SU Society of Professional Journalists Hosts Diversity Discussion Thursday, October 24

SALISBURY, MD---Does the media cover all ethnic groups fairly? Do reporters receive specific criticisms because of their race or gender? How are decisions made regarding news coverage and headlines?

Salisbury University’s Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) chapter asks these questions and more during the Media Forum 2013 panel discussion “Diversity: the Challenge for the Media” 7 p.m. Thursday, October 24, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center.

A pre-discussion reception begins at 6:30 p.m. A “Meet the Panelists” session follows at 8:30 p.m. Panelists include Baltimore Sun reporter Michael Gold, Daily Times executive editor Michael Kilian, WMDT reporters Emily Lampa and Lenita Wesson, and ESPN panelist and University of Maryland, College Park faculty member Kevin Blackistone.

“Our purpose is to examine diversity portrayed in the media via news and feature coverage and those producing it,” said SU SPJ president Ajia Allen. “We also want to bring attention to the groups that tend to have, or are perceived to have, attention in the media for less appealing reasons than those within the group may prefer.”

During the presentation, audience members are encouraged to interact with panelists, both in real time and via social media using the Twitter hashtag #OurMediaOurVoice. Questions and comments tweeted with that hashtag during the discussion will be broadcast on a screen at the event.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.