Media Day at SUNY New Paltz: Break into News!

NEW PALTZ — To all those seeking to “break into news,” the SUNY New Paltz Society for Collegiate Journalists is holding its annual Media Day on Saturday, May 4 to promote interest in the field of journalism and offer advice on what the future holds for today’s journalism student.

The keynote speaker will be Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and SUNY New Paltz’ 2001 James H. Ottaway Sr. Professor in Journalism Sydney Schanberg. His address begins at 10 a.m. in the Coykendall Science Building Auditorium.

Throughout the day, other communication professionals will speak about their experiences in their field:

Joe Dowd – Newburgh Bureau Chief, Times Herald Record. Bernard Stein – 1998 Pulitzer Prize Winning Editor/Co-Publisher, Riverdale Press, and the 2002 James H. Ottaway Sr. Professor in Journalism. Leslie-Jean Thornton – A journalism professor with more than 20 years experience in copy-editing and layout, most recently at The Virginian Pilot. Ken Ross – Public Affairs director at SUNY New Paltz and former director of media information for the U.S. Navy at the Pentagon. Will Hermes – Senior contributing writer and former editor of Spin Magazine. Gail Evra – Former TV producer for NBC, CNN and MSNBC. Keith Ferris – Photo journalist at The Times Herald-Record and SUNY New Paltz alumnus. In the closing session, panel of journalism professors from New Paltz will hold an open forum on the “Sins of Journalism.” The forum will address ethical dilemmas facing today’s media. Panelists are: Howard Good – Professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz for 18 years. He has written and published seven books and numerous articles and poetry. He has worked as wire, copy and assistant national editor at three daily newspapers. Bernard Stein Leslie-Jean Thornton Shelly Wright – Lecturer of journalism, public relations and media courses at SUNY New Paltz. She coordinates the department’s new Public Relations Program. Her professional experience includes two years as a public relations practitioner for a non-profit organization in Geneva, Switzerland, and several years as a daily newspaper reporter and copy editor in the Hudson Valley. The day’s activities will begin with breakfast at 9:30 a.m., and finish at 5 p.m. A luncheon is scheduled for 1 p.m. All sessions will be held in the Coykendall Science Building.

Media Day is free and open to the public, however pre-registration is required. To register, please call Rebecca Zalkin at 257-5208.

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