Dialogue delves into diversity issues

At today’s “Dialogue on Diversity,” journalists will discuss the importance of having a diverse newsroom staff to cover the news accurately and objectively.

The free discussions are designed for both Ohio University students and news professionals. The forum, conducted in the Baker University Center Ballroom, begins at 8:20 a.m. and will end at 4:30 p.m.

Kathy Krendl, dean of the College of Communication, said the forum’s panelists are experienced in developing partnerships for diversity.

“I think that research would tell you that people understand the need to have a diversity of perspectives in order to understand the issues that come to the forefront of social issues and events in our society,” Kendl said.

The forum will begin with a keynote address from Andy Alexander, Washington bureau chief for Cox Newspapers. Afterward, Byron White of the Chicago Tribune will moderate two discussion panels.

“(White) contacted the panelists and asked about their areas of expertise,” said Debbie Nogrady, development coordinator for the College of Communication. “He will base his questions on their responses so they can cover a broad range of things like hiring, coverage and education.”

Nogrady said she expects a large turnout.

“We have over 200 registrations, and many more people will drop in and out to see the morning panel or the afternoon panel,” she said Monday.

In keeping with the day’s theme, the panelists will come from diverse backgrounds, Nogrady said.

“We tried to have representatives (for) all the schools (within the College of Communication),” she said. “There are many career specialists participating in the discussion. We thought the audience would benefit from having diverse careers on the panels.”

The first discussion, entitled “The Present: Foundations for Building Partnerships,” will include speakers Alexander DeBarr, an executive vice president at Advanstar Communications; Christine Wood, a project coordinator for the Newspaper Association of America; and John Thompson, deputy managing editor of the Dayton Daily News.

The second discussion, called “The Future: Opportunities and Strategies for Building Partnerships,” will feature Bill Laveist, project manager of Blackvoices.com and Lon Walls, president and CEO of Walls Communications, among others.

— Philip Ewing