“Politics, the Press and Platforms: The Role of Mass Media in Political Campaigns”
Panel Discussion by Jabria Hood
On February 21, 2013 alumni, students, faculty and staff join together in a collective effort at the 62nd annual Southern Regional Press Institute entitled “Politics, the Press and Platforms: The Role of Mass Media in Political Campaigns”. Intellectuals outside of the Mass Communications department are invited to participate in the two day conference to share their experiences and give advice on how to build and maintain a successful future. At 1:30 to 2:45 all delegates registered are asked to attend the Panel Discussion, which supports the title of the prestigious event.
Ms. Susan Catron, Executive Editor at Savannah Morning News spoke on Platforms and shared, “News is portable and one should be knowledgeable of how much news people expect as an editor that publishes weekly or monthly news, you want to be sure to give your readers something new and interesting to read. The role as a journalist is to make sure that the work is credible because if you are not right no one cares. Mr. Al Scott, Chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and Former Georgia State Senator followed Ms. Catron discussing briefly his stance on Politics. He stated, “It is important to remember the basics which are relying on the facts, and getting involved in politics is a successful opportunity for feeding news to promote platforms.” The third panelist Mr. Russ Riesinger, Anchor and Reporter of WSAV-TV, Channel 3 spoke on the Press enlightening the audience on how today’s society contains a variety of fabricated materials and as a reporter one should be sure to always ask questions, conduct further research, and check the facts! Mr. Kenneth Irby, Senior Faculty of Visual Journalism and Diversity speaks on platforms and one should always think in 3’s;
creativity, information, and engagement. He stated when considering the term engagement, “Evaluate how you interact in society because in professional settings people will not give you a pass for your errors.”
After embracing all that was said at the panel discussion it can be said that the University by the sea will continue to rise. As a graduating senior reporter striving for excellence truth and honesty will remain at the top of the pyramid no matter what ones title may consist of, and Savannah States University motto that we pride ourselves on, “You can get anywhere from here,” will continue to ring from the John F. Kennedy Fine Arts Auditorium across campus to Hill Hall.