The 2022 Media Fest kicked off yesterday in Washington D.C. and hundreds of journalists from across the country gathered to emerge and learn more about journalism.
The keynote session of the day, ‘Perspectives On Journalism’s Future’ featured a diverse panel including: Lauryn Bass of WTKR News, Pauly Daniel Denetclaw III, Political Correspondent, ICT, Juana Summers and Darlene Superville, White House Reporter, AP
Darlene Superville, White House Reporter for the Associated Press said she believes today’s session went great.
“It’s always great to see young people interested in journalism. Today’s event was really great to see the ballroom filled up with so many people interested in journalism,” Superville said.
During the session Superville and the other panelist shared transparent moments including starting work with a low pay of $20,000 to even facing racism in the workplace. The transparency inspired students including University of Nebraska senior Bousiana Abraham.
“I appreciate how blunt they were. Oftentimes people try to glamorize and sugar coat the tv news industry. I’m glad they kept it real. I appreciate them being so honest about their experiences. It really inspired me to see women who are Black like myself working in the media. It showed me I can do this too,” Abraham said.
Nyarok Tot, SPJ student member, said the session changed her outlook on journalism and inspired her to keep going.
“The session was really amazing. Coming from a predominantly white college in Nebraska I don’t see many examples of women of color working in the media. Listening to the women on the panel inspired me to advocate for myself even when everyone in the room may not look like me, my voice does matter,” Tot said.
Nia Johnson, SPJ student member, said that the session inspired her to continue a career in journalism despite the triumphs she may face along her journey.
“I really liked that the panelists were so transparent. It inspired me because now I feel like I belong in this industry. Journalism is so competitive and it can be overwhelming. At time’s I’ve felt like I didn’t belong as a person of color working mostly white newsrooms, but today after seeing women who look like me share their experiences, I’m inspired and motivated to be a journalist,” Johnson said.
Media Fest 2022 will continue through this Saturday with even more inspiring and empowering events that will help encourage future journalists. For more information on Media Fest 2022 visit: https://www.spj.org/convention/index.html