatar for Bob Gould

Bob Gould

Broadcast Professor of Practice, Michigan State University
I've been teaching Broadcast Journalism at Michigan State University for 17 years. Before that, I worked 17 years in a local TV Newsroom as a Chief Video Photojournalist, creating daily news content. My passion is visual storytelling and teaching students the art of crafting a good... Read More →
Speakers
VT

Valerie Turco

SUNY New Paltz
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 →
DT

Dr. Tom Hallaq

Associate Professor, Kansas State University
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Monday April 20, 2026 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

11:30am PDT

How to Speak to a Camera
Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Former ABC News anchor and correspondent Antonio Mora will address on-camera presentational skills on all levels, focusing on what students need to do in order to be effective broadcast news professionals and strong on-camera storytellers.
Moderator: Antonio G. Mora, University of Miami
Moderators
avatar for Antonio Mora

Antonio Mora

Wolfson Chair in Communication, University of Miami
I am a veteran national and local news anchor and correspondent best known for my years as "GMA's" news anchor. I currently teach at the University of Miami's Wolfson School of Communication, where I also serve as the faculty adviser for The Miami Hurricane and for shows on UMTV... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W312

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Aleece Southern, Bonneville International
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
AS

Aleece Southern

Vice President Digital Sales, Bonneville International
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Julie Koehn, Lenwaee Broadcasting Company/WLEN Radio
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
JK

Julie Koehn

President, Lenwaee Broadcasting Company/WLEN Radio
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Kristin Cantrell, Seven Mountains Media
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Kristin Cantrell

Kristin Cantrell

Owner and CEO, Seven Mountains Media
My career started on the docks of the Chesapeake Bay. My father owned WYRE in
Annapolis MD, and he would take me on remote broadcasts to give away boat baggies
when I was 5 years old. We moved to Williamsport when I was 7, and Dad would take me
to the radio stations WILQ/WLYC to... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Linnae Young, Salem Media Group
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Linnae Young

Linnae Young

Chief Revenue Officer, Salem Media Group
Linnae Young is EVP of Salem Media Group. She has been with Salem for 30 years having served in various roles including Regional Sales Manager, GM of Salem National, Regional Vice President, Senior Vice President, and beginning in January of 2023 in her current role. She is also an... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Andrew Kalb, Skyview Networks
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Andrew Kalb

Andrew Kalb

Executive Vice President, Strategic Business Operations, Skyview Networks
Andrew Kalb is Executive Vice President, Strategic Business Operations at Skyview Networks, a broadcast technology, syndication, and national network sales organization reaching more than half of all Americans each week through relationships with over 10,000 radio stations.

In his... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

11:45am PDT

RAB Student Scholar Mentor Match-Up - Rob Babin, Cox Media Group
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Mentor Match-Ups are an exclusive opportunity for RAB Student Scholars to meet in small groups with media professionals. Get insights from these execs on the future of radio and audio media and find out what they are looking for in a new hire and how you can prepare for a career in radio and audio media.

Thank you to our 2026 RAB Student Scholars Sponsors for participating and supporting our students!


Speakers
avatar for Rob Babin 

Rob Babin 

President, Radio , Cox Media Group
Rob Babin is President, Cox Media Group (CMG) Radio. Rob is responsible for the profitability, strategic direction, and operational execution of CMG’s radio platform, spanning 45 radio stations in 9 markets across the country.
Rob’s career in radio spans 25 years, with 20 years spent leading various business units and markets for CMG including: Regional Vice President leading five radio markets (Miami, Houston, Tampa, San Antonio, and Long Island), VP/Market Manager for CMG Atlanta Radio (WSB, WSB-FM... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
W313

12:45pm PDT

Learning Through Experimentation: Students Share How AI Shapes Media, Ethics, and Creativity — and Prepares Them for Journalism Careers
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
This student-led panel showcases how future journalists are learning to navigate artificial intelligence in media production. Students from JMS 495: Artificial Intelligence in Media Production share lessons from hands-on experimentation with AI and reflect on how the course prepared them for journalism careers.

Their projects explore enduring issues: recognizing limitations like hallucinations, avoiding over-reliance, harnessing AI-enhanced creativity, and examining ethical and business implications.

Rather than focusing on specific platforms, the panel highlights critical skills, adaptability, and ethical frameworks that will remain vital as journalism continues to evolve alongside AI.
Moderator: Shawn Montano, University of Northern Colorado
Panelists: Gregory Edward Egbert, University of Northern Colorado
Kinsley Walker, University of Northern Colorado
Jaylen Lee, University of Northern Colorado
Moderators
avatar for Shawn Montano

Shawn Montano

Assistant Professsor, University of Northern Colorado
Shawn has a passion for video editing, storytelling, and teaching. In 2018 he joined the University of Northern Colorado’s Journalism and Media Studies program. He teaches News Production, Video Production, Digital Storytelling, Media Writing & Media Management. In his 20-year career... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jaylen Lee

Jaylen Lee

Anchor/ Reporter, University of Northern Colorado
UNC senior student-athlete and aspiring anchor/reporter with hands-on experience in anchoring, reporting, and storytelling. Passionate about connecting with people and bringing energy on camera.
avatar for Kinsley Walker

Kinsley Walker

Student, University of Northern Colorado
Kinsley is the executive producer of Bear News, the host and producer of the Bear in Mind podcast, a social media director for Her Campus UNCO and a writer for The Mirror
avatar for Gregory Egbert

Gregory Egbert

Director of Content, Bear News, University of Northern Colorado
Greg Egbert is a Senior at the University of Northern Colorado, pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in economics.
He is one of the recipients of the 2025 Denver Press Club's Damon Runyon Scholarships and recently became one of the newest Producers in Residence w... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W304

12:45pm PDT

On Air, On Site, On Point: College Radio's Pathway to Professionalism
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
This presentation showcases how college radio transforms classroom and studio learning into a foundation for student success. From mastering on-air skills and live sports coverage to creating social media content, producing podcasts, live remotes, and campus events, students gain confidence and professional skills through experiential learning opportunities that will set them apart in the media landscape. This panel highlights strategies to enhance student learning, boost station visibility, foster community partnerships, and generate revenue.
Moderator: Linda Burkley, Susquehanna University
Moderators
LB

Linda Burkley

Susquehanna University
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W312

12:45pm PDT

Academics Vs Athletics? The Opportunities and Challenges of Academic/Athletic Partnerships
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Partnerships between academic sports communication programs and college athletic departments are reshaping the landscape of student engagement, professional training, and live sports broadcasting. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for building sustainable collaborations that prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem while enriching the campus sports experience.

Moderator: Andrew Miller, Sacred Heart University
Panelists: John M. Morris, University of Southern Indiana
 Aaron Such, Sacred Heart University
Erik Charles Werner, Tennessee State University
Moderators
AM

Andrew Miller

Associate Professor, Sacred Heart University
Speakers
avatar for John M. Morris

John M. Morris

Faculty Adviser, 95.7 The Spin, and CBI Immediate Past President, University of Southern Indiana
EW

Erik Werner

Tennessee State University
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

2:00pm PDT

Pitching Stories: Have We Lost the Meat and the Art?
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Teaching pitching is not easy because students need to understand the meat of the story plus think of a creative and artsy way to produce the final product. This roundtable panel session could also be a decent workshop inviting BEA members to bring their best student story pitches and then show the results. The goal of this session would be to show the initial pitch, then show the best stories aired, published, and executed by our students. This interactive session will include pitches and successful stories that could be used as examples to collect and take back to share newsworthy, creative, objective, memorable, interesting, and well-sourced pitches.

Moderator: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama
Panelists: Harrison Hove, University of Florida
Carey L. Higgins-Dobney, University of Kentucky
Brittney Nix-Crawford, University of North Carolina Charlotte
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 Harrison Hove

Harrison Hove

Associate Chair, University of Florida
avatar for Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
avatar for Brittney Nix-Crawford

Brittney Nix-Crawford

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


Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W312

2:00pm PDT

Resource Hurdles: Successfully Navigating Partnerships with DII and DIII Athletics
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
While every production program faces difficulties, DII and DIII programs often face unique resource challenges. This panel explores ways that smaller academic programs have successfully partnered with their university athletics department and overcome common hurdles. We will present specific experiential learning opportunities tied to student media and course curriculum, take a closer look at our partnership models, and discuss unique ways of addressing common human, budget, and equipment resource issues.

Moderator: John Mcuire, Oklahoma State University
Panelists: Chris Shofner, Bethel University
Jasen Sokol, John Carroll University
David Allen Nelson, University of Central Oklahoma
Moderators
JM

John McGuire

Professor, Oklahoma State University

Speakers
avatar for David Nelson

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.
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.
CS

Christopher Shofner

Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Bethel University
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W311

2:00pm PDT

Your Media Job Search in the Age of AI
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
This panel for students and advisors engages Audience Interaction about Artificial Intelligence in today’s job market. Media managers and broadcast experts explore the fusion of legacy expectations and contemporary innovations that will keep your skills sharp and your spirit savvy as you craft your career.
Moderator: Marjorie Yambor, Dalton State College
Panelists: Jamie Pence, Owner/Creative Director/Editor, Videobred Inc.
Dez Rowe, Chief Photojournalist, KXRM Fox 21 News
Jeremy Whiting, General Manager, WDBM Impact 89 FM
Jon Whiting, Advisor, MSU Telecasters
Moderators
avatar for Marjorie Yambor

Marjorie Yambor

Dalton State College
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Whiting

Jeremy Whiting

General Manager, WDBM Impact 89 FM
JP

Jamie Pence

Owner/Creative Director/Editor, Videobred Inc
DR

Dez Rowe

Chief Photojournalist, KXRM Fox 21 News
JW

Jon Whiting

Advisor, MSU Telecasters
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W308

2:00pm PDT

The King of Podcasting: Howard Stern
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
While Joe Rogan and Marc Maron are often credited as trailblazers in podcasting, the groundwork for long-form, unfiltered audio conversations was laid earlier. In 2006, Howard Stern made the groundbreaking move from terrestrial radio to a new platform, Satellite, embracing a format that allowed for extended interviews and candid discussions on a wide range of topics. This transition not only transformed his own career but also reshaped the audio entertainment landscape—paving the way for the podcast era as we know it today. This panel will explore Stern’s pivotal role in redefining how audiences consume spoken-word content and why every podcaster owes part of their craft to his innovations.
Moderator: Lucas Cuny, San Bernardino Valley College
Panelists: Kevin Lyons, San Bernardino Valley College
Natalie McNair, San Bernardino Valley College
Moderators
avatar for Lucas Cuny

Lucas Cuny

Department Chair - Director of the Institute of Media Arts, San Bernardino Valley College
Lucas Cuny grew up surrounded by corn fields and truck stops in New Haven Indiana. As Luke Skywalker did or George Bailey always threatened, he shook off the shackles of the small town and came to Southern California to face his ultimate adventure, to pursue is passion for film. He... Read More →
Speakers
KL

Kevin Lyons

San Bernardino Valley College
NM

Natalie McNair

San Bernardino Valley College
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W310

3:15pm PDT

Fireside Chat with Cameron Coats and Zach Sang
Monday April 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Join us for a fireside chat with Cameron Coats, Online Editor for Radio Ink magazine and radio personality Zach Sang. 

Zach Sang is the most formidable yet likable inquisitor of his generation. Having kick-started his career when he was just 14, launching a radio show from his New Jersey bedroom, Sang went on to host Zach Sang and the Student Body on GOOM Radio, eventually becoming executive producer and music director of Zang Radio, one of the largest online teen radio stations at that time. Post-GOOM he partnered with Westwood One, spending 10 years on terrestrial radio hosting and producing the Zach Sang Show, transmitting to 90 terrestrial stations and millions of listeners (not to mention racking up millions of views online). Sang’s interviewed some of the biggest names in pop culture including Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, BTS, Zendaya, and countless other top tier names. His conversations are personally probing and creatively illuminating, but they’re also safe harbor, free from a clickbait gotcha agenda, offering instead, easy rapport and an open ear. 

For his next act Sang is continuing his partnership with Amazon Music across the board — which started in 2021 — while taking his show back to radio. Additionally the 30-year-old’s got his eyes on increasingly ambitious, broader scope projects. His production company Sang a Song is humming, developing a slate of TBA multi-channel formats. 

In a world where Content Is King, this multi-hyphenate is always iterating, but his ethos remains unwavering: Zach Sang leads with curiosity, empathy, and humor. He’s sharing too, but primarily he’s listening so that others can be heard.

Tim McCarthy, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, will briefly kick off the session share the work of the foundation. The mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America is to improve the quality of life of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute financial need due to a critical illness, severe accident, or other serious misfortune.

Moderators
avatar for Cameron Coats

Cameron Coats

Online Editor, Radio Ink
Cameron Coats is the Online Editor for Radio Ink Magazine, where he oversees the publication's Daily Headlines, website, and social media platforms. Before this, Cameron built a diverse career in radio, working as a morning show host, programmer, and regional creative director. H... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Zach Sang

Zach Sang

Zach Sang is the most formidable yet likable inquisitor of his generation. Having kick-started his career when he was just 14, launching a radio show from his New Jersey bedroom, Sang went on to host Zach Sang and the Student Body on GOOM Radio, eventually becoming executive producer... Read More →
avatar for Tim McCarthy

Tim McCarthy

President, Broadcasters Foundation of America
Award-winning broadcast executive with exceptional record of leadership, building and growing major-market radio stations, and achieving ratings and revenue goals.
Relationship management expert adept at recruiting and developing talent, negotiating rights agreements with sports a... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
W312

3:15pm PDT

Beyond Traditional Media Writing: Integrating Social Media Shows to Bridge Professional Writing Skills
Monday April 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
This panel presents an innovative media writing curriculum that integrates traditional professional writing skills with current social media production. Students learn essential formats (news articles, broadcast readers, press releases, scripts) then collaborate on four-episode social media shows, rotating through roles as writer, videographer, social media coordinator, and public relations specialist. This hands-on approach reinforces writing basics while applying skills within today's media practices, preparing students for dynamic media careers. Student panelists will share their writing assignments and implementation into social media shows.
Moderator: Angela Criscoe, Georgia College & State University
Amy Bishop, Georgia College & State University,
Jailey Ferrer Negron, Georgia College & State University,
Liberty Klopp, Georgia College & State University,

Moderators
avatar for Angela Criscoe

Angela Criscoe

Executive Director, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Georgia College & State University
I am the Executive Director of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Georgia College.  As an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, I have a passion and interest in researching, exploring, and using innovative technologies in film and television. I... Read More →
Speakers
AB

Amy Bishop

Georgia College & State University
JF

Jailey Ferrer Negron

Georgia College & State University
LK

Liberty Klopp

Georgia College and State University
Monday April 20, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
W313

4:30pm PDT

RAB Radio & Audio Media Technology Tour
Monday April 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
RAB will lead this tour of current technologies supporting radio, podcasting, and digital audio production, including studio systems, field recording tools, and audio distribution workflows.  
Monday April 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby
 

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