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Friday, April 17
 

4:30pm PDT

Welcome and BEA 101
Friday April 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Welcome to BEA2026! Sit back and get the inside knowledge on BEA initiatives, volunteer opportunities and journals. Panelists will give you tips on navigating BEA's annual convention and NAB Show.
Moderators
avatar for Adam Kuban

Adam Kuban

Professor, Ball State University
Professor — reporting & writing, documentary storytelling, sports, science/sustainability, community engagement, (critical) service learning, project-based curriculum
Speakers
avatar for Thom Baggerman

Thom Baggerman

Professor, Point Park University
I've been involved with BEA for almost twenty years.
I'm a Professor in the Point Park University School of Communication, and currently serve as School Chair.
I teach Video Production, Media & Society, Media Literacy, Multimedia, and other random things.
My professional experienc... Read More →
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 →
avatar for Kathleen M. Ryan

Kathleen M. Ryan

Associate Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
avatar for Heather Birks

Heather Birks

Executive Director, BEA
Friday April 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
W316

5:30pm PDT

BEA2026 Welcome Reception - Sponsored by Ross
Friday April 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Join us as we kick off the 2026 BEA convention for a "pre-party" toast before we honor the best faculty and graduate student work in research and creative scholarship, our award, grant and scholarship winners, and the very best leadership and service to BEA.

Host: Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University

Speakers
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 →
Friday April 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
W316

6:30pm PDT

BEA Opening Night Awards Ceremony - Sponsored by Ross
Friday April 17, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
The annual BEA Board Awards Ceremony recognizes some of the best faculty and graduate student work in research, as well as our scholarship winners and the very best leadership and service to BEA. Join us at the ceremony to honor this year’s distinguished award recipients.

Host: Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University

Our 2026 Awardees include:
Distinguished Education Service Award Recipient: Rebecca Ann Lind, University of Illinois at Chicago
Lifetime Achievement in Scholarship: Shuhua Zhou, City University of Hong Kong
Lifetime Achievement in Creative Scholarship: Steve Anderson & John Woody, James Madison University

Outgoing Board Members & Editors:
Immediate Past President: Glenda Balas, University of North Texas – Dallas
Secretary/Treasurer: Kathleen Ryan, University of Colorado Boulder
District 3: Sara Magee Loyola University Maryland
District 7: Brian L. Shelton, Harper College

Festival of Media Arts Committee Chair: Heather Dunn, Arizona State University
Publications Committee Chair: Joe Blaney, Illinois State University
Research Committee Chair: Michel Haigh, Texas State University
Research Symposium Chair: Seungahn Nah, University of Florida

Kenneth Harwood Dissertation Award Recipient: Grace M. Provenzano, Arizona State University
Innovation in Teaching Award: Milton Santiago, Syracuse University
Library of American of American Broadcasting Foundation’s Broadcast Historian Award:  
Lauren Bratslavsky, Illinois State University and Elizabeth Peterson, University of Oregon; The Archivability of Television: Essays on Preservation and Perseverance 
The Leibner Cooper Grant for Creative Productions on the History of Media:  Danielle Beverly, University of Texas at Arlington; Eyes on the Prize Reclaimed 
Book Award: Margaret Peacock, University of Alabama; Frequencies of Deceit: How Global Propaganda Wars Shaped the Middle East
Textbook Award:  Chris Easterly, Regent University; Writing, Making, and Distributing Your Short Film: How the Short Film Can Advance Your Craft and Career

2026 BEA Research Grant Recipients:
Judy Watts, University of Kansas; Persuaded or Dissuaded from Entertainment? Exploring Media Storytelling Techniques and Audience Characteristics 
Nan Zheng & Chengqu Guo, James Madison University; Creator Logic and User Trust: Understanding News Engagement on Short-Video Platforms 
Lauren Smith, Rowan University; Gendered Aesthetics as Causal Agents: Visual Excitement and Cognitive Effects in Olympic Broadcasts 
Gregory Pitts, Middle Tennessee State University & Madeleine Liselblad, California State University, Long Beach; News slanting: The Federal Communications Commission versus George A. Richards’s Goodwill Stations, Inc.

2026-2027 BEA Scholarship Recipients & AERho class of 2025 will also be recognized.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Ann Lind

Rebecca Ann Lind

Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

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 →
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

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 →
avatar for Steve Anderson

Steve Anderson

James Madison University
Steve Anderson is an Emeritus Professor of Interactive Design and the former director of the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University. His websites have won the top awards from the Broadcast Education Association (Best of Festival) and the Association for Education... Read More →
avatar for John Woody

John Woody

Emeritus Professor, James Madison University
John M. Woody dedicated thirty years to James Madison University, where he served as a full professor of Media Studies until his retirement in 2015. Specializing in advanced video post-production, he built a reputation for combining creative storytelling with emerging technology... Read More →
Friday April 17, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
W316
 
Saturday, April 18
 

9:00am PDT

Mobile Journalism Workshop
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
With a focus on documentary and non-fiction storytelling Mobile Journalism author Robb Montgomery returns showcase fresh case studies from the field. Participants will get an exclusive screening of winning documentary films from the recent Mobile Journalism Awards that were shot on smartphones and small cameras. He will also demonstrate how to create a 3D modeled immersive multimedia online exhibit using a free phone app, open source software, and Anthropological qualitative research methods. Montgomery also will reveal how he filmed a documentary film scene about virtual sex using a MetaQuest VR headset.
Moderator: Robb B Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP
Moderators
avatar for Robb Montgomery

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism
Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs.   He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W311

9:00am PDT

Stoke the Fire: Translating Broadcast Newsroom Energy For The Classrooms
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
With humor and lively energy, former newsroom professionals working in a variety of industries share how the culture of broadcast news sharpened their communication, crisis management, and relationship-building skills for classrooms, PR, and beyond. They’ll reflect on newsroom camaraderie, mentorship, and translating those lessons for students. Attendees will learn how the newsroom mindset inspires resilience, adaptability, and creativity across industries. This is a spirited, fast-paced panel.

Panelists: Justin Kree, Pima Community College
David Marino, Freese and Nichols
Hailee Tavoian, City of Sahuarita, Arizona
Moderator: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Moderators
avatar for Terry Filipowicz

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
HT

Hailee Tavoian

Pima Community College
DM

David Marino

Freese and Nichols, Inc.
JK

Justin Kree

Pima Community College
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W307

9:30am PDT

BEA2026 Exhibit Hall & Lounge
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:30am - 6:30pm PDT
Look at the schedule for mid-day break and the Saturday reception in the exhibit hall kicking off at 5:15 pm.

AEJMC
Asbury University
B&H
Cuez.app
Gray Television
Hearst
ICA
Lorensbergs/Connect2
Routledge / Taylor & Francis
University of Tampa
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:30am - 6:30pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

10:15am PDT

News Division - Top Research Presentations
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Moderator: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama

Debut Competition
1st Place Paper: Hyacinth Balediata Bangero, Bowling Green State University; Faiswal Kasirye, Bowling Green State University; Saadia Farooq, Bowling Green State University; Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti, Bowling Green State University; S M Russel Rabbi, Bowling Green State University; The Social Media Framing of Artificial Intelligence by ‘Mega-Influencer’ News Outlets: A Multi-Platform Analysis of Sources, Trends, and Influence

2nd Place Paper: Hey-Jeong An, Kyungpook National University; Heejay KIM, Kyungpook National University Daegu, Korea; PANSOO KIM, Kyungpook National University; Analyzing RE100 Discourse in Korea: A BERTopic-Based Clustering and Social Constructionist Interpretation

Open Competition
1st Place Paper: Robert Lance Holbert, University of Pennsylvania; Nathan Walter, Northwestern University; Brandon Harrison, University of Pennsylvania; Huma Rasheed, University of Pennsylvania; Camille Saucier, Clemson University; An Exploration of Parental-Filial Communication Dynamics Following a Political Assassination: The Case of Charlie Kirk

2nd Place Paper: Cory L. Armstrong, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Matthew VanDyke, The University of Alabama; Take cover now! Communicating about catastrophic danger before, during and after tornados in rural areas: A case study
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 Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Hyacinth Balediata Bangero

Bowling Green State University

HA

Hey-Jeong An

Kyungpook National University

RH

Robert Holbert

University of Pennsylvania

CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W307

12:00pm PDT

The Future Is Freelance in the Digital World: Race, Gender, and Journalism
Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
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
Moderators
avatar for Brittney Nix-Crawford

Brittney Nix-Crawford

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


Speakers
JC

Jayne Cubbage

Bowie State University
avatar for Sheri Booker

Sheri Booker

Lecturer, Morgan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W306

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - AUGIE GRANT
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

AUGIE GRANT's research focus is on: New media; audience behavior; convergent journalism; teaching mass media

Approaches: Quantitative & Qualitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Observation
Scale Development & Validation
Interview
Participant Observation
Focus Group
Network Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Augie Grant

Augie Grant

University of South Carolina--Retired
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SERENA MILLER
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SERENA MILLER's research focus is on: Sociology of knowledge, art, & science; concept explication and qualitative and quantitative theory building; scale development and validation; alternative journalism; Journalism practice; professional boundary management

Approaches: Critical, Qualitative & Quantitative

Methods: Observation, Scale, Development & Validation, Quantitative Survey, Quantitative, Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Consensual Qualitative Analysis, Interview Participant, observation, Focus group, Visual methods, Thematic analysis, Textual analysis. Quantitative Ethnography & Action Research

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Serena Miller

Serena Miller

Michigan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - CORY ARMSTRONG
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

CORY ARMSTRONG's research focus is on: gender, disaster communication, news content, decision-making

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Meta-analysis
Focus group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - GLENN CUMMINS
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

GLENN CUMMINS's research focus is on: Sports Media; Media Psychology; Parasocial Interaction; Biometrics

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Eye-tracking
Cognitive/media neuroscience

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Glenn Cummins

Glenn Cummins

Professor, Texas Tech University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
W313

1:15pm PDT

Aircheck: The Student Newscast Experience
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
The student-produced newscast is a hallmark of many mass communication programs; however, the experience students get can vary drastically at different universities. From differences in technology to facilities to scheduling, no two newscast classes are quite the same. On this panel, faculty from four universities will discuss how they guide aspiring broadcast journalists through their student newscast experience.

Moderator: Dr. Bruce Finklea, University of Montevallo,

Panelists:
Dr. Richard Previte, Liberty University,
Boriana Treadwell, University of Miami,
Dr. Dwayne Cheddar, Oakwood University,
Anjelica Trinone, West Virginia University,
Moderators
avatar for Bruce Finklea

Bruce Finklea

Professor and Coordinator of Mass Communication, University of Montevallo
Speakers
avatar for Boriana Treadwell

Boriana Treadwell

Senior Lecturer, University of Miami

AT

Anjelica Trinone

West Virginia University
DC

Dwayne Cheddar

Professor of Communication,, Oakwood University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W307

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SHUHUA ZHOU
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SHUHUA ZHOU's research focus is on: Media effects, media psychology, AI communicators

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
Cognitive/media neuroscience
Eye-tracking

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

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 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - AUGIE GRANT
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

AUGIE GRANT's research focus is on: New media; audience behavior; convergent journalism; teaching mass media

Approaches: Quantitative & Qualitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Observation
Scale Development & Validation
Interview
Participant Observation
Focus Group
Network Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Augie Grant

Augie Grant

University of South Carolina--Retired
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SERENA MILLER
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SERENA MILLER's research focus is on: Sociology of knowledge, art, & science; concept explication and qualitative and quantitative theory building; scale development and validation; alternative journalism; Journalism practice; professional boundary management

Approaches: Critical, Qualitative & Quantitative

Methods: Observation, Scale, Development & Validation, Quantitative Survey, Quantitative, Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Consensual Qualitative Analysis, Interview Participant, observation, Focus group, Visual methods, Thematic analysis, Textual analysis. Quantitative Ethnography & Action Research

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Serena Miller

Serena Miller

Michigan State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - STEPHEN PERRY
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

STEVE PERRY's research focus is on: Media History, Peace Journalism, Disaster Warning Dissemination, Media Effects, Religious Communication

Approaches: Critical
Qualitative
Quantitative
History

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
History
Interview
Thematic Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Steve Perry

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University
Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee. 
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

1:45pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - GLENN CUMMINS
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

GLENN CUMMINS's research focus is on: Sports Media; Media Psychology; Parasocial Interaction; Biometrics

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Eye-tracking
Cognitive/media neuroscience

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Glenn Cummins

Glenn Cummins

Professor, Texas Tech University
Saturday April 18, 2026 1:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - SHUHUA ZHOU
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

SHUHUA ZHOU's research focus is on: Media effects, media psychology, AI communicators

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
Cognitive/media neuroscience
Eye-tracking

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

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 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - CORY ARMSTRONG
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

CORY ARMSTRONG's research focus is on: gender, disaster communication, news content, decision-making

Approaches: Quantitative

Methods: Case study
Experiment
Quantitative
Survey
Meta-analysis
Focus group

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
CL

Cory L Armstrong

Professor and Associate Dean, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

BEA RADAR (Research and Data Assistance Resources) Scholar Office Hours - STEPHEN PERRY
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
RADAR Scholar Office Hours is our one-of-a-kind, feedback and community building program designed to connect you with senior researchers within the BEA community. BEA wants to help you maximize your conference experience by helping you with your research career or engaging your intellectual curiosity. We’ve tailored our RADAR Scholar Office Hours program to support researchers in terms of attendees interested in getting feedback on their research projects, as well as other senior scholar BEA members interested in engaging in dialogue about the practice of research.

These are ONE-ON-ONE office hours.  One person can sign up per time slot.

STEVE PERRY's research focus is on: Media History, Peace Journalism, Disaster Warning Dissemination, Media Effects, Religious Communication

Approaches: Critical
Qualitative
Quantitative
History

Methods: Experiment
Quantitative Survey
Scale Development and Validation
Quantitative Content Analysis
History
Interview
Thematic Analysis

Stats: Yes

BEA members can sign up for on-on-one meetings with RADAR Scholars to:
  • Get feedback on a study idea
  • Design a study using a method
  • Engage in discussions of research
  • Learn about research best practices
  • Understand epistemological approaches to knowledge-making
  • Discuss RPT
  • Learn about making theoretical arguments
  • Write persuasively about contributions for academic publications
  • Structure journal article papers
  • Respond to reviewers
  • Discuss the next stages of your conference presentation/paper
  • Discuss grant funding
  • Present research at conferences
  • Get data analytic advice
Speakers
avatar for Steve Perry

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University
Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee. 
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm PDT
W313

2:15pm PDT

Faculty Research-in-Progress Digital Poster - Session 1
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Moderator: Rebecca Ann Lind, University of Illinois at Chicago

Ginger E. Blackstone, University of Arkansas; A Modern Course Design Challenge: Embracing and Implementing A.I. Tools Ethically in Journalism Education

Ed Youngblood, Auburn University; Susan Ann Youngblood, Auburn University & Angie Chung, Auburn University; Audience reactions to the AI-generated country song Walk My Walk

Marquita Smith, University of Mississippi; Bars of Liberation: Hip-Hop Feminism, Lyrical Self-Definition, and the Multiplicity of Black Womanhood

Ashley Larson, San Francisco State University & Morgan Butler, Lindenwood University; Breaking Down the Feed: Understanding the Sources Behind Social Media News Consumption

Gregory Pitts, Middle Tennessee State University & Twange Kasoma, Appalachian State University; Misinformation, Social Media, and Democratic Backsliding in Georgia

Cheryl Bracken, Bowling Green State University & Bridget Rubenking, University of Central Florida; Moral Representations in Streaming and Broadcast and Cable Programming

Robert O. Apiyo, University of Tampa; Osman Osman, New York University & Kevin Charles Mudavadi, Georgia State University; Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and the Digital Divide: Challenges, Lessons, and Opportunities in the Global South

**Kyle J. Miller, Northwest Missouri State University & Christina C Smith, Georgia College; Navigating the unknown: Analyzing general managers’ perceptions of federal funding cuts to NPR stations in a Midwestern state

Please see attached poster and click on the poster to listen to the presentation.

Moderators
avatar for Rebecca Ann Lind

Rebecca Ann Lind

Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Speakers
avatar for Robert O. Apiyo

Robert O. Apiyo

University of Tampa
avatar for Ed Youngblood

Ed Youngblood

Professor, Auburn University
I'm a professor of Media Studies at Auburn University. My current research looks at media accessibility, with a focus on online media, including websites and video captions, though I'm hoping to begin doing some media technology history research in the next year or two. From a teaching... Read More →
avatar for Bridget Rubenking

Bridget Rubenking

University of Central Florida

avatar for Gregory Pitts

Gregory Pitts

Professor, School of Journalism and Strategic Media, Middle Tennessee State University
avatar for Marquita Smith

Marquita Smith

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research, University of Mississippi
avatar for Kyle J. Miller

Kyle J. Miller

Associate Professor, Northwest Missouri State University
I'm an associate professor at the Northwest Missouri State University School of Communication and Mass Media. I teach media writing, broadcasting/digital, sports media and media literacy courses. I also oversee our Mass Media program's Senior Seminar course and Professional Advisory... Read More →
avatar for Ginger Blackstone

Ginger Blackstone

Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
Interests: Live TV production, streaming, the news industry, artificial intelligence, Cultivation Theory, framing, broadcast, digital platforms, and sometimes political media.

I received my Ph.D. from the University of Florida (2016). I teach broadcast and multimedia journalism cl... Read More →
avatar for Cheryl Bracken

Cheryl Bracken

Bowling Green State University
SA

Susan Ann Youngblood

Auburn University
MB

Morgan Butler

Lindenwood University
Saturday April 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

3:00pm PDT

Bridging Classrooms and Newsrooms: Teaching Special Projects Through Professional Partnerships
Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
This panel explores how faculty design and teach special project classes that partner with professional news organizations to produce publishable, real-world work, ideally while filling coverage gaps. Panelists will discuss strategies for negotiating partnerships, integrating newsroom expectations into course structures, and mentoring students toward professional-quality content. Presentations include case studies, syllabus models, and examples of student projects that successfully met both academic and industry standards.
Moderator: David Smith, Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University Reed School of Media and Communications
Panelists: Ashton Marra, Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University Reed School of Media and Communications; Tracking West Virginia State Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution Reporting Project

Gretchen Macchiarella, Associate Professor, Cal State Northridge; CSN community reporting projects

Rick Brunson, Senior Instructor of Journalism, University of Central Florida; “Sounds of Central Florida” and “Unheard Society” projects

Moderators
DS

David Smith

Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University

Speakers
avatar for Gretchen Macchiarella

Gretchen Macchiarella

associate professor, California State University- Northridge
I focus on emerging technologies and how journalists can use them, both professionally and in academic settings. 
RB

Rick Brunson

Senior Instructor, University of Central Florida

AM

Ashton Marra

Teaching Assistant Professor, West Virginia University

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W306

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
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
avatar for Shuhua Zhou

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

4:15pm PDT

Resumes, reels and portfolios:Getting your first newsroom job
Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Getting the first job after college can be tough. We share advice and feedback on what makes a good resume, reel and portfolio and offer tips to get noticed by hiring managers.
Moderator: Heather Dunn, Talent Dynamics/ASU
Moderators
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W312
 
Sunday, April 19
 

9:00am PDT

Day Turn: A Summer Reporting Bootcamp Overview
Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Faculty and former students from the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication outline the “Hubbard Reporting Experience.” In this collaborative two-week bootcamp, broadcast students go from basic production and reporting knowledge to day-turning news packages for broadcast. Students pitch stories at 8 a.m., then interview, shoot, write, track, edit and air a live newscast at 4 p.m., including remote live shots.

Moderator: Scott Libin, University of Minnesota
Panelists: Sara Quinn, University of Minnesota


Moderators
avatar for Scott Libin

Scott Libin

Senior Fellow and Consultant, University of Minnesota
Scott Libin is a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Scott's specialty is broadcast journalism, ethics and newsroom leadership. Before joining the University of Minnesota faculty, he served as vice president of news and... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Cikovic

Matthew Cikovic

Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
SQ

Sara Quinn

Senior Fellow, Educator, University of Minnesota
Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W311

9:30am PDT

10:15am PDT

Public interest vs. business interest: The impacts of ownership deregulation on broadcasters and communities in the United States
Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, radio and television mergers and acquisitions have exploded in a push to deregulate local media ownership in the United States. As family owned stations became conglomerate owned, single stations became duopolies, and shell companies “owned” stations in name only, local broadcasters have borne the brunt of the business decisions of their corporate mega-owners. What has this done to the face of LOCAL broadcasting? This panel discusses impacts on minority radio ownership and programming, labor impacts for station workers, and the state of local journalism in the community.
Moderator: Carey L. Higgins-Dobney, University of Kentucky
Panelists: Chip Mahaney, Southern Methodist University
Robin Mazyck Sundaramoorthy, Lehigh University
Mary Beth Earnheardt, Youngstown State University
Nicole Clarity, Hofstra University
Moderators
avatar for Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Clarity

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.
avatar for Robin Sundaramoorthy

Robin Sundaramoorthy

Assistant Professor, Lehigh University
avatar for Chip Mahaney

Chip Mahaney

Visiting Media Executive in Residence, Southern Methodist University
Chip Mahaney has more than 40 years’ experience in news, primarily in television and digital, with more than 30 in leadership positions at local and corporate levels.  He is in his first year as journalism faculty at SMU, teaching broadcast and sports journalism. 
MB

Mary Beth Earnheardt

Youngstown State University
Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W306

10:15am PDT

"What the $#!& were you thinking?!" and other Newsroom No-Nos in a Shifting Workplace Culture
Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Newsrooms are known for their “salty” workplace culture where “f bombs” fly as frequently as breaking news alerts sound; gallows humor long used to manage the stress of having a front row seat to death and destruction.

Both of these mainstays of newsroom culture are becoming increasingly problematic in today’s multi-generational newsrooms.

This panel will offer thoughts on what that means for educators training future journalists and for the employers who seek to hire them.
Moderator: Steve Bien-Aime, University of Kansas
Panelists: Dan Grainge, President NEP Specialty Capture Division
Wes Akers, Northern Kentucky University
Moderators
SB

Steve Bien-Aime

University of Kansas
Speakers
WA

Wes Akers

Northern Kentucky University
DG

Dan Grainge

President NEP Specialty Capture Division, NEP
Sunday April 19, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W312

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
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
avatar for Dale Blasingame

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
avatar for Julian Rodriguez

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 →
DS

David Smith

Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University

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

11:30am PDT

Practical practice: Getting students experience via immersive workshops
Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
You can't learn how to be a journalist or a media professional from a textbook or by simply sitting in a class. You learn by getting your hands dirty, doing the hard work and gaining field experience. This panel will be a look at tried and tested experiential workshops — some multi-day workshops — put on by different
universities around the world. These workshops and our panelists run the spectrum: A sports workshop incorporating multiple classes,
an immersive photo and multimedia storytelling workshop, global documentary workshops on social change and environmental issues. We want to include what works and what doesn't work, some step-by-step guides for creating a successful, hands-on workshop. Many of these workshops also provide portfolio pieces for students and/or have a community service component to them as well.

Moderator: Jen Smith, University of Kentucky
Panelists: Jen Smith, University of Kentucky
David Stephenson, School of Journalism and Media, University of Kentucky,
Robin Canfield, Actuality Abroad
Robb B. Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP
Tynymgul Eshieva Eshieva, American University in Central Asia
Moderators
avatar for Jen Smith

Jen Smith

assistant professor, University of Kentucky
I am a recovering sportswriter who worked for the Lexington Herald-Leader in various positions for more than 20 years, including copy editor, designer, news and sports reporter. While working in the sports department for most of my career, I covered everything from high school sports... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Robb Montgomery

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism
Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs.   He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →
TE

Tynymgul Eshieva

Assistant Professor, American University in Central Asia
avatar for Robin Canfield

Robin Canfield

Director of International Programs, Actuality Abroad
Robin Canfield is an accomplished storyteller, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. He co-founded Actuality Abroad and leads documentary workshops around the world, producing films that highlight the efforts of local changemakers. Under his guidance, Actuality Abroad has mentored... Read More →
avatar for David Stephenson

David Stephenson

Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Media, Univ. of Kentucky
Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W311

12:45pm PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Student Showcase Session - News & Sports (News Program) Competitions
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Join us for this series of sessions showcasing the work of our Festival of Media Arts Student News winners.

Moderator: Boriana Treadwell, University of Miami

News Competition
Television Long Feature Reporting Category
Best of Festival: Alex Land, University of Florida; The New Florida Follies

Television News Magazine Category
1st Place: Katelyn Kucharski, Delanie Haddad & Gracie Palmer, University of Miami; Hometown Heroes: 2025 Edition

Sports Competition
Video News Program Category
1st Place: Griffin Bloomstein & Nathaniel Cunningham, Syracuse University; Syracuse Women’s Soccer vs Cornell Pregame Show

Television Short Feature Reporting Category
Award of Excellence: Josiah Rozek, Regent University; Canaries in the Coal Mine
Moderators
avatar for Boriana Treadwell

Boriana Treadwell

Senior Lecturer, University of Miami

Speakers
AL

Alex Land

University of Florida
DH

Delanie Haddad

University of Miami
GB

Griffin Bloomstein

Syracuse University
JR

Josiah Rozek

Regent University
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W311

12:45pm PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Student Showcase Session - Audio Competition
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Join us for this series of sessions showcasing the work of our Festival of Media Arts Student Audio winners.

Moderator: Allysa Adams, Arizona State University

Educational Program Category
1st Place: Bryan Gonzalez & Claire Macchiarola, University of Central Florida; Hospice Chaplain Provides Comfort in Life's Final Moments

Narrative Audio Category
1st Place: Krystal Guerra, Texas Christian University; Deliver U.S.

Non-Narrative Audio Category
1st Place: Wyatt Lehr, Denise Valdez-Alavarez, Bayleigh Koch, Brian Tessmer & Sean Keating, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Live from the Strauss Performing Arts Center: CFAM 20th Anniversary, Segment 2/3

PSA, Promo, or Commercial Category
1st Place: Marisol Sela, Texas Christian University; PSA - Smokefree.gov

Moderators
avatar for Allysa Adams

Allysa Adams

Arizona State University

Speakers
CM

Claire Macchiarola

University of Central Florida
avatar for Krystal Guerra

Krystal Guerra

Texas Christian University
avatar for Bayleigh Koch

Bayleigh Koch

University of Nebraska at Omaha

MS

Marisol Sela

Student, Texas Christian University
SK

Sean Keating

University of Nebraska-Omaha

avatar for Denise Valdez-Alvarez

Denise Valdez-Alvarez

University of Nebraska Omaha
Hello! I'm a senior majoring in journalism and media communications and minoring in English at UNO. I enjoy learning new editing techniques in both audio and video. I also love linguistics and analyzing different English dialects. 
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W309

12:45pm PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Student Showcase Session - News & Audio Competition
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
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
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Speakers
avatar for Seth Krispin

Seth Krispin

Regent University
BK

Boone Kilpatrick

Syracuse University
avatar for Dylan Singletary

Dylan Singletary

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

2:00pm PDT

BEA Ignite: Rapid-Fire Innovative Teaching Ideas
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Showcasing your most innovative teaching ideas. As part of our quest for the most innovative teaching ideas, we present “BEA Ignite” – where you can share your best classroom project/exercise/ideas. Following the traditional “ignite” format, presenters get 5 minutes and 20 slides to share their passionate teaching idea. The seven best “ignite” ideas were selected to make their presentations “live” during this BEA2026 session.

Andrew David, Moderator/Host
Michael Bruce, Producer

Lauren Bavis, Syracuse University - How PR and Journalism Students Collaborate on “Both Sides of the Podium”

Kara Gould, Samford University - Using Informal Debate within Panel Discussions to Encourage Student Engagement in the Classroom

Christine Guest, Ithaca College - Co-Lab with Yamdu: Unlocking TV/Film Team Teaching

Angelica Kalika, University of Colorado Boulder - Beat the Machine

Teresa Puente, California State University - Long Beach - Creating a Social Video Awareness Campaign

Danna Ramos, University of the Incarnate Word - Pop Culture Broadcast

Lakshmi N Tirumala, Drake University - Voice Before Camera - Teaching Media Students to Speak Story First

Moderators
avatar for Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce

Dept. Chair, Associate Professor & Director of Digital Media Center, University of Alabama

Speakers
avatar for Christine Guest

Christine Guest

Associate Professor, TVR, Ithaca College
Chrissy Guest is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media Arts, Sciences, and Studies at Ithaca College. She earned her M.F.A in Creative Writing from Full Sail University and her B.S. in Cultural Studies with a concentration in Television Production from Empire State College. An award-winning... Read More →
avatar for Angelica Kalika

Angelica Kalika

Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Boulder
Angelica Kalika is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Journalism. She holds a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley (2006), MA in Newsgathering from the University of Colorado (2012), and a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder (2019). Specializing in alternative media, her r... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Puente

Teresa Puente

assistant professor of journalism, California State University - Long Beach
Teresa Puente has spent her career reporting on immigration and Latino issues in the U.S. and has also reported extensively from Mexico. Previously, she was a staff reporter at the Chicago Tribune and was on the editorial board at the Chicago Sun-Times. Early in her career, she worked... Read More →
LN

Lakshmi N. Tirumala

Associate Professor, Drake University
avatar for Andrew David

Andrew David

Morgan Media
Andrew David has a BBC career spanning BBC Radio 2 through BBC Local Radio to anchoring the Midland’s Region's nightly news show, He was a senior manager at BBC Radio Nottingham and worked at the University of Lincoln where he set up and ran the UK's first community radio station... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Bavis

Lauren Bavis

Professor of Practice, Syracuse University

avatar for Danna Ramos

Danna Ramos

University of the Incarnate Word
KG

Kara Gould

Samford University
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W310

2:00pm PDT

The 2026 State of the Broadcast News Industry
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
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
avatar for Keren Henderson

Keren Henderson

Associate Professor, Syracuse University
Speakers
TM

Timothy Mirabito

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

2:30pm PDT

BEA Festival of Media Arts - Rehearsal
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Calling all BEA "Best of" Festival winners!  Winners will meet for a brief run through of the evening awards ceremony.

Sunday April 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
W316

3:15pm PDT

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

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
avatar for Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Carey L. Higgins-Dobney

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky
Speakers
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 →
avatar for Keren Henderson

Keren Henderson

Associate Professor, Syracuse University
TB

Tabitha Bartoe

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

4:30pm PDT

Student News Live: From 24-Hour Coverage to National Podcast
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Student News Live debuted with 24-hour streaming coverage on Election Day 2024, featuring young journalists from across the world, including reporting live from the White House. Building on that success, the program is launching a podcast to amplify student voices on campus and community issues nationwide. This session will feature Student News Live board members outlining opportunities for students to get involved.

Moderator: Rob Quicke, Marshall University
Panelists: Nick Hirshon, William Paterson University
Rob Quicke, Marshall University

Moderators
RQ

Rob Quicke

Marshall University
Speakers
NH

Nick Hirshon

William Paterson University
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
W311

4:30pm PDT

The Future of Local Television, AI, Ownership, and the New Broadcast Frontier
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Local television is at a crossroads.
We will look at AI already being used in newsrooms and how these tools could reshape both editorial workflows and ethical standards. We will discuss the operational, technical and editorial makeup of consolidated newsrooms, the rapid growth of streaming newscasts and other local content, and how it all affects the future job market.
We'll also address ownership changes and how these shifts change the way local television has been defined over the years.

Moderator: Suzy Smith, Ball State University
Panelists: Terry J. Heifetz, Ball State University
Michael Brouder, Ball State University
Stephen Crews, Gray Television


Moderators
avatar for Suzy Smith

Suzy Smith

Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Media, Ball State University
Speakers
avatar for Stephen Crews

Stephen Crews

Talent Acquisition Specialist, Gray Television
I have spent over 25 years covering news across the Wiregrass. I spent over a decade working in newspapers and radio, covering news and sports. The experience I gained in a small community is invaluable. I learned how to develop my own film and print my own pictures before transitioning... Read More →
MB

Michael Brouder

Ball State University
TH

Terry Heifetz

Ball State University
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
W308

5:30pm PDT

2026 Best of Festival Awards Ceremony
Sunday April 19, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
During the ceremony, recipients will be recognized with a specialized screening of their winning project and a cash award of $1,000 from the Diana King Memorial Endowment.

The 2026 Best of Festival winners were selected from a pool of over 2,250 entries, representing over 300 colleges and universities in the following competitions: audio, documentary, film & video, interactive multimedia, news, scriptwriting, sports and two-year colleges.

2026 Best of Festival Winners

Audio Competition - Faculty
The Traveling Radio Show Goes to the CSU!; Jeff Jacoby, San Francisco State University (Long-Form Production Category)

Audio Competition - Student 

Deliver U.S.; Krystal Guerra, Texas Christian University (Narrative Audio Category)

Documentary Competition - Faculty 

Chicken Ghetto; Sangsun Choi & Paul Lee, Kennesaw State University (Short-Form Category)

Documentary Competition - Student 
Hunter; Jack Hanning, Carter Moore, Nick Reed & Rylie West, University of Tennessee (Documentary Feature Category)

Film & Video Competition - Faculty
Kid Super Pilot; Christian Washington, Huntington University Arizona (Narrative Video Category)

Film & Video Competition - Student
Southern Apocrypha; Eli Murray, Ethan Hickey, Jordan Moore & Amy Csaki, Middle Tennessee State University (Narrative – Mini Narrative Category)
Komets Blackout Night Promo; Bryce Garrett, Huntington University (Promotional Category)

Interactive Multimedia Competition - Faculty
Eyes of Freedom Immersive; Pat Clark, University of Colorado Boulder (Interactive Reality Category)

Interactive Multimedia Competition – Student
As Tough As Ice; Murphy McFarlane, Syracuse University (Multimedia Storytelling Category)

News Competition - Faculty
From Denver to Mecca: A CNN producer’s personal pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site; Kareem El Damanhoury, Muhammad Darwish, Angelica Pursley & Matog Saleh, University of Denver (Television Feature News Reporting Category)

News Competition - Student
40 Feet In the Air; Boone Kilpatrick, Syracuse University (Radio Reporting Category)

The New Florida Follies; Alex Land, University of Florida (Television Reporting Category)

Centre County Report: April 4, 2025; Allie Wenskoski, Sarah Schultz, Francie Ebert, Hannah Neurohr, Owen Gelber &
Denys Khrulov, Penn State University (Television Newscast Category)

Scriptwriting Competition - Faculty
All These Lonesome Graveyards; Nathan Patton, Missouri State University (Original Television Series Pilot Category)  
Scriptwriting Competition - Student Bandit; Cooper Johnson, Missouri State University (Original Television Series Pilot Category)

Sports Competition - Faculty
Authentic ACC: Syracuse Spring Football; Jordan Kligerman, Austin Beehner, Mike Lang & Richard Wiesmann, Syracuse University (Long Form Sports Video Category)

Sports Competition - Student
Ball State Sports Link: My Black Is; Nate Locker & Amadou Diallo, Ball State University (Promotional Video/Tease/PSA Category)

Student Two-Year Colleges Competition

25 Years of Harper Radio; Zoe Meshenberg, Harper College (Non-Narrative Audio Category)

Graduate Student Competition

Piloting the Past into the Future; Rio Harper, Dian Ling, Nicole Cummings & Nathan Olszewski, Syracuse University (Documentary)
Speakers
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Sunday April 19, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
W316
 
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

9:00am PDT

Building Blocks of a Better Team
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Is your team clicking together like a perfectly built structure or clunking along like mismatched pieces? Strong collaboration and communication are the foundation of any high-performing team, and in this interactive session, you’ll discover how to strengthen both through the power of play.

Using building blocks as both metaphor and hands-on tool, we’ll explore what it takes to build trust, align around shared goals and adapt to change. You’ll gain fresh insights into team dynamics, leadership styles and the invisible structures that support effective teamwork. Come ready to build, reflect and leave with practical strategies for assembling a more connected, resilient team: one brick at a time.

Moderators
avatar for Tara Puckey

Tara Puckey

President & CEO, RTDNA
Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP is the President and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and RTDNA Foundation. She has held senior leadership roles at both RTDNA and the Society of Professional Journalists, and has trained more than 3,000 journalists and... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W309

9:00am PDT

Community News and Student Reporting
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
University led student reporting programs provide high impact learning experiences for students AND trusted sources of information for local communities. In these programs student reporters (generally though classes or managed internships) cover local communities and their content is shared with media partners or distributed directly. These are programs where professionals edit and vet the student work and work with media partners to provide stories to meet local needs and to journalism standards.

Moderators
avatar for Richard Watts

Richard Watts

Director, Center for Community News - University of Vermont
The role of students in community news!

Speakers
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 →
RB

Rick Brunson

Senior Instructor, University of Central Florida

MF

Maria Fernanda Camacho

Spanish Language News Manager, WUFT-University of Florida

Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W310

10:15am PDT

The Future of Broadcast Journalism: Dual Enrollment High School Programs
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
The threat to the integrity of journalism is at an all-time high. Media is adapting to technological changes such as AI, combating widespread disinformation, and the constant change in how the public consumes news. In addition, high school and college broadcast programs deal with roadblocks such as: as misalignment of curriculum, credit transfer issues and liability considerations. Changes such as these highlight the need to strengthen dual-enrollment programs. Statistics show this educational advantage improves the career opportunities for future journalists especially for students living in underrepresented areas and demographics.
Moderator: Chalise Macklin, University of Memphis
Panelists: Roxane Coche, University of Florida
Harrison Hove, University of Florida
Brian Bentley, Clark Atlanta University
Moderators
CM

Chalise Macklin

University of Memphis
Speakers
avatar for Brian Bentley

Brian Bentley

Associate Dean Arts & Sciences/Assistant Professor Mass Media Arts, Clark Atlanta University
Dr. Brian Bentley has dedicated 24-plus years to higher education, earning educational accolades with a doctorate while working to complete a second doctorate. In addition, he has earned three master’s degrees: an MA in Mass Communications, an MFA in Creating Writing, and an MBA... Read More →
avatar for Roxane Coche

Roxane Coche

University of Florida
avatar for Harrison Hove

Harrison Hove

Associate Chair, University of Florida
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W311

11:30am PDT

Festival of Media Arts: Faculty Showcase Session & Awards - News, Film & Video and Audio Competitions
Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Please join us as we recognize all of the Faculty Festival winners from News competition.  

After the awards are handed out, we will hear from our Best of Competition winners from News, Film & Video and Audio.
Confirmed Presenters

Faculty Film & Video
Commercial or PSA Category
House of Honey; Jonathan Vinson, Huntington University

Mixed/Pedagogical Category
ALL ONE; Rodrigo Gómez Claros, Skye Baxter, Cooper Rogers, Seth Savage & Stacey Teves, Middle Tennessee State University

Faculty News
Television Feature News Reporting Category
From Denver to Mecca: A CNN producer’s personal pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site; Kareem El Damanhoury, Muhammad Darwish, Angelica Pursley & Matog Saleh, University of Denver

Faculty Audio
Radio Station Promo, PSA, Commercial Category
Universal Electric Scooter and Skateboard Life Insurance; Don Connelly, Western Carolina University
Moderators
avatar for Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

Arizona State University

Speakers
avatar for Don Connelly

Don Connelly

Professor, Faculty Advisor 95.3 WWCU, Western Carolina University
Throughout a 23 year broadcasting career and now 24 years in academia, Connelly has always maintained a keen interest in production. He is a five-time recipient of the Broadcast Education Association’s Best of Competition Award and a five-time recipient of the Best of Festival Charles... Read More →
JV

Jonathan Vinson

Huntington University
avatar for Rodrigo Gómez Claros

Rodrigo Gómez Claros

Associate Professor of Animation, Middle Tennessee State University
Rodrigo Gómez-Claros, a Colombian native and US citizen, is an award-winning graphic designer and animator. He holds degrees from the National University of Colombia and the Rochester Institute of Technology. With over 14 years at Mattel/Fisher-Price, he produced and directed numerous... Read More →
KE

Kareem El Damanhoury

University of Denver
Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W311

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

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

Embracing News Influencing: Combining traditional journalism standards and social media practices
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Why aren’t more local TV news stations embracing news influencing on social media? In 2024, Pew Research Center found that 20% of adults regularly get news from influencers – and most have no affiliation or background in a news organization. Learn from two professors who began a social media news influencer project and took those lessons into the classroom; and from a local TV news reporter on the challenges of breaking through.
Moderator: Jamie Hoskins, Syracuse University
Panelists: Catherine Loper, Syracuse University
David Charns, Investigative Reporter, KLAS 8 News NOW

Moderators
JH

Jamie Hoskins

Syracuse University
Speakers
CL

Catherine Loper

Assistant Teaching Professor, Syracuse University
DC

David Charns

Investigative Reporter, KLAS 8 News NOW
Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W311

2:00pm PDT

Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Robotics in Broadcast Productions
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
The incorporation of AI, automation, and robotics in today’s television productions is no longer optional. Integrate these technologies into your teaching and production workflows—or risk becoming obsolete. This highly visual and practical presentation explores how institutions are building converged, dynamic environments where technology fuels critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Moderator: Julian Rodriguez, University of Texas - Arlington
Panelists: Brian Wheeler, Pikes Peak State College
Moderators
avatar for Julian Rodriguez

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 →
Speakers
avatar for Brian Wheeler

Brian Wheeler

Faculty / Chair / Dungeon Master, Pikes Peak State College
Brian Wheeler has served as Department Chair of Broadcasting, Electronic, and Emerging Media at Pikes Peak State College since 2011. Before transitioning to academia in 2009, he built a career in commercial production, creating content for regional advertisers across the country... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
W304

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

3:00pm PDT

Step Into the Newsroom: A KLAS-TV Experience
Monday April 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at a local TV station? For the first time, we are offering a tour of KLAS-TV in Vegas, which is a short walk from the West Conference Hall. Bring comfy shoes and lots of questions! We leave the West Hall promptly at 3 from the Career Fair. The KLAS news director will lead the tour, featuring a live newscast, and a live look from both the studio and the control room. We’ll meet and greet other newsroom staffers along the way to get your questions answered. This is for both students and faculty BEA members. Space is limited to 20, so sign up early or be among the first 20 in line to be on the tour!

To sign up, simply add this event to your online schedule. 
Moderators
DS

Dan Salamone

News Director, KLAS, Las Vegas (Nexstar)

Monday April 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
W322-W327 - BEA Exhibit Hall

4:30pm PDT

News & Sports Production Technologies Tour
Monday April 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Get an insider's look at technology used in contemporary news production, including broadcast, digital, and mobile reporting tools, newsroom workflows, and multiplatform content delivery.

Grass Valley
BEA members will meet with John Lyth and Greg Doggett while visiting the Grass Valley booth at NAB 2026 will be able to evaluate how industry‑standard tools can support the structure and outcomes of modern media programs. The LDX 100 camera range and K‑Frame switchers, widely used across the world's most prestigious events, provide a clear benchmark for what students should learn on to be job‑ready. The booth tour will highlight how these systems map directly to today’s technical, production, and live‑sports curricula, helping institutions shape programs that reflect real‑world workflows.
The tour will also introduce educators to Grass Valley’s AMPP platform and its relevance for curriculum design in an era of software‑defined production. AMPP’s flexible, scalable environment allows programs to teach cloud, hybrid, and remote production models without heavy capital investment. For institutions designing future‑focused courses or looking to expand production capabilities across multiple departments or campuses, AMPP offers a practical way to embed modern workflow concepts into academic programs.

More information coming soon....
Monday April 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
West Hall - 3rd Floor Lobby

5:30pm PDT

 

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