2023 BEA On-Location

Join us on a two-hour journey from the tangible to the digital. In this engaging session, you'll explore a dynamic technology pipeline, including 3D scanning, rigging, animation, and AR scene deployment. By the end, you'll be equipped to turn your future creative ideas into interactive AR projects.

Discover how AI transforms Adobe's Creative Cloud by streamlining design processes, photo editing, creating graphics for social media, and explore new approaches to audio and video production. This hands-on workshop will elevate your skills and unleash your imagination using cutting-edge AI capabilities.

Join your colleagues as we celebrate an On-Location return to the University of South Carolina and recognize 2023 On-Location creative award winners.
Host: Augie Grant, 2023 On-Location Chair

Sponsored by: Ross Video

Voices of VR podcast host Kent Bye has been asking thousands of virtual reality creators about the ultimate potential of XR for over 9 years now, and he will be sharing some of the best answers that map out the future of spatial computing. VR also presents unique tech ethics challenges around privacy, accessibility, conduct moderation, and moving from 2D into real-time, 3D spaces that will require new tech architectures and potentially new laws. This session will set a broad context for some of the promises and perils of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality while also providing a glimmer for what's to come.

This panel will explore some of the MDFM phenomena and how AI interfaces with it as well as highlight some of the insights and possible solutions for teaching methodology for controlling MDFM. In both scholarly work, and commercial media, MDFM is a concern. During the COVID-19 Pandemic in February 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) with concurrence from the United Nations Secretary General identified COVID-19 related false or mistaken information as an “Infodemic” a “tsunami of misinformation hate, scapegoating and scare-mongering.” In fact multiple entities attributed the cause of multiple deaths COVID-19 impacts to MDFM which included some instances where AI aggravated an already unfortunate situation. Similarly, the rise of AI has been a cause of great concern and the subject of multiple senate and house hearings in the United States (West, 2023) and other actions in other countries seeking to ban or otherwise regulate a developing phenomenon. Various serious crimes have been and may be caused in the future by the abuse of AI capabilities paired with aspects of MDFM. Journalists as well from the New York Times (Hsu et al., 2023) and the Associated Press (Klepper, D. et al., 2023) both caution that MDFM’s impact can be compounded greatly through the use of AI for production and dissemination of MDFM if adjustments are not make. However, in a study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, (Humble et al., 2022) AI has been described not only as a harmful actor but also a possible solution to MDFM promulgation. In their study AI is an area of “tremendous growth in innovation and automation” that can offer “…significant benefits (or) …be used maliciously.” Their threat landscape study, states that while that there is evidence of application of the destructiveness of AI, there are also positive applications, including use AI to identify and correct misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. In addition, researchers Mehra (2023), Huddleston (2022) and online entities like (ITU News, 2022) offer recent explanations/examples of how AI can be used to fight misinformation. Scholars highlight online resources put forward by entities like META, the Government of India, Google, and other private firms to use AI to identify and counter MDFM efforts using various algorithms etc. Besides scholarly research, commercial entities like Agility PR, Facebook, Meta and non-profits like The Brookings Institute, the International Telecommunications Institute, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and even periodicals Wired, Forbes, The Chronicle of Higher Education offer solutions on how AI can be used to detect and combat misinformation.
Moderator: Jeffrey Ranta, Assistant Professor, Coastal Carolina University
Panelists:
Wes Fondren, Associate Dean, College of Graduate Studies, Coastal Carolina University and Chief Training Officer for AI issues; Explaining AI functionality—how it works, features, benefits, and shortcomings.

Corinne Dalelio, Associate Professor and Director of the MA in Communication Program at Coastal Carolina University and author of the book Interactive Media and Society; Explaining the sociological and cultural impacts of MDFM on digital media usage and media literacy in light of AI.

Jeffrey Ranta, Assistant Professor, Coastal Carolina University, Faculty Adviser to student-run TEAL Nation Communications, and WCCU student radio station/ consultant for HHS COVID-19 vaccination communications. Topic: Recognition and strategies to counter MDFM in public relations/health communication in the realm of AI-generated content.

Adam Pitluk, Assistant Professor Coastal Carolina University, owner/editor in chief of Midwest Luxury Publishing; Safeguarding journalism students from reporting and publishing MDFM, and AI-generated content.

James Ndone, Assistant Professor, Coastal Carolina University, professional journalist trainer, former Editor In Chief Business Today Kenya. Topic: Discussing safeguarding crisis response from MDFM and AI-generated content • Harold Vincent, Senior Lecturer, Elon University, Faculty Adviser Live Oak Communications; Identifying and countering MDFM in strategic communication.

Each panelist will discuss how they have integrated 360-degree VR technology into their respective classrooms. Dr. Katherine Ryker, Associate Professor of Geology at USC and Dr. Katy Johanesen, Associate Professor at Juniata College, PA will discuss a VR-based freshman geology lab experiment designed to compare N=240 Introductory Geology students participating in either a VR or non-VR training to learn about mapping in 3-dimensions. Preliminary findings reveal mixed results on student engagement, learning and the transferability of skills between VR and non-VR settings. Professor Lear-Edwards, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Programs at USC, will discuss the integration of 360-degree VR content into her retail management classes specializing on retail loss prevention. She also will discuss the use of 360-degree VR content for simulated study abroad experiences that were particularly important during the COVID-19 crisis and for students with limited resources. Here is a link to the retail loss prevention VR video: https://youtu.be/LgzWu-UnB98 Dr. Brian Mihalik, Professor, and Ms. Mihalik, Center for Teaching Excellence, have produced over N=50, 360-degree, educationally focused, VR projects and integrate these videos into all his USC sport, entertainment, and global tourism classes. Dr. Mihalik’s students previously utilized inexpensive VR goggles and their smart phones to view YouTube hosted videos. Research of student opinions of their VR immersive experience will be discussed. Here is a sample link to one of their VR educational videos: https://youtu.be/6LpYZBxHcuw
Panelists: Dr. Katherine Ryker, University of South Carolina
Dr. Katy Johanesen, Juniata College, PA
Ms. Karen Lear Edwards, University of South Carolina
Dr. Brian J. Mihalik, University of South Carolina
Ms. Linda Mihalik, Center for Teaching Excellence Affiliate, University of South Carolina

The confines of the pandemic resulted in immense pent-up demand for our students: a desire to create, a desire to interact, and a desire to explore. Leading media-creating students abroad meets this demand and has to potential to unlock both enthusiasm for and curiosity about the larger world. Logistics are complicated and different institutions have a patchwork of support for willing faculty. Additionally, the form that experiences abroad take are as varied as the destinations. While one group may engage in a detailed study of international media systems, another may explore media history or in client-based media creation. This panel invites a group of faculty leaders of recent study abroad experiences. They will discuss their thought process when developing their trips, the logistical nightmares of navigating their institutional processes, and share the triumphs experienced by their students. Moderated by Dr. Lowery A Woodall, III, this panel will feature leaders of three distinct types of study abroad experiences. In June 2023, James Machado, MFA led a group of 12 undergraduate students to Bologna, Italy to attend the IL Cinema Ritrovato Film Festival. CR2023 is the largest international film festival devoted exclusively to the history, preservation, and restoration of celluloid film. Students attended screenings, panels, and discussions that explore various dimensions of the topic. Additionally, they created a variety of social media posts across platforms to promote film preservation, cross-cultural exchange, and tourism logistics. LaDonna Aiken led a group, in July 2023, of undergraduate students on a month-long visit to Japan, where they studied the media and broadcasting systems of that country and the interplay between the US military, US media, and Japanese media. Tracy Songer led a group to Prague, Czech Republic. Her group had partnered with locals in the Czech Republic to produce commissioned media content. Her student-staffed agency, SMC Creative, traveled with high-end production gear to shoot and produce content for clients. This panel demonstrates the exciting diversity of experiences available to industrious faculty who are willing to do the labor and think outside the box.
Moderator: Lowery Woodall, III, Millersville University
Panelists: James Machado, MFA, Millersville University
LaDonna Aiken, University of Texas Arlington
Robin Canfield, Actuality Abroad

Moderator/Discussant: Jeff Wilkinson, Florida A&M University

Pregnancy and motherhood in the newsroom: From the 1950s to today; Stefanie Davis Kempton, Penn State Altoona & Ashley Walter, St. Louis University
Journalism is one of the least family-friendly careers, according to recent research reports. The challenges of work-life balance for women journalists are especially evident for mothers, many of whom feel their child-care duties negatively impact their careers. This study is interested in how treatment of mothers and expectant mothers in newsrooms has progressed (or not) over time. As such, this study uses a mixed-method approach of qualitative interviews with current women journalists and oral histories with women journalists from the 1950s to the 1980s. Preliminary findings suggest three main areas where women face significant challenges: being pregnant in the newsroom, maternity leave policies, and lactation/nursing in the newsroom.

Not So Hidden Messages in Bad Bunny’s “El Apagon” Video: A Decolonial Approach to Latinx Music; Glenys Rojo, California State University San Bernardino
The purpose of this research is to analyze the discourse centered around the themes in Bad Bunny’s music video “El Apagon,” and people's perceptions/knowledge of social issues pertaining to colonialism. I explored social media activism and advocacy through forms of digital media as a tool of resistance. Hegemonic structures are prevalent all around us and colonialism has not gone away. This research explored the issues that stem from colonialism and how music can aim to revolutionize change. Through thematic analysis of observations and semi-structured interviews, this study identifies how the underlying themes in Bad Bunny’s music video “El Apagon” are perceived, and explores how Bad Bunny uses his platform to raise awareness and inspire action regarding the current issues affecting Puerto Rico. These findings help to shine light on various societal challenges for marginalized communities, especially those in Puerto Rico.

Steve Harvey Radio Show Morning Devotional: A Case Study; David Shabazz, Kentucky State University
Black radio has evolved from the activism of the 1960s into more of an entertainment focus with comedians such as Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Rickey Smith hosting nationally syndicated radio programs. This study focuses on the Steve Harvey Morning Show which infuses religious devotionals with music and comedy skits. The research will use a qualitative case study to examine the impact devotionals have on the listening audience. Preliminary results indicate African American vernacular is prevalent and identified as effective among audiences who listen and even among younger African Americans who do not regularly listen to the show.

The access Gap at HBCUs; Pamela Peters, Western Illinois University
This is a research project that is in progress, which involves in-depth interviews with first- and second-year, first-generation college students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The study focuses on the access gap of the digital divide to determine whether students are still impacted by the access gap and what their experiences are like when they lack certain forms of technology as they go through the college entry process. The interview and analysis process involved counter-storytelling - allowing the participants to share their experiences and how those experiences impacted them. This study has found that first-generation college students are still impacted by the access gap of the digital divide as they enter college and this creates challenges in searching online spaces for information and in applying for college.

During the peak of the Covid crisis, academic programs across the country quickly pivoted from face-to-face to online instruction to serve the needs of our students. The global pandemic’s lingering effects have not been all bad, as institutions quickly realized that much of the content we teach can be delivered successfully in a wide range of modalities: in person and online, synchronously and asynchronously, in shorter 8-week bursts or traditional full-semester courses. Faculty members who once only taught face-to-face learned to deliver content using a range of new technologies and teaching techniques. Student populations have also shifted, with many institutions eliminating standardized entry exams (ACT, SAT), expanding undergraduate access to previous under-served and under-represented communities, and many students staying closer to home. How are assessment teams pivoting in concert with expanding delivery methods, and what effect are these changes having on student learning outcomes? This panel examines some of those effects, such as: • Whether students who transfer (from community colleges or regional campuses) fare the same as students accepted to four-year institutions as freshmen, • Whether the course’s delivery method (8-week v. 16-week, face-to-face v. online, synchronous v. asynchronous, etc.) affects student scores on key learning outcomes, and • Whether International students have as much success in introductory journalism/media classes as those based in America
Panelists: Laura K. Smith, University of South Carolina-Columbia
Nina Brook, Univ. of South Carolina-Columbia
William Hanff, University of the District of Columbia
Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College, Arizona

New technology continues to present new challenges to legal principles developed for older forms of media, primarily print and broadcast. Even some of the legal rules developed in recent years for the internet and social media do not adequately address the myriad legal issues that new forms of media such as virtual reality, augmented reality and 360° video present. This panel will examine the legal issues that these new technologies raise, and explore possible solutions to these dilemmas.

Moderator/Discussant: Cory Armstrong, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

A Case Study Comparison of Student Opinions When Viewing 360-Degree, Virtual Reality (VR) Content via Flat Screen Displays Versus Head Mounted Displays (HMD); Brian Mihalik, University of South Carolina, Ali Iskender, Western Carolina University, Aisha S. Haynes, University of South Carolina & Linda Mihalik, University of South Carolina
In the late fall of 2022, the authors discovered that the ability to utilize inexpensive HMDs combined with a student’s personnel smartphone was terminated for all users of the iOS Apple devices via YouTube and Vimeo viewing platforms. What was commonly referred to as the “Google Cardboard Icon” was eliminated on YouTube for almost all users. Thus, students could no longer insert their personal iOS smartphones into an inexpensive $30 head mounted display and become “immersed” in the 360-degree educational content hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Academics who had been incorporating inexpensive 360-degree VR content into K-16 classes for over the past 5 years could no longer utilize inexpensive headsets with Apple smartphones for an immersive virtual reality experience.

Virtual Reality for Climate Change Knowledge and Intended Pro-Climate Actions: Findings from a Pilot Study; Sharavan Regret Iyer; Rutgers University
Considering the potential of virtual reality (VR) in addressing social change issues, a growing body of research highlights the need for VR content production to address abstract and complex issues of climate change. In particular, people who feel undecided or uncertain about climate change because they cannot see the environment changing first-hand may become more engaged by a VR first-person perspective. Guided by the experiential media (EM) theory, particularly the first-person perspective quality of the EM, and the conceptual framework created with insights from the literature review, this pilot study, involving three participants in a between-subjects experiment with a post-test survey followed by an open-ended qualitative interview, examined RQ1: What is the effect of VR first-person perspective experience of climate change communication on climate change knowledge compared to VR non-first-person perspective climate change communication? RQ1a: Does the effect of VR first-person perspective experience of climate change communication on climate change knowledge lead to an increase in intended climate action compared to VR non-first-person perspective climate change communication? RQ2: What is the effect of VR first-person perspective experience of climate change communication on hope, fear, and self-efficacy towards climate change compared to VR non-first-person perspective climate change communication? And finally, RQ2a: Does the effect of VR first-person perspective experience of climate change communication on hope, fear, and self-efficacy towards climate change lead to an increase in intended climate action compared to VR non-first-person perspective climate change communication? Although the findings from the pilot study offered limited insights into understanding the role of VR first-person perspective in climate change communication and pro-climate actions, the pilot study process has helped create a design and a clear road map (which this paper highlights) for the researcher to pursue this emerging topic in the domain of media studies as full-fledge research involving larger sample size to determine the effects of VR-first person perspective in climate change knowledge, hope, fear, self-efficacy, believability, embodiment, and intended pro-climate social actions.

Media representations of natural disasters in the global south: A Case study of 2022 floods in Pakistan; Shahbaz Aslam, COMSATS & Muhammad Yousaf, Assistant Professor, University of Gujrat
This research aims to examine the media representations of natural disasters in the Global South, focusing on the case study of the 2022 floods in Pakistan. Natural disasters have profound influences on countries in the Global South, yet media coverage often perpetuates certain narratives and power dynamics. Employing a comprehensive research approach, this study conducts a critical analysis of media representations to uncover the dominant discourses and underlying ideologies related to the floods in Pakistan. By investigating the construction of the event, its causes, consequences, and the portrayal of affected communities, this research sheds light on how media representations shape public perceptions and influence policy responses. Through a rigorous examination of news articles, television reports, and online media sources, this study aims to contribute towards a deeper understanding of the media's role in framing and disseminating information about natural disasters in the Global South, specifically within the context of the 2022 floods in Pakistan. The findings can provide a comprehensive understanding of the framing, narratives, representation of local voices, climate change discourse, and the role of social media in shaping the media landscape during the floods. The findings can contribute to a critical analysis of media representations of natural disasters in the Global South and inform efforts to improve media coverage, public perception, and policy responses in the future ultimately aiming to enhance public awareness, empathy, and effective disaster response in the future.

Virtual production (VP) has become the new standard in professional film & video creation. To attract and properly serve students, education facilities must offer updated curriculums and modern tools so graduates can excel in the workplace. Panelists represent Webster University's School of Communications, ARwall and Absen, which partnered to deliver the first university virtual production facility in the Midwest. In this case study, they'll share their learnings, advice and expertise, addressing: How to build a state-of-the art VP studio without breaking the bank Tips on teaching new technique and shaping future professionals Best methods of applying virtual production in education settings Ways to leverage VP to promote your institution's relevance, leadership, credibility and competitive advantage New revenue opportunities and reputation enhancement through adding a 'studio back-lot' on campus
Rene Amador, CEO and Co-Founder, Arwall
Eric Rothenbuhler, Dean of School of Communications, Webster University
Brian J. Macauto, Director of Virtual Production, Absen

Join us for an engaging presentation to discuss the challenges faced by college radio and why it is crucial to reimagine its role in today’s media landscape. We will explore how college radio can reclaim its relevance and the importance of staying attuned to industry trends, promoting talent (and the station), creating top of mind awareness, and engaging listeners and communities. In addition, we will discuss how to expand reach and engagement with the power of digital platforms, including online streaming, podcasting and social media as well as using them for monetization.
Panelists: Linda Burkley , Susquehanna University
Dawn Benfer, Susquehanna University

A Quantitative Study of Traditional Advertising Influences in TikTok Purchasing Decisions; Mike Sinclair, Regent University
Social media and social media influencers are a driving force in consumers' purchase decisions, directly connecting individuals, brands, organizations, and nations. Social media visual messaging strategies appear modern, innovative, and fresh, yet social media marketing is rooted in the advertising techniques that pre-date television’s rise as the dominant visual medium. Today’s modern visual social media advertising is infused with the methods employed by advertising executives in sponsored films of the 1930s and early 1940s. These techniques shaped perceptions of life by presenting modernity as a beacon of the future powered by electricity emblazoned in the brilliant colors of Kodachrome. Today, these advertising messages mirror our current socially mediated advertising landscape where all-knowing ad men have been supplanted by influencing neighbors who hawk the latest dance craze, fashion, dining, and merchandising trends. This study of 203 respondents determined that the effect of traditional visual advertising techniques of the pre-television era of the 1930s and 1940s, which include a bias toward modernity, personalizing the relational aspects of objects, filling a vacuum of advice, portraying anxieties close to consumers, and promoting modernity to overcome those anxieties affects purchasing decisions of current TikTok users.
Moderator: Vic Costello, Elon University

EFL and ChatGPT; Nathan Crissman, Regent University
As the role of Generative AI increases, a clearer examination of the role that applications
such as ChatGPT have in the classroom is important. Human Machine Communication offers the tools to examine the relationship between ChatGPT and classroom integration. A survey was presented to 207 native and non-native English speakers via Prolific, examining the attitudes, perspectives, and concerns of ChatGPT. Native English speakers were shown to have a more positive experience with ChatGPT, and Native English Speakers had more concerns with using ChatGPT. However, the concerns with ChatGPT were not elevated with less plagiarism training.

Money, Financial Literacy, and the News Media: Linkage Evidence from the Federal Reserve’s Triennial Surveys of Consumer Finances; Lowndes Stephens, University of South Carolina
Today, more than half of Americans own stocks, a substantial component of financial assets which account for most of the net worth of families in the top percentile groups of the SCF conducted by the Fed triennially since 1989. Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of GDP and most families need the equity returns like those of the S&P 500 Index to achieve their long-term financial goals. Over the most recent 30-year period that index has returned on an average annualized basis, adjusted for inflation, 7.11%, while median household income since 1991 has increased on an inflation-adjusted basis by an average annualized rate of less than one percent (.063%).
This secondary analysis of longitudinal cross-sectional survey data by the Federal Reserve empirically links information-seeking in traditional media sources about saving and investment decisions, perceived knowledge of personal finances, financial literacy, and net worth.

This panel discussion will look at the rise and popularity of the video game industry and Esports. Emphasis will focus on effective ways to incorporate video games into both higher education courses and classrooms both in-person and online. Also, discussion on the influence of Esports and student involvement will be discussed. As the rise and popularity of the video games industry and Esports is constant, discussion on job opportunities and entrepreneurship will be explored.

The Evolution of Elliot Page and Transmasculinity TV News: From Magazine Covers to The Freedom to Exist; George L. Daniels, The University of Alabama
In 2021, TIME magazine’s cover story on Elliot Page, who was born Ellen Page, was considered the first time a transgender man appeared on the cover of the magazine. But, it would not be the last time for the Canadian actor as a magazine cover subject. He showed up as Esquire’s Summer 2022 cover, and most recently graced the cover of People Magazine in June 2023. Using Stuart Hall’s (1997) theories of representation as an analytical framework, this study employed textual analysis to focus on the evolution of storytelling about transmasculinity as reflected initially in three news magazine cover stories and recently, in a June 2023 ABC News Soul of a Nation special –The Freedom to Exist. Besides Page, four other transgender males’ stories were included in the network television special that was the latest installment in its Soul of a Nation series. The research shows the difference a television news program can make in amplifying the nuances of the lived experience of trans gender males in America.

The Creation of Ethical and Effective True Crime Television; Michael Sinclair, Regent University
True Crime documentaries are a popular form of entertainment on various platforms. These, inspired by real-life stories, have historically played an essential role in literature, film, and television. Television producers oversee the editorial decisions in their programs and are responsible for making programming that engages audiences. Audiences engage with these stories as they provide an adrenaline rush, stimulate the mind and the imagination, and trigger survival instincts and a desire for a sense of justice while allowing audiences to explore their dark side. True crime programming is based upon real people’s lives, however, and when television producers ignore their story's impact on victims’ families and survivors of crime, it creates trauma. Advocates for crime victims ask television producers to consider the treatment of victims and their families in their storytelling. An effective method for television producers to create programming that respects victims and their families is to adopt the posture of a servant leader. This article examines areas where television producers can implement servant leadership principles, serving their production teams, the story, the families, and the truth to create true crime television programming that ethically treats victims, survivors, and their families while engaging audiences.

Restoring Journalistic Credibility through Revisiting the Ancient Religious Tradition of Jubilee; Steve Perry, Regent University
As society has become increasingly post-modern or even meta-modern, we have lost an underlying value system on which all reporters generally agree. In order to re-establish a foundation from which journalists can critique the current world events, it is difficult now to rely on the post-enlightenment's many value systems that people have been fighting over. Instead, this philosophical article turns to the ancient principle of a jubilee year, which was taught to the nation of Israel but was never practiced, as a model from which reporters can pull ancient wisdom that critiques both the right and the left in America. This article introduces how the jubilee year can be applied to controversial issues often covered by reporters: immigration, family, debt, charity, crime, economics, and so on. The principal of jubilee balances the collectivist vs. individualist orientations of society, and the notions of socialism with those of capitalism. It challenges any system of enduring "haves" and "have nots" in society. The principles of jubilee also present objective foundations on which some of the main institutions of government that are linked either to left and right politically can be challenged by the press, thus rehabilitating the watchdog role of the press. This article presents how journalists can use this to construct narratives that restore objectivity and perhaps credibility to the news business.

Children's media has changed drastically in the last few years in the areas of technology access, use and programming options and opportunities. This panel shares current research on media effects and impact. Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania; Current Trends in Children's Media Chair
Allison K. Ross, Millersville University of Pennsylvania; A Content Analysis of Children’s Educational Television: The Impacts on Preschool Literacy Development and Recommendation to Show Creators
Ed Youngblood, Auburn University Children's Television for All: Accessibility and Streaming Children's Programming

Join us for this showcase and discussion with some of the 2023 Faculty Best of Show Creative Competition winners.

Moderator: Michael Bruce, University of Alabama

Audio Competition
Best of Show: Ben Bogardus, Quinnipiac University; Reporting on 9/11 Ep. 3: Suzanne Kennedy – “Carrying a Secret”

Documentary Competition
Best of Show: Barney McCoy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Seven Years A Correspondent

News & Sports Competition
Best of Show: Darren Sweeney, Central Connecticut State University; Using AR To Tell The Story

VR, AR, and 360° Video Competition
Best of Show: Jason Porter, Evan Meaney & Jeanne Britton, University of South Carolina; Piranesi’s Worlds

Moderator/Discussant: Sharon Baldinelli, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Re-examining Influences on the Third-Person Effect: An analysis of Media Frames, Audience Frames, and Political Affiliation on the Third-Person Perceptions; Colin Piacentine, University of South Carolina
The current study analyzes how media frames, audience frames, and political affiliation influence the third-person effect. Each of these three independent variables is given a condition as either conservative, liberal, or neutral. The third-person effect is operationalized as third-person perceptions at three levels of social distance: the self, others in the local community, and the American public at large. By focusing on the political issue of police funding, the current study conducts an experiment to see which types of frames and political affiliation result in a stronger third-person effect. The study also explores whether or not interaction effects exist between media frames, audience frames, and political affiliation on the third-person effect.

Risk propensity in journalists: An analysis of journalists' personality traits and how they direct behavior in the field; Ellen Dunn, University of South Carolina
Much like first responders, journalists run toward dangerous scenes instead of away from them, often putting themselves at risk. Unlike first responders, there is no research on how a person’s risk propensity ties to their career. For this project, reporters of various ages and tenures were surveyed on their sensation-seeking levels and propensity to engage in risky behaviors while working as journalists.

Broadcast Education: Innovation and Technology Barriers while Teaching at an HBCU This panel will explore both opportunities and challenges teaching at HBCU’s focusing on areas of technology, curriculum, and innovation. Furthermore, the panel will discuss strategies on how to move forward while teaching in a digital native culture. Best practices will be explored in examining how to be position institutions in graduating students to become industry ready in a dynamic global job industry.

This panel will showcase research projects that are underway involving teaching and research on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Several of the presentations will be considered for publication in a special issue of Journal of Media Education on "HBCU Teaching and Research" to be published in January 2024. Jerry Crawford, moderator for this session, will serve as the editor of the special issue.
Moderator: Jerry Crawford, Virginia State University
Panelists: George L. Daniels, University of Alabama
Pamela Peters, University of Kansas

Some realities of our current college media programs related to ‘radio’ and ‘television’ in local markets include: (1) Podcasting is very close to replacing traditional radio. Students want to learn it and many of them are doing it, even if they aren't taught the correct way. They are jumping on and stumbling through until they figure it out, and (2) Local market TV news and sports is about the individual reporter now more than ever before, yet college media departments are still producing content connected to teaching a traditional TV newscast. Students learning to work in TV news mostly have no exposure in their lives to local TV news content. Media educators have been given good direction in recent years telling us we need to change. This panel extends those warnings and projections to suggest ways to completely reimagine student media. Students mostly don’t come into our programs wanting to work in traditional local market broadcasting, so this panel will offer ideas for immediate changes to take back to your campus. You’ll hear new ideas about mobile journalism, podcasting, sports media and hyperlocal media, as run by college mass communication departments.
Moderator: Tony DeMars, Lamar University
Panelists: Tony DeMars, Lamar University
Kevin Swift, University of North Carolina, Pembroke
Cle Cousins, University of North Carolina, Pembroke
Jeff Wilkinson, Florida A&M University

2023 marks the 60th anniversary of some pivotal events in our nation's history. Herbert Lowe, senior lecturer at The University of Florida and Mira Lowe, Dean of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication wanted to make sure their students didn't miss an opportunity to learn about events of 1963 such as George Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door at University of Alabama, the Children's Crusade in Birmingham as well as the bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church that claimed the lives of four girls. The Lowes and two other advisers took 11 of their students on an eight-day, 2,800-mile trip through Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. The result was a 25-minute documentary that premiered in May 2023 and a news website. During this session, we'll screen the 25-minute documentary and talk with the Lowes about the teaching experience at their respective institutions and the model of a traditionally White institution and Historically Black institution teaming up to facilitate learning about media and race.
Moderator: George L. Daniels, University of Alabama
Panelists: Herbert Lowe, The University of Florida
Mira Lowe, Florida A&M University

The term Lügenpresse, which is German for "lying press," predates the rise of the Nazis but became a common rhetorical tool as an attack on journalists who questioned or criticized the Nazi Party. It made a comeback in the 2010s, seen in anti-immigrant rhetoric in Germany. It then traveled across the Atlantic to American shores to be found in the Trumpist political movement. This, along with Trump's use of the phrase "enemy of the people" to describe journalists, is part of a rising vilification of the news media in American politics and culture. This vilification is not new. It, and its underlying antisemitism, have been part of right-wing politics for decades. This has been true to varying degrees, with it morphing into the more benign accusations of liberal bias. There is also a history of leftist vilification of news as corporate or capitalist propaganda. And, we see a long history of vilification of news that doesn't necessarily fit on one side our contemporary partisan political culture. Thomas Jefferson once said of newspapers, "Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle." This panel is an attempt to start an ongoing conversation at BEA about this vilification, discuss how it should be part of our pedagogy, and what we can and should do to push back and defend journalism from bad faith political attacks while also acknowledging problems with the news and fixing them. The three panelists will begin with short, five-minute remarks on their take on this issue. The floor will then be opened up for a round table discussion inviting all participants to share ideas on the problem of vilification of journalism.
Moderator: Robert Spicer, Millersville University
Panelists: Terry Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Glenda Balas, University of North Texas at Dallas
Robert Spicer, Millersville University

This panel will emphasize the dynamics of higher education when trying to acquire industry professionals for full time teaching opportunities. Discussion will center on how industry experience should play a pivotal role in hiring industry professionals for teaching jobs without terminal degrees. As accreditation, standards are pivotal; participants will focus on how to close the gap between industry and education where experience fosters high value.
Moderator: Nicole Watson Journalist in Residence North Carolina A &T State University
Panelists: Max V. Grubb, Youngstown State University
Brian Bentley, Clark Atlanta University
Barb Kaye, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

How would the trajectory of young journalists' careers be different if they knew exactly what they were walking into? While students are taught the fundamentals of writing a lede, working a source, and filing public records requests, are they prepared to handle protests, riots, and social justice movements? With newsrooms lacking in diversity, are journalists prepared to spot implicit bias in news coverage, and when they do, will they know how to speak up? The University of Alabama Journalism Professor George Daniels and investigative news reporter Crystal Bui will engage in a transparent dialogue on underrated lessons in the classroom that have become vital in the field: Safety while reporting, Editorial implicit bias, Newsroom sexism and racism. Crystal Bui is an Emmy-nominated television news reporter. She has reported on some of the biggest stories of the decade including George Floyd's murder and the aftermath of the Atlanta spa shootings, where eight people were killed including six Asian women. She is the author of "More To Tell." The memoir unveils the moments after George Floyd’s murder, the men responsible, and the turbulent experience of an Asian female news reporter in a traditionally white, male-dominated industry.
Presenters: George Daniels, University of Alabama
Crystal Bui, author and former journalist

Misinformation continues to threaten democracy, and that threat is increased because of new developments in technology, laws and geopolitics.. Disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation are all affected, and bad information can have a significant impact on public opinion, elections and security. This panel will includes experts in law, technology and communications., who will discuss the following topics: the First Amendment and misinformation; the threat of AI in increasing misinformation; how audiences react to misinformation; and the foreign threat of misinformation to US audiences with an eye for how curriculum might need to evolve to address these challenges.
Moderator: Amanda Sturgill, Elon University
Panelists: Israel Balderas, Elon University; Media law and misinformation
Matt Blomberg, Elon University; Audiences and misinformation
Alex Luchsinger, Elon University; International misinformation

This panel discussion will look at the rise and popularity of the video game industry and Esports. Emphasis will focus on effective ways to incorporate video games into both higher education courses and classrooms both in-person and online. Also, discussion on the influence of Esports and student involvement will be discussed. As the rise and popularity of the video games industry and Esports is constant, discussion on job opportunities and entrepreneurship will be explored.
Moderator: Max Grubb Youngstown State University Senior Lecturer
Panelists: Brian Bentley, Clark Atlanta University
Andrew Will, University of West Georgia
Keith Paul, Clark Atlanta University

Join us for a "participatory plenary" session.  Discuss the key take-aways and ideas for future collaborative activities with colleagues.