BEA2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, societies, and media landscapes worldwide, and the Arab region is no exception. Governments across the Middle East and North Africa are increasingly investing in AI strategies to drive digital transformation, diversify economies, and enhance public services. At the same time, challenges such as limited research infrastructure, uneven access to data, regulatory gaps, and skills shortages continue to hinder effective adoption. This presentation explores the dual trajectory of AI in the Arab world: the opportunities it creates for innovation, education, media, and governance, alongside the socio-technical and ethical challenges it raises. Drawing on regional policy frameworks, case studies, and global comparisons, the discussion will highlight how Arab states can leverage AI responsibly while addressing risks related to employment, privacy, and algorithmic bias. The presentation aims to contribute to a critical dialogue on ensuring that AI deployment in the Arab context is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with local priorities.

Panelists: Hussein Amin, American University in Cairo; Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World: Challenges and Opportunities
Ahmed El Gody, Orebro University; The Role of Social Media Influencers in the UAE as a Tool of Soft Power
Salma El Ghetany, American University in Cairo; AI Policy Agendas in the Arab World: Between Aspiration and Implementation
Khaled H. Alqahs, Kuwait University; Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Broadcasting Education: A Comparative Study of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Universities
Respondent: Mahitab Ezz El Din, Linnaeus University

Making an international documentary in low-resource settings requires creativity amid unpredictable conditions. Filmmakers may work alone in unfamiliar cultures, face ethical questions about representation, and confront how their own experiences shape the narrative. While such challenges can be disorienting, they often open unexpected possibilities for deeper reflection and more innovative documentary storytelling.

Moderator: Sangsun Choi, Kennesaw State University
Panelists: Larry Tung, Fashion Institute of Technology
Jiachun Hong, Utah Tech University
Robin Canfield, Actuality Abroad
Tynymgul Eshieva, Assistant Professor, American University of Central Asia

The BEA Great Ideas for Assessment (GIFA) is a forum where faculty can share their expertise in assignment assessment techniques, effective program evaluation methods, or streamlined accreditation processes. GIFA provides the platform to share your expertise with colleagues facing similar challenges. Come see the 2026 GIFAs.
Moderator: Timothy E. Bajkiewicz, Virginia Commonwealth University
Panelists: Weiyan Wang, Missouri State University; Assessing Growth, Coherence, and Outcomes in a Flexible Audio Production Curriculum;
Tamara J. Welter, Baylor University; Teaching for Retention in the Age of AI: An Oral Final Exam Model
Gretchen Macchiarella, California State University, Northridge; Data Collection in Canvas for All Levels of Assessment
Chad Whittle, Georgia College & State University; Using Audio Quizzes as an Assessment Tool in a Podcasting Course
Caroline E. Sawyer, University of South Carolina, Beaufort; Advisory Boards as Evaluative Infrastructure: A Framework for Industry-Aligned Assessment in Production Education

Recent gruesome viral moments that landed in the feed of unaware digital media users reminds us that the conversation around obscene material is not at a satisfactory close. What kind of impact do these visuals have on us? What would thoughtful policy proposals look like? And can we balance the weight of free speech with protective measures, ensuring a win-win for all?

Moderator: Amy E. Bonebright, Liberty University
Panelists: Chris Underation, PhD, Gordon College
Russ Jones, PhD, Liberty University

This panel discussion between current creative media production students and professors will talk about what works in the classroom. Students will lead the conversation, sharing what assignments, teaching methods, and feedback have pushed them to do their best creative work, and the professors will respond and discuss how to put these ideas into practice. The discussion will cover what kinds of projects get students excited, how critique sessions can be helpful instead of discouraging, creating environments where creativity thrives, and mentoring approaches that help students find their own creative voice.

Moderator: Ralph Beliveau, University of Oklahoma
Panelists: Scott Hodgson, University of Oklahoma
Traci Easley Williams, University of Oklahoma
Molly Horn, University of Oklahoma
Keaton Schallhorn, University of Oklahoma
Nathan Pooler, University of Oklahoma
Kate Needham, University of Oklahoma
Kevin Hahn, University of Oklahoma

Moderator: Fritz J. Messere, SUNY - Oswego

Debut Competition
1st Place Paper: John M. Chambers, SUNY Plattsburgh; The Future of AI and Copyright in a post Bartz and Kadrey era: Balancing Innovation and Creator Rights in the Age of AI

Open Competition
1st Place Paper: Amy Sindik, Central Michigan University; Is Change to the live music industry on the horizon? Examining U.S. v. Live Nation

2nd Place Paper: Matthew Bunker, University of Alabama Emeritus & Emily Erickson, California State University, Fullerton; Transformative FAIL: Transformative Use, Warhol, and the Future of Copyright’s Fair Use Doctrine

Newton Minow’s “Vast Wasteland Speech’ is familiar to teachers and many students of broadcasting and media; but what are some other FCC officials’ speeches and actions that have influenced decisions by networks and broadcasters to cancel – or air – programs and other content? How about the decision to cancel “Late Night with Stephen Colbert”?  Were low ratings and high costs the reasons for Paramount deciding to end the show?  Did the Family Viewing Hour violate the First Amendment rights of program producers?  What about the current FCC Chair’s urgings as to how broadcasters should air content recognizing the country’s 250thbirthday.   Our panel of experts will address the past, present trends and anticipated future effects of government officials’ “prodding” and “suggestions” that fall short of regulation or legislation but nonetheless are intended to influence content in broadcasting and other electronic media.

Moderator: Barry D. Umansky, Ball State University
Panelists: Mary Ann Watson, Eastern Michigan University; “The Vast Wasteland” zeitgeist – Is it different from today’s style of regulation
Richard Vogel, Culver-Stockton College; Does Raising the Eyebrow Cancel Programs
Brian Sheridan, Mercyhurst University; Political Pressure and Program Cancellation

As artificial intelligence reshapes media industries and higher education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing political and legal challenges. This panel examines how DEI commitments are being tested across academia and industry, with attention to curriculum design, hiring practices, and evolving uses of AI. Panelists will share strategies for navigating contested definitions of diversity while preparing for a future where equity and technology intersect.
Moderator: Ryoya Terao, New York City College of Technology
Panelists: John J. Gallagher, Borough of Manhattan Community College
Kris Vera-Phillips, Southern Methodist University
Brittney Nix-Crawford, University of North Carolina Charlotte

Nobody loves navigating bureaucratic IT processes. Do you have a VPAT? Is the HECVAT up to date? Did you fill out a ticket? Oh, that was the wrong ticket.

This panel will explore strategies for navigating IT processes when implementing an equipment management system or other technology solution within a media program. We'll explore topics like single sign-on, DNS, security, and all of the other topics which can throw a wrench in a technology rollout. Panelists will bring together a wide range of experiences, from institutions of varying sizes and complexities.

Moderator: Colin McFadden, University of Minnesota
Panelists: Jane Bannester, Lindenwood University,
David Stephenson, University of Kentucky
Chris Strobel, Northern Kentucky University

Debut Paper Competition
Debut 1st Place Paper:  Kylie Jordan Smith, Rollins College & Tanja Vierrether, Rollins College; From Posts to Protests: Public and Private Social Media Expression as a Pathway to Political Discourse

Open Paper Competition
Open 1st Place Paper: Serena Miller, Michigan State University, Zhao Peng, Emerson College & Ruth Heo, University of California, San Die; Utilization of the QuantCrit Lens and Qualitative Approaches to Address Quantitative Data Limitations: Demographic Fluidness in Context

Open 2nd Place Paper: Dustin Serrano Ardine, Regent University & William J. Brown, Regent University; Enhancing Self-Efficacy Through Entertainment Film

Audio Description uses words that are succinct, vivid, and imaginative to convey the visual image that is not fully accessible to a significant segment of the population--in the United States alone, over 32 million people are either blind or "have trouble seeing even with correction" (American Foundation for the Blind, 2019).

This workshop will immerse participants in the possibilities for access to media for people who are blind or have low vision and others.
Moderator: Joel Snyder, Audio Description Associates, LLC-Audio Description Project of the American Council of the Blind

This panel examines faculty and institutional responsibilities to students with mental disabilities—including bipolar disorder, autism, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia—under ADA Titles II/III and Section 504. Panelists discuss evidence-based supports for severe conditions; accessible course design and reasonable accommodations; crisis-response and referral practices; and confidentiality considerations (FERPA). The session highlights partnerships among institutions, faculty, and students to reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and ensure equal access consistent with disability law and campus policy.

Moderator: Glenda R. Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas
Panelists: Glenda R. Balas; Access, Inclusion, and Care: Faculty and Institutional Duties under ADA
Desiree Hill, University of Oklahoma; Leveraging Established University Programs to Support Students with Different Needs
Tony R. DeMars, Lamar University & Paul Hemenway, Lamar University; Identifying and Addressing Stress Factors with Student Media and Student Assignments
Donna J. Koskela, Pinkerton Academy; Accommodations that Matter: Case Examples, Pitfalls, and Best Practices

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

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