On Feb. 28, members of The Salemite ventured to Elon University to attend this year’s North Carolina College Media Conference. The N.C. College Media Association formed in 2007 and held its first conference in the spring of 2008. Offering opportunities to learn from our fellow college journalists and leaders in the field, the conference was an amazing and informative experience for us all.
After enjoying a breakfast in the communal area, attendees filed into the Turner Theatre for the first event of the day featuring panel speakers. The panel addressed prepared questions from the facilitators, Director of North Carolina Open Government Coalition and Elon Instructor of Communications Pate McMichael and Elon Assistant Professor of Journalism Lorraine Ahearn. Questions covered everything from journalists’ operations in the current political environment of the U.S as well as the legal parameters of journalistic work, and how to protect oneself in the field. Attendees were also given a chance to ask their own questions to the panel.
Panel answering questions about the current state of journalism. From left to right, Phoebe Zerwick, Rana Cash, and Thad Ogburn, with moderators Pate McMichael and Lorraine Ahearn. Photo Credit: Avery Bissette.
Last year, The Salemite’s previous Editor in Chief, Sara Vargas, and current Head Photographer Isabella Wyatt attended the N.C. College Media Conference. “I feel that I personally gained an understanding of what The Salemite could be in the future. Last year was a big re-run for The Salemite after a hiatus from COVID-19, so we started off small with big aspirations with little understanding of what to do with it,” said Wyatt.
During the conference, attendees could partake in a number of group sessions covering important topics for student journalists to learn. Sessions topics highlighted a deeper understanding of legal issues within journalism, photography, meetings with fellow editors, and more. Each session was taught by either an Elon Communications faculty member or another industry professional.
“One of my biggest takeaways from the conference was the importance of courage. I’m thankful to be part of The Salemite, and to have such wonderful opportunities to connect with the staff of other college newspapers, literary magazines, and yearbooks,” said first-year Community News writer Neva Mellow.
Whether you were looking for ways to network with other journalists or just to expand your knowledge of journalism, everyone left the conference with key takeaways. One of the most exciting parts of the conference was being awarded one of few “Best of Show” awards in the small school (8,500 enrolled students or fewer) category, an especially notable achievement for Salem as the smallest school to win the award, alongside Elon University, UNC Asheville, UNC Pembroke, Davidson College, and Warren Wilson College.
Salemite staff pose with the “Best of Show” award. Left to Right: Audrey Troutt, Keri Matthews, Maryem Hamdouni, Alaysia Williams, Samantha Hogsett, Clare Buchanan, Lillian Allen, Dylan Sattler, Andrea Cortes-Espitia, Daisy Ortez-Mendoza, Neva Mellow, Emma De Noble, and Jessea James. Photo Credit: Avery Bissette
Overall, this year’s media conference was considered a big success for all attendees. Being able to connect with other journalists — those currently in college and those who are more experienced in the field — allowed us to learn more about the industry, our campus newspaper, and our individual selves. Everyone who participated was able to bring something back to The Salemite to further our understanding of how to best continue being the uncensored voice of
