Empowering
student Media
Welcome
9 a.m. Ballroom
Meredith Cummings
keynote
Instructor of Journalism & ASPA Director
Ballroom
Starr Dunigan
Jonece “Starr” Dunigan is a Huntsvillian who is a journalist in Birmingham for Al.com. Her focus is to amplify the voices and experiences of minority communities because Starr believes a broader truth about our world cannot be explained or exposed without voices from all communities - not just the white, male ones. Starr primarily focuses on black, LGBTQ and immigrant communities. In February 2017, Starr started the Black Magic Project. What started as a series of stories about people who carry on the empowering and resilient energy of those who started the Civil Rights Movement has evolved into a social media experience where black voices from across the state and South talk about their lives. Black Magic is a social media space where members not only celebrate black culture and positive stories. It is also a space where we talk about hard subjects affecting the black community, such as racial discrimination in classrooms or jails and mental health.
Session 1
10 A.M.
Creating a premier literary magazine, led by Laura Hunter, Room 3104 Production of a literary magazine requires a great deal of student responsibility and accountability. The purpose of this workshop is to address issues that literary magazine staffs confront and identify ways to overcome weaknesses in order to produce a prize-winning publication. Bring questions and concerns and plan to interact with staffs from across the state. Basics of news writing, led by Dianne Bragg, Room 3115 Let’s start at the very beginning! Every great publication starts with great writing. Come and learn how to make your writing pop off the page.
Session 1 Cont. Sports photography session here, led by Will Joe Field, Room 3114 To take pictures of sporting events for magazines, newspapers, and websites, students need a knowledge of sports, artistic ability, and the ability to work with camera equipment quickly (while often running!). Learn how in this session led by a pro. Digital isn’t just social, led by Caroline Vincent, Room 3108 What is involved in working with digital news? A digital reporter will walk through the steps of online news and an interactive exercise will help students understand what goes into digital reporting. Joining forces: creating a converged news-and-yearbook program, led by Melanie Catuogno, Room 3700, Forum Come hear about how we created a bustling, student-run newsroom culture that supports all students and their interests while simplifying grading and building leadership. On air presentation, led by Mike Royer, Room 3107 In this session, one of WVUA 23’s staple reporters will share his experiences during his 40+ year television news career. While much has changed, some things remain consistent. He will challenge students to not listen to others about their own personal dreams, but instead reach for them, accomplish them and enjoy their success.
Session 2 11 A.M. Conducting interviews, led by Melanie Catuogno, Room 3700, Forum Tips for successful interviews, including preparation, scheduling, and execution. Appropriate for yearbook and news staffers. Making a difference, led by Chelsea Barton, Room 3107 This session will be geared toward showing the purpose that drives the stories we as broadcast journalists, craft. News can truly impact the lives of real people out there. There’s always a chance to make a difference. Always. Journalism as civic engagement, led by Haley Grace Steele, Room 3115 Are journalism and protest related? In this session, we’ll answer this question by exploring what makes nonviolent protest patriotic, how it’s been used to achieve social and political change, and why the way we tell the story of protest is so important. We’ll examine movements from history and discuss some of today’s largest efforts for social change, the tactics they’re using, and why it should matter to journalists. Feature writing, led by Mark Mayfield, Room 3114 A great feature article seamlessly blends the necessary facts with narrative elements of storytelling. Learn feature writing structure and join in a discussion of ideas you can use for enterprise stories. Sports journalism, led by AJ Spurr and James Benedetto, Room 3108 In this session, two professional sports journalists will help students understand what it takes to break into the world of sports reporting, as well as how to take school coverage to the next level.
Session 3
Noon
Creating content for social media, led by Dr. Kenon A. Brown, Room 3107 Students will gain instruction on the do’s and don’ts of using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat to create content that your audience will enjoy. Emphasis will be on creating eye-capturing posts using video and photos, as well as concise and creative storytelling. Stick to the Theme!, led by Melanie Catuogno, Room 3700, Forum Examples and tips for strong verbal-visual connections in yearbook theme. Lit mag fun, led by Brian Oliu, Room 3104 Want to fine tune your lit mag skills? Let’s talk about the aesthetics of your book (and make a fun journal while we’re at it!) Interviewing techniques, led by Olivia McMurrey, Room 3114 The idea of talking to folks does not have to trigger an anxiety attack. Learn from this journalism veteran about how to come up with thoughtful interview questions, have a productive conversation with a source and choose quotes that will make an impact. Opinion writing, led by Savannah Bullard, Room 3108 Believe it or not, journalists are allowed to have opinions. What makes a good opinions column, however, is delivering it in a way that sounds intelligent, well-researched and confident. Attend this session to learn how! Sports writing isn’t just all fun and games, led by Christopher Walsh, Room 3115 Everyone believes that sports reporting is the greatest and easiest job there is, that anyone can do it and spend their days just watching games. The reality is very different. The competition is fierce, the hours lousy. If you like having days off or enjoying holidays, it isn’t for you. For some people, though, it’s the only way to go through life, the perfect job that he or she wound’t give up for anything. Christopher Walsh discusses the profession, talks about the direction of the industry and gives tips on how one can launch a successful career in sports journalism.
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Session leaders Chelsea Barton is no stranger to West Alabama, she grew up right here
in the Black Belt. A native of Marion, Alabama, Chelsea graduated with honors from Judson College in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism. She came to WVUA 23 as an intern in 2011 with the goal of climbing the ladder and reporting news to the area she calls home. That dream became reality in 2014 when she became part of the WVUA 23 news team full-time as a reporter. When she’s not working on stories or out covering breaking news, Chelsea enjoys painting, refinishing furniture, exercising and loving on her St. Bernard, Gent. Chelsea was awarded first place at the 2018 Alabama Associated Press Awards for Best Lifestyle Feature. Her winning story focused on an autistic teenager targeted by thieves. Chelsea’s story connected the young man with people around our community who replaced the items stolen from him. Chelsea loves working in West Alabama and making a difference.
James Benedetto is a graduate student at The University of Alabama,
pursuing a master’s degree in journalism. He is a former UA hockey player, who played on the team for three years and served as the team’s president in 2017. A Long Island, New York native, James gets his clips from working at WVUA 23 News as a digital reporter and at The Crimson White as the 2019-2020 Assistant Sports Editor. When he is not covering the UA softball team or binge-watching old hockey games, James can found in Reese Phifer Hall, showing new students around as a C&IS Ambassador.
Dr. Dianne Bragg is an associate professor in the Department of
Journalism and Creative Media at The University of Alabama. She holds a PhD in mass communication with a concentration in history and an MA in journalism. Dr. Bragg teaches several classes, including Mass Communication Law and Journalism History. She serves in leadership positions with several academic organizations, including the American Journalism Historians Association and the Symposium on the 19th Century Press, the Civil War, and Free Expression.
Session leaders Kenon A. Brown (@kenonabrown) is an associate professor in the
Department of Advertising and Public Relations (A+PR) at The University of Alabama. As the programming director for the Alabama Program in Sports Communication, Kenon is responsible for stakeholder communication and events for the program. He is also the graduate coordinator for A+PR, specifically in charge of its M.A. program. Kenon joined the department in August 2012 after completing his doctorate at Alabama. Prior to his academic appointment, Kenon worked for eight years in restaurant management and marketing. His research interests include image and reputation management, particularly in sports, and minority recruitment in mass communication. Kenon has worked closely with several sports and entertainment organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, FOX Sports, Twitch, NASCAR and the Country Music Association. Keeping with his practitioner roots, Kenon also consults with several regional and national clients, specifically assisting with market research and strategic planning.
Savannah Bullard is a senior at The University of Alabama who is
majoring in journalism with a minor in art. She is a scholastic journalism veteran who won awards in all forms of media throughout her career, including ASPA’s 2016 Rick Bragg Award for Feature Writing. Savannah lives in Tuscaloosa with her cat, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Crimson White and spends the rest of her time as a digital reporter for WVUA 23 News. When she’s not working, Savannah enjoys reading conspiracy theories about the Kennedy family, curating Spotify playlists, going on Starbucks runs and spilling all the tea to anyone who will listen.
Lanie Catuogno, from Austin, Texas, has taught journalism at Westwood
High School and advised the Westwood Student Press since 2013. Before that, she taught English, Desktop Publishing,Video Tech, and Graphic Design and advised yearbook staffs in Texas and California for 20 years. Lanie’s undergrad degree is in Plan II Liberal Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, and she holds a Master’s of Education in Reading. She was an ASNE (American Society of News Editors) Reynolds High School Journalism Fellow in 2013, earned her CJE in 2016, and was honored with the Edith Fox King award for Texas journalism teachers in 2018. Her staffs have earned CSPA Silver Crowns and NSPA Pacemaker finalist awards, among other honors. Known as “Ms. Cat” to her students, Lanie is happiest when the newsroom is hopping and all the student journalists are busy following up on stories.
Session leaders Meredith Cummings, MJE, is a freelance journalist with 25 years
of experience in multimedia reporting. She is an instructor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media at The University of Alabama, where she supervises Editing and Digital production in the WVUA23 newsroom. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists Education Committee and directs the National Elementary Schools Press Association, as well as the Alabama Scholastic Press Association and the Multicultural Journalism Workshop for UA. Her handle is @merecummings on all social media.
Joe Will Field was the staff photographer for The Mountain Retreat and
Learning Center for two years but has been taking pictures since he was thirteen. During his high school days, he took pictures for the yearbook and took his camera on every school trip. When Joe decided to come back to college to finish his degree he realized that his love for photography was going to be his new path to graduation. He switched from a major in Film to a major in Journalism and Creative Media. Ever since then, he has been taking pictures for the Crimson White as well as an internship with the Tuscaloosa News. Joe hopes to freelance for various news outlets as well as work in a local studio.
Laura Hunter, raised in Alabama hill country, now lives near
Tuscaloosa. She has published sixteen award-winning fiction pieces and nine poems, in addition to the numerous articles published through different media outlets. She has written a collection of fictional short stories focused on Copeland’s Crossing, Alabama, which is awaiting publication. Her first novel Beloved Mother (ISBN# 978-1-934610-985) was released April 1, 2019. Since its release, Beloved Mother has been awarded Finalist for Best Cover Design and Finalist for Best New Fiction from American Book Fest and Next Generation INDIE Book Awards for Best First Novel and Grand Prize for Fiction, winning over entries from 50 states and 30 countries.
Session leaders Mark Mayfield serves as editorial adviser for student publications
at The University of Alabama following a long career in magazines and newspapers. He worked for 10 years as a reporter for USA Today and later as editor-in-chief of three national magazines, including House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Art & Antiques. He is the author or co-author of five books: “Southern Style” (Bulfinch/Little Brown, 1998), “The Spaceflight Vault: A History of NASA’s Manned Missions” (Whitman Publishing, 2010), “Crimson Domination: The Process Behind Alabama’s 15th National Championship” (Whitman, 2013), “Back on Top: The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2015-2016 Championship Football Season” (Skyhorse Books, 2016), and “Miracle Moments in Alabama Crimson Tide Football History” (Skyhorse Books, 2018).
Olivia McMurrey is a freelance writer, editor and designer. She has
completed projects for national magazines and websites, newspapers, nonprofits and businesses. She also has worked as a communications specialist for The University of Alabama, producing a magazine about service learning, and has served as editor and creative director of a regional magazine highlighting northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee.
Brian Oliu is an Instructor of English and Creative Writing at The
University of Alabama. He served as Director of Slash Pine Press, an undergraduate internship where students organize literary events around Tuscaloosa as well as design and edit chapbooks from a national call for submissions. He is the author of four full-length books and six chapbooks, with subjects ranging from Craigslist Missed Connections, to 8-bit video games, to dragons, to computer viruses, to NBA Jam.
Session leaders Mike Royer is Managing Editor at WVUA 23, The University of Alabama
owned and operated television station located in Bryant-Denny Stadium on The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. As of June 2019, Mike has completed 43 years in broadcast television. He worked for 5 years at WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana, and then for 35 years in Birmingham, first at WBRC-TV and then WVTM-TV. Mike was selected as the Indiana broadcaster of the year in 1978, and was named Alabama’s Best Television Meteorologist five times by The Associated Press. Mike has anchored Emmy award-winning newscasts and received the Edward R. Murrow Award for Broadcast Excellence. For 20 years, Mike produced a weekly featured called The Spirit of Alabama. Mike is a member of the board of directors of the American Cancer Society and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Mike is married to his wife Amy. They have two sons; Jack is an anchor and reporter for WIAT CBS 42, and Will is a senior at Birmingham-Southern College.
Lane Stafford received her BA from The University of Alabama
where she studied journalism and is now pursuing her MA. She is currently the program assistant for the Alabama Scholastic Press Association and National Elementary Schools Press Association. Lane was a communications intern for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Marshall Space Flight Center. She was the web editor for Wanderlost Magazine, visual media editor for Vida Magazine and a photographer for Alpine Living, which are award-winning, student-produced, travel magazines.
Hailey Grace Steele is a communications advisor for the International
Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC) and an adjunct instructor in the department of journalism and creative media at The University of Alabama. Hailey Grace received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism where her research focused on media portrayals of social movements and protest. In addition to her work with ICNC, Hailey Grace has served as a communications consultant and social media strategist for Pace e Bene and Campaign Nonviolence, organizations aiming to mainstream peace and nonviolence through education, community building, and nonviolent direct action. Before pursuing her graduate work, Hailey Grace worked in media relations for The University of Alabama and as the news editor of a weekly, community newspaper.
Session leaders AJ Spurr is a Junior at The University of Alabama and is originally
from Miami, Florida. He is double majoring in News Media and Political Science. He first started as a production assistant at the local sports radio station TIDE 102.9 FM. AJ is currently the Sports Director at 90.7 WVUAFM where he also co-hosts a weekly sports talk radio show. Starting this July, AJ will be news reporting for WVUA 23.
Caroline Vincent first got involved with Alabama’s journalism program
as an ASPA Long Weekend attendee and is thrilled to be back. Since coming on the Long Weekend, she went on to graduate from UA with a degree in journalism and immediately work in the field, focusing on digital news and content. Originally from Alabaster, she has come back to her home state to start up Alabama Public Radio ‘s digital department.
Christopher Walsh has been an award-winning sportswriter since
1990 and currently runs his own website. BamaCentral.com is the Sports Illustrated site for all things Crimson Tide. He’s a seven-time award winner from the Football Writers Association of American and twice had the story of the year from the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He’s covered Crimson Tide football since 2004, and is the author of 26 books including the recently published Decade of Dominance,100 Things Crimson Tide Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, and Nick Saban vs. College Football. Previous beats include the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. Originally from Minnesota and a graduate of The University of New Hampshire, he currently resides in Tuscaloosa with his wife Megan and daughter Evelyn.
The Alabama Scholastic Press Association would like to say
Thank You To:
Dean Mark Nelson and the C&IS Dean’s Office Dr. Cory Armstrong, Chair of the Department of Journalism and Creative Media Jackie Hayes, Crechale Stevens, Hannah Jones, Austin Kohls, Nayeli Pineda, Amber Slaughter and the Department of Journalism and Creative Media Department of Advertising and Public Relations Department of Communication Studies Steve Diorio and the staff of WVUA 23 Paul Wright, Mark Mayfield and the Office of Student Media
Patrons Alabama Broadcasters Association Alabama Press Association
Thank you to our ASPA board members Capri Day: President, Brookwood High School Barbara Bateman: Vice President, Daphne High School Silvia Scaife: Secretary, Auburn High School
Members at Large Birmingham: Connie Nolen, Pelham High School Montgomery: Gina Aaij, LAMP High School Mobile: Lindsey Koen, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Huntsville: Michelle Sisson, Lee High School
Staff Director Meredith Cummings Program Assistant and Designer Lane Stafford Director Emeritus Marie Parsons