School of Journalism and Media Studies hosts conference [GALLERY]

Jackson State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies 2016 Conference, “Multimedia Platforms in the Digital Age,” will feature national and state media professionals who will share their expertise and guide students into successful careers in communication.

The conference is April 7-8, 2016 and opens with Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn speaking about Information and Technology: The Key to Global Communication.” Commissioner Clyburn, a former newspaper publisher and general manager, is considered a champion of consumers’ access to affordable communication technology and a defender of the public interest and smart, targeted regulatory action when needed.

Other major speakers include Michael Wallace, ESPN NBA Reporter; Jerry Echols, Technology Manager with FOX News, Washington, D.C. and JSU alumnus; and Marshal Ramsey, author and award-winning Editorial Cartoonist with The Clarion-Ledger.  Their topics include “Media Production: The Technology Behind the Stories,” “The Changing Landscape of Journalism” and  “Social Media: Getting Your Message Out.”

The keynote speaker for the April 8 banquet is DeMarco Morgan, national correspondent with CBS News, New York and JSU alumnus.  Morgan will recount his journey from JSU to becoming an award-winning reporter/anchor covering stories that matter. Morgan has reported on a wide range of events, from the first national rally after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin to President Obama’s second inauguration. Morgan has worked as a weekend anchor for WNBC TV in New York while also serving as a cut-in anchor for MSNBC. Prior to that, he worked as a weekday evening anchor and reporter at WTVJ TV in Miami, at WISN TV in Wisconsin, and at WJTV TV in Jackson, Miss. Morgan also taught broadcast writing and reporting at Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.

Other panelists include media personalities from local stations who will discuss “Covering Sports in the Digital Age,” and public relations and advertising experts from the Godwin Group, The Cirlot Agency and the University of Mississippi Integrated Marketing Communications programs speaking on the topic, “Branding, Marketing and PR: the Power of Persuasion.”

Also, local print journalists will present  “Storytelling in the Digital Age” followed by experts who will help further prepare students for the job market with tips on interviewing, attire, social media dos and don’ts, etc., in a professional development session, “How to Build Your Professional Brand.”

Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, Dean of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, said: “This conference is a unique opportunity for current and potential students to listen and learn from outstanding local and national professionals who are developing and shaping a new media landscape.”

In addition to JSU journalism and communication students, three local high schools will bring newspaper and yearbook students to attend the Thursday sessions; additionally, Alabama State University media students plan to attend the conference.

Photos by Dr. Luis Almeida and William H. Kelly III