The journalism landscape is quickly changing, with many prominent voices leaving traditional TV and newsroom roles to pursue independent careers through podcasts, YouTube, newsletters, and social media platforms. For journalists like Don Lemon, Jemele Hill, and others, this shift offers both new opportunities and major challenges. Especially for Black women and minority journalists, independence gives greater autonomy and direct links with audiences, but it also raises important questions about visibility, sustainability, and systemic inequalities. Another vital aspect to explore is the increasing overlap between journalists and influencers. As journalists use the same platforms as influencers, questions about credibility, authority, branding, and how audiences view “news” in the digital age come up. Should we be preparing students to navigate—or even embrace—this overlap? What ethical, professional, and pedagogical strategies can we provide to help them balance reporting with personal voice and audience engagement? Panelists will share insights and teaching strategies on how to educate for this new era of journalism, and whether (and how) these roles should be integrated into our curricula. Moderator: Brittney Nix-Crawford, University of North Carolina Charlotte Panelists: Sheri Janine Booker, Morgan State University Jayne Cubbage, Bowie State University
